Feral Pig Management Program Update

1. HINCHINBROOK COMMUNITY FERAL PIG MANAGEMENT PROGRAM UPDATE OCTOBER 2012 A program established in 2009 to assist the community to improve the management of feral pigs on lands under their control and to reduce the environmental, social and economic impacts feral pigs are having in the community. Program partners

2. Results of the program291pigs were trapped, dogged or shot between 1st July 2012 – February 2013A total of 309 were baited during the same period

3. Program Information • The program achieved some excellent results during the first half of 12/13 financial year. These results can be directly attributed to the efforts of the Feral Pig Management Officers determination and ongoing commitment to work together with all landholders from across the shire. • The program has continued to receive reports regarding trespassing by pig hunters and other persons. As reported in May the result of such trespass equates to a loss or waste of the programs resources to the value of around $30,000 annually. In response, an information kit on how to deal with the issue is being developed along with a media blitz to help manage the issue. • The success of the program has once again meant that there has been a reported reduction in damage to cane in many areas as well as to the shire’s natural assets including the Tyto Wetlands reserve. This reserve in particular has not received any significant damage in over two years. • Areas of interest where more work is required include the shire’s coastal wetlands, Stone River and the highland areas of the shire. • The program’s Feral Pig Management Officer has also been involved in controlling a number feral pigs causing issues with revegetation activities taking place on the Cardwell range.

4. Program ReviewAlthough we review and report on the program annually, it is now time to conduct a more comprehensive review. What will this involve? The review process will involve a variety of activities that are designed to ensure that we identify all weaknesses and all areas where obvious improvements could be made. For example; • Improvements to the way we engage the community (shed meetings, field days). • To be more innovative in our approach to control (if we understand why & when pigs will eat a certain variety of cane, we could direct and use our resources more efficiently). • To harness technology better (surveillance cameras and mapping tools). Who will be involved? • HCFPMP steering committee made up of members from HSC, Terrain, HCPSL will facilitate the review. • All stakeholders and the community will be involved in taking part in workshops, surveys and to provide feedback along the way. Timeframe? • It is envisaged that the review will be completed in time for the May 2013 NRM Forum. • At this time any changes or improvements to the program will be reported at the Forum and made available to all stakeholders.

5. Mapping System Upgrades • Over the last two years Council has invested significant resources into improving the NRM mapping system. • The system now has the ability to map weeds & pigs as well as mosquitoes and revegetation sites on a more user friendly interface. • More importantly it has the ability for Council to allow project partners to access the system online and produce reports on controls undertaken for their area of interest. • Although the system is capable of providing stakeholders with this information, we are anticipating further minor modifications to enable us to report design.

6. How to receive assistance to manage your feral pig management issues The program’s Feral Pig Management Officer is David Bacchiella. David is responsible for delivery of all on ground activities including; • Issuing of traps • Best practice training • 1080 baiting sign up & requirements for safe use • Bait supply program • Data collection David Bacchiella can be contacted during office hours on 0458 764 660. For further information please contact the programs co-ordinator Matt Buckman On 0428 878 524 during office hours.