{
  "id": 2048324,
  "title": "Minister says sitting out feral pig cull 'not fair' on neighbours",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/20/minister-says-sitting-out-feral-pig-cull-not-fair-on-neighbours",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-20T00:34:35.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-20/walgett-feral-pig-meeting-tara-moriarty/107053832"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "After receiving violent threats online, NSW Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty has stood by hefty fines for those who don't participate in a feral pig control plan.",
  "key_points": [
    "Minister Tara Moriarty defends fines for declining feral pig cull participation.",
    "Program aims to eradicate feral pigs in Walgett with community involvement.",
    "Walgett Mayor Jasen Ramien and farmer Cameron Rowntree support the initiative."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The minister's stance on participation in the feral pig eradication program shifts the burden of responsibility to landholders, implying that opting out would unfairly impact their neighbours who do participate.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}