To help deal with an influx of wild pigs in the region, Mackay Council’s Pest Management Control Officers have built an innovative and highly sought after, pig trapping device.
The device, 2.4 metres wide by 1.5 metres high, is made out of steel, and is strong enough to hold at least 20 pigs and mobile enough to cart them around the countryside.
Health, Sport and Recreation portfolio councillor Paul Steindl said the trap has improved Council’s capacity to manage wild pigs in the area.
"Council has been receiving several complaints a week regarding wild pigs in the region," he said
"This device allows council to trap large numbers of wild pigs and remove them from our region."
Paul Steindl said Mackay Regional Council is leading the way in pest management control.
"Council’s design has been picked up and is being used by other Local Government and National Parks," he said.
Program Manager for Environment and Compliance at Whitsunday Regional Council Scott Hardy said Whitsunday Regional Council is trialing council’s design due to its efficiency and easy mobility.
"The trap can be set up in dense scrub, catch large numbers of wild pigs, be folded down and transported anywhere," Mr Hardy said.
As part of Mackay Regional Council’s Pest Management Control program, officers also teach and educate property owners how to manage wild animals on their properties.
"Wild pigs are a class two pest in Queensland, they cause wide spread damage and as such need to be destroyed."