Shooters play their part in biosecurity and feral pig control

By Krista Schade

The Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) and Grain Producers Australia (GPA) may not seem likely partners at first glance, but the two organisations have partnered to protect biosecurity on farms.

The ‘Secure Our Farms – Hunt BioAware’ partnership is taking action to promote greater awareness, vigilance and understanding of the different farm biosecurity risks caused by the current ‘explosion’ in pest animals – especially pigs.

Feral pig numbers have steadily increased, in the wake of widespread flooding across NSW, damaging crops and threatening both native and farmed animals.

SSAA National Wildlife Programs Leader Matthew Godson welcomed the new partnership to help raise awareness in the community with proactive actions and sharing of vital resources.

He said hunters had an important role to play in conservation and provided a vital service to farmers to protect their livelihoods.

“We are proactive in educating the 212,000 members of our state and territory associations in ethics, safety and biodiversity protocols,” he said.

“Through our SSAA Farmer Assist program we work to connect landowners with volunteer hunters who support pest animal control efforts in farming communities and help reduce the impacts pest animals have on the environment and wider agricultural industry.

“This program educates its participants about biosecurity, animal welfare and other important considerations when entering properties.”

GPA chair Barry Large said the new partnership would help shine a spotlight on the vital importance of biosecurity protections, which was one of GPA’s core strategic priorities, to support grower profitability and sustainability.

“The ‘Secure Our Farms – Hunt BioAware’ partnership between GPA and SSAA National ensures everyone understands the risks and consequences of ignoring biosecurity; deliberately or not.”

Local hunters Corey Harrison and Tom Schiller. Image: Donna Schiller.