Minister says sitting out feral pig cull 'not fair' on neighbours

NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty defended hefty fines for landholders who decline to participate in a feral pig eradication pilot program in Walgett, stating that they would be letting their neighbors down. This stance came after the program was announced last month, drawing fierce criticism and violent online threats against the minister.

The council consists of local community members, agricultural leaders, and representatives from various government agencies. The minister assured that various methods of participation would be available, accommodating individual property arrangements and innovative approaches. She emphasized the need for community involvement and cooperation, stating that a collaborative effort, including public land managers, is crucial for the program's success.

Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien expressed initial concerns but now feels more confident in the minister's approach after it addressed community consultation. Local farmer Cameron Rowntree also backed the initiative, hoping for a long-term, landscape-wide solution to the feral pig problem. However, he stressed that this is a commitment requiring years, not months, and should not be dependent on political shifts.