News

John Maher to steer feral pig action plan

By Jamie Salter

Jun 16, 2020

Experienced agribusiness leader John Maher has been appointed as the chair of the steering group leading the development of the National Feral Pig Action Plan.

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Mr Maher will play an active role working with a range of stakeholders to deliver a preliminary National Feral Pig Action Plan to the Federal Department of Agriculture by January, 2021.

The $1.4 million Federal Government initiative, overseen by Australian Pork, will develop a national framework for feral pig management.

Australian Pork chief executive officer Margo Andrae said Mr Maher’s involvement was a success for the program.

“John is highly regarded for his significant leadership and governance skills, built over more than 25 years in high-level executive roles across Australian agribusiness,” Ms Andrae said.

“John’s experience with major rural agencies and recently as Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation Group chief executive officer, reflects the scope of National Feral Pig Action Plan.”

Ms Andrae said farmers, traditional owners, environmental managers and regional communities were united in the fight against feral pigs.

“Feral pigs cost Australian agriculture more than $100 million a year and wild populations in Asia and Europe have spread African swine fever across national borders, killing millions of domestic pigs.”