FERAL PIGS HIGH PRIORITY FOR QPWS

The Queensland Government takes the management of national parks and state forests seriously and is working closely with landholders to manage feral pigs and other pests, Environment Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr told Parliament today.

Ms Nelson-Carr said while pests would never be totally removed from the state’s landscape, Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) was making successful inroads into the problem.

“More than $4.5 million is being spent in the 2006/07 financial year to manage pests on the QPWS estate with an additional $5.5 million on fire management.

“Protecting our lands from feral animals and pests is a job for everyone, landholders and government agencies alike.

“Major programs are in place across the state and many of these are conducted co-operatively with rural communities, neighbours and other agencies.”

Ms Nelson-Carr said recent reports from the community, feral pig researchers and QPWS staff have not indicated an explosion in feral pig numbers in coastal and Tableland national parks.

“However we are committed to working with landholders who have problems.

“Rangers are continuing to monitor pig activity and maintain their existing trapping programs.

“For example, in the Hinchinbrook electorate feral pig control programs are occurring in Edmund Kennedy National Park, Girringun National Park, Ingham State Forest, Paluma Range National Park, at various locations in the MissionBeach area, and on Hinchinbrook Island National Park and Dunk Island National Park.

“Seventeen pig traps are also available for loan (free) to park neighbours and more are being manufactured.”

Ms Nelson-Carr urged anyone with concerns about feral pigs in parks or forests to contact their nearest QPWS office.

Media contact: Karla Steen on 3336 8004 or Andie Gatti on 3336 8002