NSW Nationals Leader Gurmesh Singh and NSW Opposition Leader Kellie Sloane says an elected Liberal and Nationals Government will fund a $300 million biosecurity and control program for the co-ordination and management of feral animals to protect critical primary industries sector and conserve the environment.

They said agriculture contributes about $25.5 billion per year to the New South Wales economy, with the sector one of the state’s most productive and important industries.

Yet, they say, farmers face a system weighed down by excessive regulation, rising costs, and decisions made far from regional communities.

The biosecurity and control program for the co-ordination and management of feral animals include improved on-ground action and local coordination across all tenures with more boots on the ground;

a shift to five-year funding for pest animal control programs, in line with the Natural Resources Commission’s recommendation; increased funding for control programs, meaning more pigs are killed; more traps and better traps; trial of a targeted bounty scheme for feral pigs; aerial shooting over more country for longer periods; thermal imaging and drone technology to detect and track pigs; exclusion fencing to protect environmental and agricultural assets; support for baiting, shooting and trapping programs; increased legal requirements for public land managers to manage pest animals; more targeted research for biological and other novel controls; and establishing permanent regional rapid response teams to target outbreaks before populations expand.

Ms Sloane said invasive species and biosecurity threats have become commonplace under the current government.

“I’ve seen first-hand the devastating impact of feral pigs on the farming sector, eating new-born lambs, damaging water sources, fences and pasture, and raiding agricultural crops,” Ms Sloane said.

“Without urgent action on biosecurity, our agricultural industries are at serious risk.”

Mr Singh said under Labor’s watch, feral pigs and other invasive species are running rampant.

“Through commonsense measures, we are committing to reducing the number and impact of feral pigs across NSW,” Mr Singh said.

“Put simply, this investment means stronger biosecurity and less pigs.”

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Brendan Moylan said farmers are sick of reviews, reports and roundtables that end up gathering dust on Minister Moriarty’s shelf on Macquarie Street.

“We know feral pigs are causing enormous damage to crops, livestock and the environment. The time for talking has passed, it’s time to act, and that’s what we will do,” Mr Moylan said.

Shadow Minister for Environment Jacqui Munro said protecting and enhancing high-value biodiversity starts with reducing invasive species that threaten native ecosystems.

“Australian wildlife and habitats are particularly vulnerable to the impacts of hoofed animals such as feral pigs and deer,” Ms Munro said.

“Regional landholders are some of our most important environmental stewards. By working with them, this plan delivers practical, on-the-ground solutions to manage invasive species, improve agricultural productivity and reduce environmental harm.”

Invasive Species Council CEO Jack Gough said invasive species are the number one driver of animal extinctions in Australia and one of the greatest threats to Aussie rivers and landscapes.

“Numerous reviews have found that pest management in New South Wales is not strategic, short-term and underfunded. This needs urgent change,” Mr Gough said.

“This $300 million boost is a serious proposal that means more boots on the ground and eyes in the field dealing with this worsening problem.

“The proposal to increase the legal expectations on public land managers for feral animals is also an important recognition that many crown land managers are failing to protect the environment and communities from feral animals,” he said.