Don't let pests take over: get support for pest control

12 Dec 2024

North Coast Local Land Services is encouraging landholders to take advantage of support to tackle feral pigs and pest animals on their property.

Dean Chamberlain, Team Leader Invasive Species said “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.

“The best results in pest management are achieved when communities become involved in controlling them. That’s the only way to protect your livestock, crops, pastures, waterways and wetlands.

“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.”

Feral deer area an emerging problem across the region and are increasingly present in urban areas, grazing on lawns and backyard vegetable gardens, destroying landscaping and community spaces such as parks and causing motor vehicle accidents.

Dean continued, “Despite the perception that feral deer are like the reindeer that pull Santa’s sleigh, feral deer are unpredictable wild animals and should not be approached.

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

“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.” Dean said.

“The only deer we want in the North Coast region are the ones pulling Santa’s sleigh, not feral deer who wreak havoc on our farms and in our environment.” Dean said.

Regardless of whether you're a primary producer, hobby farmer, or lifestyle farmer, if pests like feral pigs and deer are present in your area, you'll witness firsthand the significant damage they cause to both farming businesses and the local environment.

Dean continued “An effective control program should use a combination of control methods to be most effective so we are encouraging landholders to contact our biosecurity team who can offer tailored advice suited to your property and can assist in coordinating group programs with your neighbours.”

Local Land Services is currently delivering the 2024-25 $13.1 million Feral Pig and Pest Program on behalf of the NSW Government building on control activities Local Land Services has coordinated with landholders in previous years.

Support available to landholders includes:

• help to coordinate control programs with you and your neighbours
• free skill building events to equip you with the latest tools and advice to manage pest animals
• free Vertebrate Pesticide Induction Training (VPIT) courses
• supply of free feed grain to eligible landholders at no cost
• free hire of monitoring and trapping equipment (subject to availability).

For more on the program visit the program page.

To get involved in the Feral Pig and Pest Program or find out what activities are happening in your area, call North Coast Local Land Services on 1300 795 299 and ask to speak with your local biosecurity officer.