Support to tackle feral pigs and wild deer

FARMERS and landholders will be part of a multi-million-dollar program to tackle feral pigs and wild deer on their properties.

North Coast Local Land Services team leader for invasive species Dean Chamberlain said the new Feral Pig and Pest Program is worth $13.1 million over the next year.

The NSW government has allocated funding after work undertaken by local land services across the state in recent years.

Feral deer have been an emerging problem across the North Coast and are increasingly present in urban areas, grazing on lawns and backyard vegetable gardens.

They often destroy landscaping and community spaces such as parks and can cause motor vehicle accidents.

“Stags can be particularly aggressive and people can put themselves at extreme risk by approaching them,” Mr Chamberlain said.

“We encourage landholders and residents to report sightings of feral deer on the FeralScan app, as this provides valuable information on where they are and helps us prioritise management.

“The more landholders that take part in control programs, the more successful we all will be in reducing pest animal numbers and their impacts to agriculture and ecosystems.

“At this time of the year, spring breeding has seen populations of many pest animals, including rabbits and feral pigs, increase – making control efforts even more important.”

Support available to landholders includes help to coordinate control programs at home and with neighbours.

Free skill building events with the latest tools and advice to manage pest animals along with Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training courses.

Supply of free feed grain to eligible landholders at no cost and free hire of monitoring and trapping equipment.

The North Coast biosecurity officer can be reached on 1300 795 299 with more information on the program at lls.nsw.gov.au