Successful pig shoot buoys western graziers
Graziers surrounding Currawinya National Park in western Queensland are set to maximise production this season following a successful aerial shoot which saw more than 600 pigs eradicated from the landscape.
The campaign was a joint initiative of Southern Queensland Landscapes, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, private properties surrounding Currawinya and Queensland Parks & Wildlife Services (QPWS).
SQ Landscapes Senior Project Officer Christine Crafter said the eradication program took in more than 450-thousand hectares.
“We’ve been monitoring the situation for some time and as spring hit we recognised a sharp increase in pig populations in and around Currawinya National Park,” Christine Crafter said.
“It’s been an excellent season for pigs and they’ve really taken advantage of good supplies of food and water which has meant control methods like baiting and trapping have become less effective and an aerial approach was necessary to knock down numbers to regain control of the population,” Ms Crafter said.
“So in collaboration with several private land managers surrounding the park and QPWS a helicopter was put up with two highly trained and experienced QPWS aerial marksmen for three days of shooting and 605 pigs were taken out of the breeding cycle,” she said.
Pigs on a wetland in the lower Paroo River of western Queensland.
“This represents a significant dent in the pig population and graziers will really reap the benefits with less predation of young livestock or birthing adults, less disease, and less disturbance of pastures and fouling of water.”
Following the shoot in mid-October, project coordinators will now continue monitoring.
“Yeah we will continue to assess the situation with camera monitoring, reports from land managers, aerial and ground surveillance and watching those pig populations and of course keeping those conversations going with QPWS and the surrounding land managers,” Christine Crafter said.
“A collaborative approach like this will always work better than a single land manager trying to impact populations by themselves and it's great to see such a positive result for everyone involved,” Ms Crafter said.
“Pigs are just devastating to the environment and the damage they cause can be extensive, costing millions of dollars in lost production and environmental vandalism,” she said.
Currawinya National Park is one of Queensland’s most important inland wetland areas with Lakes Numalla and Wyara recognised internationally under the Ramsar Convention in 1996 for their outstanding wetland values and features.
“The wetlands are just flourishing now and they’re full of breeding waterbirds so the timely control of the pigs will also improve the success of the upcoming waterbird breeding season,” Christine Crafter said.
This project is supported by Southern Queensland Landscapes through funding from the Australian Government's National Landcare Program.
For more information on the Australian Government Regional Land Partnerships visit
Feral pigs destroy vegetation, reduce yield, and have major impacts on soil health and soil moisture.
The timely control of pigs around Currawinya National Park will improve the success of the upcoming waterbird breeding season.
Feral pigs are estimated to cost the agricultural industry an estimated $106.5 million every year.
Ground nesting birds like this baby masked lapwing (Vanellus miles) are defenceless against feral pigs.
1. What is Natural Capital? Natural capital refers to the natural resources and ecosystems, like soils, native vegetation, water, and biodiversity, that underpin productive farming and provide essential services such as clean water, healthy soils and carbon storage. For Queensland landholders, this means your land’s value now includes the environmental benefits it delivers, not just crops or livestock. While the term Natural Capital has risen to prominence with government, industry and the public in recent years, the sustainable use of our natural capital, its maintenance and improvement have been fundamental to regional NRM organisations since inception. Identifying and assessing our natural assets are foundational to the development of our regional NRM strategies and plans which guide our operations and provide us with the knowledge and expertise to play a key role in Australia’s efforts to manage and enhance our Natural Capital. 2. Why Does Natural Capital Matter in Agriculture? Australian agriculture is experiencing a shift where nature and production are seen as interconnected assets. This approach is being driven by both market demand and new government policies, with natural capital now influencing land values, investments, and farm business resilience. 