Professional shooter Trevor Williamson, who has helped lead the Australian Banana Growers’ Council’s feral pig fight in the Tully Valley was named a finalist in the prestigious Cassowary Awards in June.

Mr Williamson, who has been conducting a concentrated aerial shooting program in high risk TR4 zones, was nominated in the Local Government and Industry Initiatives Category.

Hosted by the Wet Tropics Management Authority, the awards recognise outstanding contributions made towards the conservation and presentation of the World Heritage Area.

Mr Williamson’s efforts in culling thousands of feral pigs have reduced the risk of the pests spreading Panama Tropical Race 4 throughout the region’s main banana growing area.

On top of that, they have greatly reduced  the pressure placed by feral pigs onto native animals and their habitats – including the iconic cassowary.

The ABGC congratulated Mr Williamson on this well-deserved recognition and thanked him for his ongoing efforts.