MEDIA: WILLIAMSON BACKS CALLS FOR URGENT ACTION ON FERAL PIG SURGE IN RICHMOND AND CLARENCE VALLEYS

State Nationals MP for Clarence, Richie Williamson has backed calls for the Minns Labor Government to take urgent action on the escalating feral pig problem, particularly across the Richmond and Clarence valleys.

Mr Williamson said he recently met with local farmers who are sounding the alarm as feral pig numbers surge, driven by worsening drought conditions and a lack of targeted, government-supported control programs.

“I have spoken with macadamia producers who have seen farm infrastructure destroyed overnight and trees ripped out. Other farmers are reporting crops torn up and pastures ruined,” Mr Williamson said.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan has also called for urgent, targeted control measures, warning the Government’s refusal to act is allowing the problem to worsen.

Mr Moylan said meaningful progress will require a serious boost to the feral pig control budget and sustained, large-scale aerial and ground operations in affected regions.

“The problem is out of control. We don’t need another review, we need the Government to back farmers and regional communities with the funding and decisive action they deserve,” Mr Moylan said.

Feral pigs are known to cause significant damage to crops, pastures and waterways, as well as fences and on-farm infrastructure, and can pose biosecurity risks to livestock and native wildlife.