Introduction: Deer have become a significant concern in Victoria, impacting the environment, agriculture, Aboriginal cultural heritage, and public safety. To address this issue, the Victorian Government has introduced the Victorian Deer Control Strategy. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore what this strategy entails and how it aims to mitigate the impact of deer populations in Victoria.
1. What is the Victorian Deer Control Strategy? The Victorian Deer Control Strategy is a coordinated initiative designed to reduce deer numbers and their adverse effects on the environment, agriculture, Aboriginal cultural heritage, and public safety.
2. Why was the Victorian Deer Control Strategy developed? The strategy was developed in response to the rapid increase in deer populations across Victoria. These animals are spreading to new areas, posing significant threats to biodiversity, water quality, public safety, agricultural assets, and Aboriginal cultural heritage. The strategy aligns with the objectives of Protecting Victoria’s Environment – Biodiversity 2037 and the Sustainable Hunting Action Plan 2016–2020.
3. What will the Victorian Deer Control Strategy do? The strategy’s primary goals include reducing the impact of deer on key environmental, agricultural, and cultural values while enhancing the effectiveness of deer control through partnerships and community collaboration. Additionally, it aims to raise awareness and understanding of deer control and strengthen Victoria’s capacity for deer management.
4. How is the Victorian Deer Control Strategy different from the draft Deer Management Strategy? Based on public feedback, the final strategy places more emphasis on reducing the impacts of wild deer. The previous draft included deer management zones, which were deemed confusing and unclear in their operation. The final strategy has adopted a Deer Control Framework aligned with Victoria’s Invasive Plants and Animals Policy Framework.
5. What does the Deer Control Framework aim to achieve? The Deer Control Framework is designed to prioritize deer control efforts, ensuring the best return on investment and favorable outcomes for biodiversity and other values. Its objectives include preventing new deer species from establishing in Victoria, removing isolated deer populations, limiting deer spread, protecting high-priority environmental, agricultural, and cultural heritage values, and preserving public safety.
6. What are Regional Deer Control Plans? Regional Deer Control Plans will pinpoint priority locations for deer control and management measures in specific parts of the state. These plans will be developed collaboratively with Traditional Owners, local councils, and the community.
7. What are Regional Deer Control Partnership Groups? These groups will assist in developing and implementing the regional deer control plans. They include local stakeholders such as land managers, local governments, Traditional Owners, and conservation, industry, and community groups. The Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DELWP) will lead the development of these plans.
8. Does the Victorian Deer Control Strategy declare deer as a pest? While the strategy does not categorize all deer species as pests, established species like Sambar, Fallow, Red, and Hog deer will remain classified as game under the Wildlife Act 1975. However, they can still be controlled if causing damage. The strategy also proposes to review the classification of other deer species not established in the wild.
9. Why is there less focus on recreational hunting? Growing community concerns about deer’s impacts have led to a shift in focus towards managing these impacts rather than emphasizing deer as a hunting resource.
10. Why hasn’t ‘Goal 4: Reduce illegal deer hunting’ been included in the final strategy? Issues related to illegal hunting are being addressed by the Game Management Authority and Victoria Police. The Victorian Government will continue to promote legal and responsible hunting.
11. When will deer control under the Strategy begin, and is there funding for it? The Victorian Government has allocated $18.25 million over four years and $4.4 million per year for ongoing deer control. This funding will be used to develop and deliver Regional Deer Control Plans. DELWP will lead the development of these plans, with the first plan focusing on Peri-urban Melbourne Deer Control.
12. How does the Strategy affect deer farmers and pet owners? The Strategy involves a review of existing regulations concerning deer farming and keeping in Victoria. It considers the management of risks related to deer escaping from farms and establishing in the wild. Some deer species not established in Victoria’s wild may be reviewed for classification under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994.
13. Who is responsible for controlling/managing the impacts of wild deer? Wild deer control is a shared responsibility among all levels of government, Traditional Owners, conservation and community groups, the farming sector, Landcare, water and catchment management authorities, the commercial deer industry, hunting organizations and hunters, and community members.
14. Who will implement the Strategy? The Victorian Government, primarily through DELWP, will coordinate the rollout of the strategy. Partnerships with community groups are vital for its successful implementation.