General News
7 August, 2026
Morton Mustering wins Expo innovation award with world first system
Award pic by Abigail, site pic supplied
By Abigail McLaughlin
A ground-breaking invention developed by Coolah-based mustering contractor Scott Morton and his business partner Frank Zerafa from Gilgandra is changing the way feral animals can be trapped, with the pair unveiling what is believed to be the world's first remotely operated animal trap gate at Nyngan AG Expo.
The innovative system made its public debut at Expo, where it impressed judges enough to take out the Innovation award.
Mr Morton, who operates Morton Mustering across Central and Western NSW, said the idea was born from years spent working in the livestock and feral animal industries.
"I've spent years mustering livestock and operating a goat depot where producers brought in goats," he said.
"That's where I met Frank. He brought me in some goats and we got talking about a better way to catch them. He's very skilled in IT and technology, and together we've been able to turn an idea into something that's practical and should work anywhere in the world."
The trap gate combines remote gate operation with live video technology, using a Starlink internet connection to allow operators to monitor and activate the gate on traps from virtually anywhere.
"I can be having a coffee in Coolah and catching goats out west at the same time," Mr Morton said.
Through a secure remote interface, operators can watch live footage of animals entering the yards before deciding whether to open or close the trap gate.
Mr Morton said the technology dramatically reduced the amount of travel required to manage trapping operations while also improving animal welfare.
"If kangaroos, livestock or any other animals walk into the trap, we can simply leave the gate open so they're not unnecessarily confined," he said.
"It means you're only trapping the animals you want to catch."
The system will work on any yard you build. So, it you want to catch cattle, horses, pigs, goats – we can supply the gate.
The system also enables multiple mobs of animals to be captured before an operator needs to physically visit the yards.
"Depending on the yard design, you can remotely shut the gate on one mob, let them move forward into another yard where they can be secured, then reopen the first trap gate to catch a second or even third mob," Mr Morton said.
"Previously you might have had to drive out every time the gate shut. Now you can maximise each visit and save a lot of time."
The ability to monitor multiple traps simultaneously is another major advantage, particularly for contractors operating across vast distances.
Instead of spending hours driving between trapping sites, operators can oversee several locations from a single device, only travelling when animals have been successfully captured.
Mr Morton believes the technology has significant potential for large-scale feral animal management and is hoping to work with National Parks and managers of conservation and set-aside properties to assist with controlling feral animal populations.
He is also looking to establish partnerships with private landholders, where Morton Mustering would remotely monitor trap sites in return for an agreed share of the proceeds from captured animals.
To protect the investment, the trap gates are fitted with electronic anti-theft technology.
For Mr Morton, however, the greatest reward has been seeing years of work recognised by the industry.
Winning the Innovation Award at the Nyngan Ag Expo was welcome recognition for a product that could transform feral animal management across regional Australia.
"We've spent a long time developing and refining it to make sure it works reliably in real-world conditions," he said.
"It's about saving time, reducing costs, improving animal welfare and giving people a smarter way to manage feral animals."