Gunns Plains residents call for action to address damage caused by 'feral pigs'

The upset residents say they are at their wits end after dealing with up to 150 loose pigs left uncontained able to wander and cause damage.

The pigs frighten children too afraid to ride bikes in the area, a farmer said.

The residents said it was a public health and safety matter with the potential to also cause biosecurity issues, possibly affecting farmers' livelihoods who run stock in the area.

Residents said many complaints were lodged with the Central Coast Council and other authorities.

One concerned resident, who asked not to be named because it could impact his employment, said something had to get done soon before it reached a boiling point.

"One of the neighbours up the road has about 100 to 150 pigs, and they go wherever they like," the resident said.

"The pigs tear everybody's paddocks up and nature strips and get on the road.

"The council tried to take the owner to court a few years ago and lost.

"I'm more than frustrated if the pigs get a disease into our cattle, we could lose the whole herd.

"Something has got to get done. It's been going on for 10 to 15 years.

"We spend thousands of dollars a year to fertilise and keep our paddocks right for these pigs to come on here and tear them up."

Several attempts were made to contact the owner of the pigs.

Resident George Wilkie-King said if the pigs "turn feral", the animals could cause a lot of damage to the native environment in the vicinity of the Leven Canyon.

"If someone's got stock, they should keep their stock on their own place," Mr Wilkie-King said.

He said he was concerned about "pigs ending up feral" that could be seen wandering in a nearby plantation site.

"You can see evidence of the amount of damage the pigs do to fences, the side of the road and drains," he said.

"Everyone knows about it, and it becomes a running joke until one day something does happen."

Central Coast Council general manager Sandra Ayton was contacted for comment.

Deputy Mayor Garry Carpenter said it was his "personal view", that something needs to be done but it was not an easy fix.

Councillor Carpenter leased a property at Gunns Plains and said he was familiar with the residents' concerns.

"The issue is every livestock owner has got to maintain livestock within the boundary of their property, and quite clearly that's not happening," he said.

"I can understand the frustration of farmers."