Simple mistake in national park lands two Aussies $9,000 fine
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We all know Australia’s national parks are some of the most beautiful and unique places in the world—home to rare wildlife, stunning landscapes, and a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle.
But did you know that a single misstep in these protected areas could cost you thousands of dollars?
That’s exactly what happened to two Queensland men who recently found themselves slapped with a whopping $9,000 fine after a hunting trip went very wrong.
The story begins on Bribie Island, a popular spot for campers and nature lovers just off the coast of Queensland.
Like many parts of Australia, Bribie Island National Park has struggled with a growing population of feral pigs.
These destructive animals are notorious for tearing up the landscape, threatening native species, and causing an estimated $100 million in damage to Australia’s agricultural sector annually.
Some campers have even reported pigs brazenly stealing food from their campsites!
With the problem getting worse, it’s easy to see why some people might be tempted to take matters into their own hands.
But here’s the catch: hunting in Queensland’s national parks is strictly illegal, no matter how big the pest problem is.
The two men in question allegedly entered Bribie Island National Park multiple times, bringing along pig-hunting dogs and even removing their number plates and travelling on restricted roads to avoid detection.
Unfortunately for them, their efforts to cover their tracks didn’t work.
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation caught up with them, and the pair were hit with a combined fine of $9,032 under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992 and various transport regulations.
You might be wondering: if feral pigs are such a problem, why not let people help out by hunting them?
According to Queensland Parks and Wildlife Services Manager Chris Skennar, it’s all about protecting the delicate balance of these unique environments.
‘Bribie Island National Park is a fragile ecosystem that supports a wide variety of unique native species. Illegal hunting not only poses a direct threat to local wildlife but also damages sensitive landscapes, undermining the conservation efforts our rangers work so hard to maintain,’ Skennar explained.
Even if the intention is to target pest species, how it’s done matters. National parks aren’t just remote properties—they’re shared, protected spaces for everyone to enjoy.
That’s why there are strict laws in place and why rangers are committed to enforcing them.
Feral pigs are a huge problem across the country, with estimates ranging from 3 million to as many as 23 million pigs roaming the land.
Some experts believe the real number could be even higher! While hunting is one way to control their numbers, the rules vary widely depending on where you are:
National parks are carefully managed to protect native plants and animals, and unauthorised hunting can disrupt these efforts, damage sensitive habitats, and put other visitors at risk.
If you spot illegal activity in a national park or state forest, you can report it anonymously by calling 1300 130 372.
Authorities aren’t ignoring the feral pig problem. Pest control programs are already in place, run by professionals who use safe and humane methods to manage the population.
These programs are designed to protect the environment and the people visiting these beautiful places.
Have you ever encountered feral pigs while camping or bushwalking? Do you think the rules around hunting in national parks are too strict or just right? Have you ever had a close call with the law while out in nature? We’d love to hear your thoughts and stories—share them in the comments below.
But did you know that a single misstep in these protected areas could cost you thousands of dollars?
That’s exactly what happened to two Queensland men who recently found themselves slapped with a whopping $9,000 fine after a hunting trip went very wrong.
The story begins on Bribie Island, a popular spot for campers and nature lovers just off the coast of Queensland.
Like many parts of Australia, Bribie Island National Park has struggled with a growing population of feral pigs.
Over $9,000 in fines were issued to two men for illegally hunting feral pigs in Bribie Island National Park. Credit: Facebook
These destructive animals are notorious for tearing up the landscape, threatening native species, and causing an estimated $100 million in damage to Australia’s agricultural sector annually.
Some campers have even reported pigs brazenly stealing food from their campsites!
With the problem getting worse, it’s easy to see why some people might be tempted to take matters into their own hands.
But here’s the catch: hunting in Queensland’s national parks is strictly illegal, no matter how big the pest problem is.
The two men in question allegedly entered Bribie Island National Park multiple times, bringing along pig-hunting dogs and even removing their number plates and travelling on restricted roads to avoid detection.
Unfortunately for them, their efforts to cover their tracks didn’t work.
The Department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation caught up with them, and the pair were hit with a combined fine of $9,032 under Queensland’s Nature Conservation Act 1992 and various transport regulations.
You might be wondering: if feral pigs are such a problem, why not let people help out by hunting them?
‘Bribie Island National Park is a fragile ecosystem that supports a wide variety of unique native species. Illegal hunting not only poses a direct threat to local wildlife but also damages sensitive landscapes, undermining the conservation efforts our rangers work so hard to maintain,’ Skennar explained.
Even if the intention is to target pest species, how it’s done matters. National parks aren’t just remote properties—they’re shared, protected spaces for everyone to enjoy.
That’s why there are strict laws in place and why rangers are committed to enforcing them.
Feral pigs are a huge problem across the country, with estimates ranging from 3 million to as many as 23 million pigs roaming the land.
- Queensland: Hunting is only allowed on private land, and you must have the landowner’s permission. Hunting in state forests and national parks is strictly prohibited.
- New South Wales: You can hunt on public land, but you need a current R-licence and written permission from the Department of Primary Industries Game Licensing Unit. There are 350 state forests where public hunting is allowed.
- Victoria: Hunters need a registration of interest, a game licence, or a firearms licence to target pest animals on crown land and must follow all hunting regulations.
- South Australia: A Basic Hunting Permit is required, but feral pigs cannot be targeted in Game Reserves, National Parks, Conservation Parks, or Wilderness Protection Areas.
- Western Australia: Pig hunting is only allowed on private land with the landowner’s permission.
- Northern Territory: A permit system is in place for hunting in certain reserves, and additional permits are needed for other crown or Aboriginal land.
- Tasmania: A game licence is required to hunt on Crown land, but feral pigs can be taken at any time, even from state forests.
- ACT: Pig hunting is restricted to private property with the landowner’s permission.
National parks are carefully managed to protect native plants and animals, and unauthorised hunting can disrupt these efforts, damage sensitive habitats, and put other visitors at risk.
Authorities aren’t ignoring the feral pig problem. Pest control programs are already in place, run by professionals who use safe and humane methods to manage the population.
These programs are designed to protect the environment and the people visiting these beautiful places.
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) because???? His “learnings” strangled his common-sense, civic responsibility, problem solving and critical thinking…. Without thought for cause and effect? Bye bye Australia !
