North Queenslanders are pleading with the State Government to help combat what they say is an "explosion" in the feral pig population following widespread flooding in February.
As well as the devastating impact the animals can have on the environment, they have also proven a near-lethal road hazard in recent times.
Woodstock resident Mark Caldwell was travelling at 100 km/h on the Bruce Highway between Roseneath and Pak Valley in June when he hit a pig, causing a head-on collision with another vehicle.
"It knocked my steering out, there was a car coming the other way and there was nothing I could do," Mr Caldwell said.
"The locals said I was the 51st person to hit a pig.
"Well, there are another two that I know of after that."
Mr Caldwell suffered only minor bruising in the smash, but others have fared far worse.
Last month Townsville's cycling community was left devastated after 43-year-old Andrew Simpson suffered serious head injuries when he hit a pig carcass while out for a ride.
Mr Simpson is now in a post-coma state, meaning that while he has regained consciousness, he still does not seem to be aware of his surroundings.
Property owners call for help
Oak Valley farmer Keith Bible said landowners were doing what they could to keep the numbers down, but properties like his have been badly affected by the pests.
"We've actually had a bit of an explosion in numbers with the young ones mainly," Mr Bible said.
"The solitary boars get around and they do a lot of damage to the waterway.
"As it dries up they are getting more concentrated, but it is a hard job.
"You've got to manage it between working and general duties on the property as well as going out and finding the time to hunt."
Mr Caldwell said his pleas to the State Government for help have so far fallen on deaf ears.
Wetlands under threat
James Cook University researcher Nathan Waltham said the growing feral pig population could have far-reaching impacts on the ecology of the battered region.
"They need access to good food, water, and shelter — where you've got those right conditions you will see pigs," Dr Waltham said.
"It only takes a couple of pigs getting into a wetland to have these long-term consequences."
Agricultural lobby Group AgForce said feral pigs cost the state's agriculture sector more than $70 million last year alone.
The State Government, which is sitting in Townsville this week for the first time in 17 years, said it had provided $3 million following the floods for pest management in the Northern and Southern Gulf areas.
No specific funds, however, have been allocated to Townsville.
"Funding has been provided through the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the Weeds and Pest Management Program," Agriculture Minister Mark Furner said.
"Total funding is available until June 30, 2021 with three Regional NRM bodies in the inland flood impact zones to deliver projects to control feral pests and weeds."
