Nine-kilometre outback goat trap catching thousands and paying for itself

February 22, 2026 - 13:40

A remarkable nine-kilometre fence, dubbed a "goat trap," is delivering extraordinary results on a remote Australian station, capturing thousands of feral animals and already recouping its cost. Faced with severe environmental degradation from uncontrolled goat populations, station managers Calum and Belinda Carruth turned to a high-tech solution to protect the fragile outback landscape.

The sophisticated system is a marvel of modern pest management. It utilizes solar-powered technology to automatically close trap gates once goats enter a designated containment area. This method is far more efficient and less labour-intensive than traditional mustering, operating continuously to control the invasive herds that damage native vegetation and compete with livestock for scarce resources.

The project's financial success is as notable as its environmental impact. Revenue from the sale of captured goats has already covered the initial investment, proving the model's economic viability. The trap provides a more humane approach to management while creating a valuable commodity from what was once purely a destructive pest.

This initiative stands as a powerful example of how innovative agricultural technology can effectively address environmental challenges while also supporting station economics. It offers a scalable blueprint for land managers across the country grappling with the widespread issue of feral goat infestations.