Targeted funding aims to rid the flooded north of feral pigs

The Queensland Government is stepping up efforts to manage feral pig populations during the state’s flood recovery, engaging experienced contractors in aerial shooting activities across north-west Queensland. 

This initiative aims to prevent a surge in feral pig numbers, with operations set to commence in the coming weeks and continue as conditions allow. 

Queensland's Department of Primary Industries, alongside the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, is driving response plans focused on predator pests across the Gulf of Carpentaria in areas like the Flinders and Gilbert River catchments.

Feral pigs, cats, dogs, foxes and other animals cause widespread damage to Queensland agriculture and the state's natural environment, carrying disease, preying on livestock, and degrading soil and water quality.

Conditions created by Queensland’s record-breaking monsoon season throughout the 2025-26 summer have presented an opportune moment to target feral pigs.

Floodwaters have confined feral pigs to higher ground or left them slowly moving through boggy terrain, offering ideal conditions for targeted aerial control measures.

These activities are part of an $11.32 million Primary Producer Support Package, jointly funded by the Australian and Queensland Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA) to address the impacts of the North Queensland Monsoon Trough and ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji.

The package will also fund weed control efforts, mental health and financial counselling, community events, and recovery and resilience officers to help the industry back on its feet.

Feral pigs cost the Australian economy an estimated $156 million annually, with $95 million attributed to production losses and direct control expenses in Queensland alone. 

The Queensland Government will continue to provide all support necessary to protect primary producers and regional communities in times of disaster.