Targeted pig control for Ballina Nature Reserve

Media release: 18 July 2014

Aerial feral pig baiting is planned to be conducted in Ballina Nature Reserve on Monday 21^st, July 2014.

The NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) Pest Management Officer, Lisa Wellman said pig baits will be dropped over the 665 hectare Reserve.

“Controlling pigs in the Newrybar Swamp, which includes the Ballina Nature Reserve, is a priority for the Newrybar Swamp Feral Pig Management Committee,” she said.

“The Committee was formed to control pigs across the swamp and is made up of local landholders and agencies.

“This control is part of an integrated program conducted by the Committee over many years and its success will be monitored.

“The feral pig control program is supported by Ballina Council, local neighbours and the RSPCA,” Ms Wellman said.

“Ballina Nature Reserve, a protected wetland with mangrove and paperbark forests, is home to many threatened species.

“Pigs eat frogs, reptiles, birds, even small mammals and they spread weeds and disease.”

Dogs are not permitted in the Ballina Nature Reserve and reserve neighbours are reminded not to let their pets roam as the pig baits are toxic to domestic animals.

“Unfortunately pig control programs have been interfered with in the past.

“If members of the community have information in regard to people seen interfering with control programs, we would ask them to contact NPWS with details on 66270200.”

Damage by feral pigs is estimated to cost Australian agriculture over $100 million a year.

Contact: Lawrence Orel