3. How Can Farmers Monetise Natural Capital? Natural capital markets allow landholders to earn income by improving or protecting their land’s natural assets. The most common ways to participate include: Carbon Credits: Under the Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme, farmers can generate credits by adopting practices like reforestation, soil carbon improvement, or avoided clearing. These credits are regulated by the Clean Energy Regulator (CER) and can be sold to the government or private buyers. Biodiversity Certificates: The new federal Nature Repair Market, established by the Nature Repair Act 2023, allows farmers to earn tradable biodiversity certificates for projects that restore or protect native ecosystems. The CER also administers this market, ensuring robust oversight and scientific credibility. Land Restoration Fund (LRF): Queensland’s LRF builds on the federal framework, offering extra incentives for projects that deliver both carbon abatement and environmental co-benefits, such as improved water quality or habitat restoration. The LRF works in tandem with the ACCU Scheme and prioritises projects that support regional sustainability. More Information: π www.environment.nsw.gov.au/topics/natural-capital/explained π www.cer.gov.au/schemes/australian-carbon-credit-unit-scheme π www.qld.gov.au/environment/climate/climate-change/land-restoration-fund π www.nrmrq.org.au/queensland-nature-fund-natural-capital π www.legislation.gov.au/C2023A00121/latest/text
The Board of Southern Queensland Landscapes is pleased to announce Kimberley Swords has been appointed as Chair of the Board of Directors. Kimberley began her working life as a large animal country vet, after student practical experience across Southern Queensland in Goondiwindi and Injune. Kimberley’s strong interest in natural resource management and regional communities has led her to contribute across a wide variety of industries including the public sector, where she rose to the role of Deputy Secretary in the Australian Government and led environmental approvals, heritage and marine. Her extensive leadership experience incorporates many board roles, including as a current serving member of the CS Energy board. “Following an extensive recruitment phase, where the Southern Queensland Landscapes Board were gratified to receive several high-quality applications, we are delighted to announce the subsequent overwhelming member endorsement of Kimberley as Board Chair. The appointment of a new Chair in any organisation represents an opportunity for refreshment and renewal and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Directors and staff are looking forward to working with Kimberley to deliver our Strategic Plan” said acting Southern Queensland Landscapes Chair, Louise Winten. Kimberly looks forward to engaging with stakeholders across Southern Queensland, with her first full board meeting set down for late June in Charleville. “It is an exciting and challenging time for the region, as we lean into the changing climate, different economic opportunities, and the next generation of regional leaders. I look forward to connecting and collaborating across our communities to better understand how Southern Queensland Landscapes can support sustainable environmental outcomes that materially improve the lives of people living and working in Southern Queensland,” she said. The position of Chair became vacant following the retirement of founding Chair, and long term supporter of regional natural resource management, The Honourable Bruce Scott, AM, at the end of February 2025. Bruce made a significant contribution to Southern Queensland Landscapes during his time as Chair and the Board thanks him for dedication, time, energy, and commitment to the organisation. Southern Queensland Landscapes is one of 11 Queensland-based Natural Resource Management (NRM) organisations. Spanning 314,398 square kilometres, the our footprint encompasses the Condamine catchment, Qld Murray Darling Basin and the south-west Mulga Lands. Southern Queensland Landscapes relies on evidence based information, supported by First Nations knowledge, to effectively balance productivity and environmental outcomes that support the regional communities within our landscapes. ο»Ώ
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Southern Queensland Landscapes is seeking an experienced and influential Board Chair to lead a multi-skilled Board in managing natural resources across Southern Queensland. This is a 3-year remunerated role based in Toowoomba, QLD, with the flexibility to manage from anywhere in Southern QLD. The ideal candidate will bring: • Substantial experience leading diverse Boards • Strong relationship-building and leadership skills • Expertise in environmental and agricultural matters This role is an opportunity to shape the future of natural resource management, working closely with land managers, community leaders, and industry professionals. Are you ready to make an enduring impact? For more details and to apply, visit www.windsor-group.com.au/job/board-chair-natural-resources-peak-body or contact Mike Conroy at apply@windsor-group.com.au.
This week marked the final Board meeting for retiring Southern Queensland Landscape Chair, The Hon Bruce Scott AM. The Southern Queensland Landscapes Board hosted a function at Gip’s restaurant in Toowoomba, joined by past Directors, industry stakeholders and the Southern Queensland Landscapes Management team, where Bruce was warmly acknowledged and thanked. Bruce offered special thanks to his dear wife Joan for her support during his period of service to Southern Queensland Landscapes, in particular the warm country hospitality she has offered to many visitors to Roma. Bruce also recognised and thanked Southern Queensland Landscapes Company Secretary Pam Murphy, who has supported Bruce in his service to Southern Queensland Landscapes since the organisation’s inception. ο»Ώ
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