Pig-proof fencing protecting Cape York wetlands
- Cape York NRM
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
New exclusion fencing is protecting four culturally and ecologically significant wetlands on Cape York Peninsula. The wetlands are located on Kalpowar Station, Normanby Station and Rinyirru (Lakefield) National Park.
The fencing keeps feral pigs and cattle out of sensitive wetland areas, preventing pigs from digging for food, including turtles, roots and tubers. This reduces damage to wetland habitat and native vegetation while helping these important ecosystems recover.
Designed to be turtle-friendly, the fences use mesh large enough for freshwater turtles to pass through while preventing pigs from entering. The fencing has been installed by the Muunthiwarra Rangers, supported by Aaron Flinders Contracting.
Led by Kim Stephan from Cape York Water Partnership, the initiative is improving understanding of how feral pigs affect tropical freshwater wetlands, including impacts on water quality and biodiversity, with benefits flowing to the reef through reduced sediment runoff.
The project has also delivered cultural and community benefits by creating local jobs, providing on-Country training and helping protect wetlands that are culturally significant to Traditional Owners.
Muunthiwarra Traditional Owner Preston Ross said after two weeks the fencing was already making a difference.
"Feral pigs and cattle are being kept out so our wetlands can heal and stay healthy," Preston said.
"The training from Aaron Flinders Contracting showed us how to make the fence pig-proof with barbed wire along the ground and another strand 20cm above it. We check the fence twice a week for pig diggings and cattle tracks to make sure they keep out."
The initiative is also investigating opportunities to support the development of an ungulate impact reduction method through the Nature Repair Market and Australian Carbon Credit Unit (ACCU) Scheme. The aim is to create a model that rewards landholders for reducing feral pig impacts around wetlands, delivering benefits for biodiversity and carbon sequestration.
The Eastern Cape York Coastal Wetland Restoration project is funded by the Australian Government’s Reef Trust.
Find out more here.
