APPLICATIONS FOR NSW'S FIRST FERAL PIG COORDINATOR NOW OPEN!

I welcome the recent announcement by the Hon. Tara Moriarty MLC the Minister for Agriculture that the search for New South Wales's first Feral Pig Coordinator has begun. 

The coordinator will be part of a $13 million Local Land Services (LLS)  program which will include:

  • landscape scale aerial shooting and ground control activities

  • building landholder capacity and capability to control feral pigs through training and extension

  • establishing a NSW State Feral Pig Coordinator to oversee the delivery of control activities and landholder support.

During the 2023 State Election campaign I advocated for a policy on having a feral pig and deer coordinator, designed at resolving exactly such a problem. 

I believe that a central coordinating authority that can effectively manage and consult with all public and private stakeholders is crucial to prevent the further spread of these destructive feral pigs.

Feral pigs are an invasive species that cost the NSW agricultural industry in the states north alone more than $47 million. These pigs spread disease such as sparganosis, melioidosis, leptospirosis, Q fever and brucellosis, cause property damage, kill or maim livestock and cause significant negative impacts to the environment. 

Landowners, communities and governments all have a role to play in stopping feral pigs, the cost of doing nothing is too great. 

For more information about the NSW Feral Pig Coordinator or to apply for the position, visit:

https://iworkfor.nsw.gov.au/job/senior-projects-and-programs-officer-feral-pig-coordinator-421607

Applications close on Wednesday, 23 August at 11:55 pm.

Landholders looking for advice on pest animal control or wanting to take part in group control programs can contact their closest Local Land Services office by calling 1300 795 299.

Joe McGirr Office