The Tasmanian Government has released a new three-year plan to guide the management of wild fallow deer in and around towns, roads, and other populated areas.
Minister for Primary Industries and Water, Gavin Pearce, said too often in the past, deer in peri-urban areas were seen as ‘nobody’s problem’ and dealt with by ad hoc responses.
“Through our Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, we’re taking strong action to get deer numbers back to a sustainable footing,” Minister Pearce said.
“This new multi-year plan will deliver a strong, coordinated approach to get deer out of these areas.
“The last thing any of us want to see is a serious injury or loss of life because a deer has jumped in front of a car.
“That’s why we are taking action to address deer numbers around our roads and infrastructure.
“Under this plan, area-specific control plans will be developed with landholders, councils, and communities to clearly set out how deer will be managed, including the roles and responsibilities of those involved.
“The first areas to be tackled are Acton Park, the Tasman Peninsula and Bruny Island. Other localities will be progressively added such as Launceston outskirts and West Tamar, Westbury township and the Bicheno area.”
Chairman of the Tasmanian Game Council, Wayne Johnston, welcomed the new plan.
“Growing deer numbers continue to be an issue across Tasmania,” Mr Johnston said.
“We’ve all heard the stories of deer running across our highways or through gardens.
“It’s something that needs to get sorted, and I welcome the Government taking action to do that.”
