NSW Farmers Welcome Major Feral Animal Control Commitment

NSW Farmers has welcomed a Coalition commitment to invest three hundred million dollars in biosecurity and feral animal control, describing it as a significant step towards tackling a growing problem across the state.

NSW Farmers President Xavier Martin says the scale of the proposed investment reflects the seriousness of the challenge facing agricultural producers.

The policy includes a trial feral pig bounty, expanded aerial shooting programs, greater use of technology, and stronger pest management obligations for public land managers.

Mr Martin says farmers have been carrying most of the burden and cost of feral animal control for many years, while animal numbers continue to rise.

He says any bounty scheme must be carefully designed and operate alongside coordinated control programs, rather than as a standalone measure.

The organisation is now calling on the Minns Government to match the commitment, arguing pest animals do not recognise property boundaries and that government agencies must meet their obligations to manage pests on public land.