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Legislative Council - Fifty-Fifth Parliament, First Session (55-1)
2023-02-23 Daily Xml
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Feral Pigs

The Hon. J.E. HANSON (14:36): My question is to the Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development. Will she update the chamber about the eradication of feral pigs on Kangaroo Island?

The Hon. C.M. SCRIVEN (Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development, Minister for Forest Industries) (14:37): I am delighted to update the chamber further on the program to eradicate feral pigs on Kangaroo Island. When the tragic bushfires ripped through vast parts of Kangaroo Island in 2019-20, many feral pigs were killed. Subsequently, the South Australian and Australian governments provided over $4.5 million in funding for the Kangaroo Island feral pig eradication project.

I am delighted to confirm that the Malinauskas Labor government has listened to the feedback of both residents and the local MP, the member for Mawson, and has committed an additional $191,250 to further strengthen the island's biosecurity protections and protect the precious and unique ecosystem.

Since becoming minister I have been in contact with industry association leaders, farmers and residents on the island, who have all spoken about the importance of resolving this perennial problem, which has been problematic ever since the pigs were released on the island around about 200 years ago. We know that feral pigs cause enormous environmental and economic damage to both the natural environment and the farming properties on the island. To date the program has culled at least 872 feral pigs. I am advised that, whilst it is estimated that fewer than 30 feral pigs remain, the expectation is that it is even less than that.

But it is important that we do finish the job and achieve complete eradication. This additional funding will also allow for quick action in the event of any new incursions of pigs. There will also be the capacity to show the proof of freedom from this pest, through monitoring cameras and eDNA sample collection.

This program can be delivered by working closely with key groups and organisations, such as the Kangaroo Island Landscape Board, farmers, landowners, National Parks and Wildlife, KI Land for Wildlife and others. I also take the opportunity to thank Jamie Heinrich from Ag KI for his continued advocacy for the continuation of this program. I have appreciated both his knowledge and perspective on this matter when I have met with him on previous occasions. Removing all feral pigs from the island will save an estimated $1 million a year in damage and other costs, as well as reducing impacts to Kangaroo Island's precious biodiversity.

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