Newsroom

January 12, 2026

Landholders are the kings of practical actions that make the most of any situation, The Katter’s Australian Party (KAP) Leader, and Member for Traeger has said. 

Mr Katter toured extensively through the flood ravaged areas of Traeger over the last four days.

“I was in a grazier’s chopper being shown around, and he made the clear observation that like the surviving cattle, wild pigs are corralling on the islands that have formed in the inland sea that is the flood water,” the KAP Leader said.

“While the flood water presents many challenges, one opportunity would be for real and effective management of the feral pig numbers throughout the Gulf,” Mr Katter said.

“These pigs are sitting ducks and would be effectively controlled by a trained aerial shooter.

“A bit of bush ingenuity and lateral thinking goes a long way, and I’ve called the Agriculture Minster to recommend this practical and cost-effective action,” the Member for Traeger said.

Mr Katter has been told a trained aerial shooter would be able to make a significant impact on pig numbers in the Gulf region in a matter of days.

“Pig numbers were on the rise before this flood with a decent season beforehand, and once the flood recedes, numbers will only explode,” Mr Katter said.

“Opportunities like this thankfully don’t present themselves very often, but when they do, it’s beholden on the Government and the Departments to take affirmative action and make the most of it.

“Feral pigs are a massive problem causing millions of dollars in damage and lost production, as well as a vector for dangerous and destructive animal diseases.

“If I were tasked with biosecurity actions and controls, like the Government is, I’d much rather spend targeted funds on a near-guaranteed success rate, than pursuing standard methods of trapping and bush hunting!

“It’s high time Government shows Queensland it can walk and chew gum, and get onto this opportunity, because any funds spent now will pay off in spades once the flood waters go down,” Mr Katter said.

Feral pigs cost Australian Agriculture more than $156 million per year in management and losses.

During the last published estimate in 2021, the Queensland Government reported pig numbers to be more than 2.3 million in Queensland.