Coordinated Feral Pig Pilot Delivers Breakthrough Results for Pest Management

24 July 2026

Coordinated Feral Pig Pilot Delivers Breakthrough Results for Pest Management

An aerial feral pig pilot control program across Glengallan, Massie, Wheatvale and Dalrymple has delivered a blueprint for a region-wide approach to feral pig management, validating the economic, environmental and biosecurity benefits of coordinated action across multiple properties.

 Covering almost 10,000 hectares, 315 feral pigs were removed during the six-hour operation, with control efforts focused on river systems and waterways where feral pigs breed, shelter and move between properties.

The pilot was funded by the participating landholder syndicate, with Southern Downs Regional Council playing a facilitation role by bringing the group together with Darling Downs and South West Queensland Feral Pig Coordinator John Scriven to help develop and coordinate the initiative.

Southern Downs Councillor Carla Pidgeon participated in the pilot and said the pilot's success demonstrated the value of landholder, industry and government cooperation across property boundaries.

"This pilot is the first step towards a coordinated, region-wide approach to feral pig management,” Councillor Pidgeon said.

“The removal of 315 feral pigs during a single operation has shown what can be achieved when neighbours and industry work together with a shared vision.

"The success may help other community groups to establish syndicates across the Southern Downs to create a coordinated approach that protects agriculture, strengthens biosecurity and delivers long-term economic benefits for our region."

Southern Downs Regional Council Mayor Melissa Hamilton said Council continued to make significant investments in biosecurity programs that protect the region's agricultural productivity and environment.

"Agriculture is a cornerstone of the Southern Downs economy, and effective pest management is critical to protecting the livelihoods of our producers.," Mayor Hamilton said.

"We take this seriously, and Council will invest $1,497,000 this year in biosecurity programs, a direct benefit to our agricultural sector.

"Biosecurity initiatives don’t just benefit farmers. Our recent community survey showed an overall liveability rating of 78 per cent for the Southern Downs, with residents identifying the protection of our region's natural beauty as a key priority."

Feral pigs remain one of the biggest biosecurity threats to agriculture, causing significant damage to crops, pastures, waterways and farm infrastructure on the Southern Downs. According to ABARES, they cost Australia's agricultural sector more than $156 million annually, including an estimated $95 million in Queensland.

Following the success of the operation, the syndicate is seeking continued Queensland and Australian Government support to expand aerial control, surveillance and regional coordination. Organisers say a larger, landscape-scale program would strengthen biosecurity, reduce reinfestation and protect the productivity of one of Queensland's key agricultural regions.

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