The Andrews Labor Government is reducing the devastating environmental impacts of feral deer with Victoria’s first region-specific deer control plan.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the Peri-urban Deer Control Plan, setting out a long-term coordinated approach to control feral deer numbers in the outskirts of eastern and northern Melbourne.

The plan sets out a long-term, coordinated approach to reduce the threat feral deer pose to the environment, farming, public safety and Aboriginal cultural heritage.

High priority waterways, national parks and reserves will be targeted for deer control within Manningham, Knox, Cardinia, Whittlesea, Nillumbik and Yarra Ranges council areas.

In addition, $250,000 of grants will be available to local councils and land manager to undertake safe control activities including sustainable hunting.

Feral deer cause a significant threat to native plants, wildlife habitat and water quality, as well as damaging community assets and sites of Aboriginal cultural significance. They also pose a risk to public safety, causing a rising number of traffic accidents.

The plan was developed in collaboration with Traditional Owners, land managers, local governments and conservation, hunting and community group representatives. It supports the Victorian Deer Control Strategy as part of the Labor Government’s long-term plan to protect Victoria’s natural environment, Biodiversity 2037.

This $1 million plan is part of the Labor Government’s nearly $500 million investment into biodiversity, the largest amount of funding from any Victorian Government dedicated to improving the state’s natural environment and stopping the decline of native plants.

The Government has invested $18 million to reduce the impacts of deer, a key part of the Sustainable Hunting Action Plan. It complements the Government’s expansion of the areas deer can be recreationally hunted and legislative changes allowing hunters to harvest wild deer for personal use.

For more information visit: environment.vic.gov.au/invasive-plants-and-animals/deer-control-program/peri-urban-deer-control-plan

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“We’re taking action to safely control Victoria’s feral deer population and reduce the significant negative impacts they have on our wildlife and biodiversity.”

“We’ve worked with local communities and experts to develop a strong plan which not only protects our environment from the impacts of feral deer, but also increases public safety.”

Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Mary-Anne Thomas

“Deer hunters have an important role to play in curbing the devastating impact of wild deer on our environment, which this plan will address.”