Leveraging AI for Smarter Feral Pig Management at GAWB​

Challenge

The Gladstone Area Water Board (GAWB) identified the need to address the growing feral pig population within its catchment. The objective was to conduct a comprehensive study to understand population dynamics, environmental impacts, and implement sustainable management strategies. The challenge was to ensure ecological preservation while protecting water quality and engaging diverse stakeholders, while exploring innovative tools like AI to enhance efficiency and outcomes.

Approach

Delivering a Strategic Feral Pig Study & AI-Driven Management Framework​​

The Strategy Group partnered with GAWB to design and deliver an evidence-based management strategy through the following steps:​

1. Comprehensive Data Collection and AI-Driven Analysis:​

• Engaged experts to collect data on population movement, high-impact zones, and environmental effects.​
• Leveraged AI to accelerate the analysis of feral pig data, identifying patterns, high-risk areas, and predictive insights for future impacts.​

2. Stakeholder Collaboration:​

• Facilitated workshops with internal and external stakeholders to align on priorities and ensure community support.​
• Co-designed actionable strategies for both passive (e.g., fencing, land rehabilitation) and active (e.g., trapping, baiting) solutions.​

3. AI-Enhanced Prioritisation Framework Development:​

• Designed a framework to categorise initiatives by impact, cost-effectiveness, and ecological benefits, incorporating AI insights to enhance decision-making efficiency.​

4. Exploration of Practical AI Solutions:​

• Investigated potential AI tools for real-time monitoring and adaptive management of feral pig populations, offering innovative solutions for long-term control.​

Outcomes

A Transformative Approach to Catchment Management​

Through this collaboration, GAWB achieved:​

• Enhanced Ecosystem Health: Delivered actionable strategies to mitigate feral pig impacts on catchment water quality and biodiversity.​
• Stakeholder Alignment: Fostered stronger partnerships with local communities and environmental groups for sustained support.​
• Actionable Roadmap: Established a prioritised framework for immediate, medium, and long-term management actions.​
• AI-Driven Efficiency: Leveraged AI to streamline data analysis and provide more robust insights for strategic planning.​
• Grant Opportunities Identified: Positioned GAWB to secure funding for ecological enhancement initiatives.​