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Feral Pig Control Sunshine Coast / SE Queensland

Licensed thermal imaging operations — GPS-documented, biosecurity-compliant

Feral pigs are the most economically damaging invasive animal in Australia. Across SE Queensland — from macadamia country on the Sunshine Coast to cattle runs in Somerset and Gympie — feral pig activity causes millions of dollars in damage to crops, pasture, waterways and infrastructure each year. Ground-based thermal imaging at night is one of the most effective control methods available.

Signs of Activity

  • Rooting and digging — upturned soil, pulled-up grass and disturbed pasture
  • Wallowing — muddy depressions near dams, creeks and drainage lines
  • Tracks — cloven hoof marks with dew claw impressions, often along waterway margins
  • Worn trails through scrub, particularly between water sources and feeding areas
  • Fence line damage — broken posts, pushed-under rails, bent droppers
  • Crop disturbance — uprooted rows, eaten product, access trails
  • Scat along regular travel routes

Damage to Land and Livestock

  • Crop destruction — macadamia, sugarcane, corn, grain crops and market gardens
  • Pasture damage through rooting and competition with livestock
  • Erosion of dam walls, creek banks and irrigation channels
  • Waterway contamination — wallowing increases turbidity and introduces pathogens
  • Fencing and infrastructure damage
  • Predation of lambs, kid goats and newborn calves
  • Spread of weeds, diseases (including leptospirosis) and parasites
  • Nest disturbance for ground-nesting wildlife

Legal Status in Queensland

Feral pigs are listed as a restricted invasive animal under Schedule 2 of the Queensland Biosecurity Act 2014. Under the Act’s General Biosecurity Obligation (GBO), all landholders who have feral pigs on their property must take all reasonable and practical steps to minimise the biosecurity risk they pose. This does not require eradication, but it does require demonstrable, documented effort. Local governments may also enforce additional biosecurity programs. Professional thermal control with GPS documentation is widely accepted as evidence of GBO compliance.

When Thermal Control Works Well

  • Feral pigs are primarily nocturnal — thermal imaging detects them reliably in the dark
  • Pigs travel in mobs, meaning multiple animals can be targeted in one encounter
  • Works across all terrain types — dense scrub, creek lines, open paddock
  • Night ops achieve far higher encounter rates than daytime methods
  • Most effective in the hours immediately after dusk when pigs first emerge to feed
  • Particularly suited to SE Queensland’s varied terrain and vegetation types

Limitations to Consider

  • Very dense lantana or blocked access tracks limit vehicle movement and shot opportunities
  • Deep standing water or flooded ground after heavy rain can scatter pig groups unpredictably
  • Very warm nights (above 30°C) reduce thermal contrast between animals and background
  • A small remnant population may retreat to inaccessible core country after initial pressure — follow-up is usually needed

What Your GPS Report Includes

  • GPS-logged cull locations with species, date and time
  • Total cull count by species per night and per operation
  • Pre-operation population density estimate and activity mapping
  • Post-operation density estimate and hotspot comparison
  • Carcass management record
  • Notes on property condition, access and terrain
  • Follow-up recommendation and timing

What Landholders Need to Prepare

  • Gate access codes and locked road information
  • Livestock locations for each night — paddocks or areas to avoid
  • Known property hazards (bores, dams, fencing, overhead lines)
  • Preferred approach for carcass management (haul-off, burial, burning)
  • Written landholder authority (our intake form covers this step)

Feral pig problem on your property?

Submit an enquiry and we’ll respond within one business day with availability and a quote.

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