5 February 2026
Southern Downs Regional Council is calling on landholders, producers and community members to take part in a series of practical forums aimed at tackling one of the region’s most persistent biosecurity challenges.
Running from 24 to 26 February, the feral pig workshops will be held in six locations across the Southern Downs, and deliver current best‑practice strategies, tools and coordinated actions aimed at reducing the impacts of feral pigs on local productivity, biodiversity and land health.
The workshops will be led by John Scriven, Coordinator of the Feral Pigs Program for the Southwest Queensland Regional Organisation of Councils.
Portfolio Councillor for Productive Communities Cr Carla Pidgeon said the workshops are an important opportunity for the agricultural community to work together on an issue that affects the entire region.
“Feral pigs are causing significant damage to crops, native habitats and land stability across the Southern Downs,” Cr Pidgeon said.
“Producers and our native ecosystems are feeling the pressure, and these workshops will provide our producers with the knowledge and coordination to tackle the issue.
“We know that completely eliminating feral pigs isn’t realistic or achievable, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take proactive measures to mitigate impacts.
“With landholders, Council and regional partners working together, we can reduce numbers, protect our environment and support the long-term productivity of our region.
“This is a chance to hear directly from an industry expert, ask questions and learn strategies that can be applied immediately.
“The more people involved, the stronger our regional response will be.”
Under Queensland’s Biosecurity Act, landowners are responsible for managing restricted biosecurity matter, including feral pigs. The workshops will provide practical guidance on how to meet these obligations and implement effective control measures.
Mr Scriven’s presentations will focus on:
- Strengthening biosecurity and biodiversity protection
- Effective feral pig control and coordination
- The role of local government in regional management efforts
Tuesday 24 February 2026
9:00am - 12:00pm - Karara Community Hall, Karara School Road Karara
2:00pm - 5:00pm - Allora Community Hall, 55 Herbert Street Allora
Wednesday 25 February 2026
9:00am - 12:00pm - Freestone Community Hall, 1244 Freestone Road Freestone
2:00pm - 5:00pm - Killarney Senior Citizens, 11 Ailanthus Street Killarney
Thursday 26 February 2026
9:00am - 12:00pm - Dalveen Community Hall, Pine Crescent Dalveen
2:00pm - 5:00pm - Glen Aplin Memorial Hall, 14 Forster Street Glen Aplin
Feral pigs are an introduced species that have established widespread populations across Australia. Their destructive foraging behaviour contributes to erosion, spreads invasive weeds and threatens native wildlife. They also pose risks to agricultural productivity, with unchecked populations leading to substantial crop losses and reduced land performance.
Last edited date 05 Feb 2026