A $2.75 million investment in feral pig control activities on public land has been welcomed by local farmers and East Gippsland Shire Council.

Mayor Cr Jodie Ashworth welcomed the funding, which has a focus on the East Gippsland High Country.

“We acknowledge the work of the Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee and farming communities in highlighting this issue, and Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh MP for hearing the concerns first-hand and advocating for this investment in feral pig control,” Cr Ashworth said.

“Pest animal populations are escalating across eastern Victoria, placing mounting pressure on agricultural productivity, regional livelihoods and community wellbeing. This funding will have an impact on the ground, but it’s also an acknowledgement that our farmers are facing a significant challenge and that they have been heard.”

In announcing the funding this week, Member for Eastern Victoria Tom McIntosh MP said local feedback had made the need for stronger action on feral pigs clear, following community meetings, farm visits and discussions with farmers through the Council’s Agricultural Sector Advisory Committee (ASAC) and strong advocacy from Council.

Of the total funding, it is understood that about $800,000 will be directed towards enhanced surveillance and control programs on public land across the Eastern Alps and Upper Snowy regions, where feral pigs are increasingly threatening environmental values.

While the program will focus primarily on public land, it is expected to involve collaboration between Agriculture Victoria and private landholders, with a coordinated approach aimed at improving monitoring and control efforts across public and private land.

Surveillance and control activities are scheduled to begin in 2026 and will build on existing pest management programs in the region.  

“The long‑term viability of agriculture in eastern Victoria depends on an effective, coordinated and well‑resourced approach to pest animal management. Without intervention at the scale required, the costs to farm productivity, regional employment, mental health and food security will continue to grow. We welcome this investment,” Cr Ashworth said.

Where there is a need for additional staff to be employed to implement this control program, Council is urging that any jobs created are filled by local people.

“It is vital that any roles associated with this funding are based locally, and local people and contractors are used. They know the area,” Cr Ashworth said.

“Our smaller communities, many in transition from timber industry changes, recovering from drought, or trying to make ends meet in difficult economic times, need these roles to be based in communities that have a direct relationship to this problem of pest management.”

Landowners are being encouraged to report sightings of feral pigs or signs of damage to feral.pigs@deeca.vic.gov.au or contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186, including location details, dates and any photographs.

The feral pig initiative is being delivered under the Victorian Government's Protecting Biodiversity program, which supports on-ground pest and weed control efforts aimed at halting the decline of native plants and animals.