25 August 2025
On 17 July, the South Burnett region boosted their capability to manage feral pests, with landholders, experts, and industry leaders coming together in Kingaroy for the Wild Dog and Feral Pig Management Forum.
The Forum, hosted by the South Burnett Grazing Network (SBGN), brought together a wealth of expertise, including National Wild Dog Management Coordinator Greg Mifsud, who highlighted the importance of regional collaboration in pest control. Attendees also heard from John Scriven, Darling Downs and South-West Queensland Feral Pig Coordinator; Scott Henschen, Chair of the Iron Pot Creek Wild Dog Syndicate; and Deb Dennien from South Burnett Regional Council.
Presenters covered a range of topics – from pest ecology and behaviour to the syndicate and group models that empower communities to manage wild dogs more effectively. The event also featured practical demonstrations and presentations on the latest best-practice control strategies and tools, giving landholders valuable knowledge they can apply on the ground.
Kathy Duff, Mayor of the South Burnett, said the Forum emphasised the importance of working together to reduce wild dog numbers across the region.
“Our region is predominantly agriculture and wild dogs cost our agricultural sector a lot of money. It is important that Council works closely with landholders to try to reduce the impact of wild dogs through a coordinated approach,” said Cr Duff.
“I encourage everyone who attended the Forum to share the information with their neighbours so that they can all work together to reduce the number of wild dogs across the region.”
Leanne Petersen, South Burnett Regional Council Manager for Parks and NRM, said that having the NWDAP explain outcomes from research and provide information on wild dog breeding, behaviours and impact on the livestock industry was incredibly valuable.
“It was great to hear about the research work and partnerships developed with landholders like Meat & Livestock Australia, AgForce, universities, and local government authorities,” said Ms Petersen.
John Scriven, Darling Downs and South-West Queensland Feral Pig Coordinator, said the event was well-run and provided a valuable opportunity for landholders to connect. He attended as he was “keen to balance things out and help prevent the damage wild dogs do to the environment and production.”
Ian Crosthwaite from the South Burnett Grazing Network also found the Forum insightful.
“I attended the Forum with a different perspective than other participants – I went as part of my role as Vice President with the SBGN. Wild dogs were identified as an issue that our members wanted to know more about. Some of our members have had significant issues with wild dogs and are involved in syndicates to manage them,” said Mr Crosthwaite.
“Overall, it was an excellent experience, and I would recommend Forums like this to anyone that has an issue with wild dogs.”
For more information on wild dog control, visit www.wilddogplan.org.au/.
Share