Two individuals were penalised over $9000 for unlawfully pursuing feral pigs within Bribie Island National Park, a designated conservation zone in Queensland.
Surveillance Evasion Leads to Detection
Queensland Police and the Parks and Wildlife Service (QPWS) located the two individuals following reports of unusual activity and repeated vehicle access to Bribie Island National Park. Investigators stated the pair removed their vehicle number plates to avoid park surveillance cameras, accessed restricted roads, and brought in pig-hunting dogs.
Following a coordinated investigation, officers tracked down the men and issued a combined $9032 in fines under the Nature Conservation Act 1992 and Queensland’s transport legislation.
Photo Credit: Alex Caruana/Facebook
Protected Area Breach Raises Conservation Concerns
Bribie Island National Park is designated for wildlife protection and ecological preservation. Although feral pigs are classified as a pest in Queensland and can be controlled on private properties under regulated conditions, hunting within national parks is strictly banned.
QPWS representatives confirmed the illegal activity interfered with formal pest control programs. Authorities warned that unauthorised hunting may damage sensitive landscapes, threaten native species, and undermine environmental management.
Feral Pig Management Is Ongoing
QPWS has existing pest control programs in place to address the presence of feral pigs on Bribie Island. These operations are structured to ensure minimal environmental disruption while targeting invasive species effectively.
The department reiterated that national parks are shared public spaces and not to be used for recreational or unauthorised hunting, regardless of intent.
Photo Credit: Alex Caruana/Facebook
Online Commentary Divided
Public responses on social media reflected mixed reactions. While some commenters criticised the fines as excessive given the environmental damage caused by pigs, others questioned the effectiveness of existing park management strategies. Several called for licensed culling programs, while a number defended the protection laws in place.
A few respondents also compared the penalty with unrelated legal outcomes, expressing concern over inconsistency in enforcement. Others raised issues regarding perceived cultural and legal inequities.
Reporting and Enforcement Continue
Authorities encouraged members of the public to report illegal activity within Bribie Island National Park or other protected areas. Both QPWS and Queensland Police stated that monitoring operations will continue, supported by surveillance equipment and regular patrols to deter illegal activity.
Published 2-May-2025
Photo Credit: Fishmongerel/Reddit
