Federal Member for Barker Tony Pasin is advocating for increased funding for the Limestone Coast Landscape Board to bolster its feral deer control program through aerial abatement.
Mr Pasin was joined by representatives of the local Landscape Board and local landholders in Keilira to see first hand the damage feral deer are doing to the environment and the impacts on agricultural productivity.
“Deer pose a real risk to threatened plant species, particularly as young plants are trying to regrow after bushfire,” Mr Pasin said.
“They also damage bushland through trampling, soil compaction and ring-barking vegetation.
“From a biosecurity aspect they spread plant diseases and would harbour and spread disease such as foot and mouth and rinderpest should they ever enter Australia.
“Deer also compete with stock for pasture and crops, damage fences and destroy vineyards.
“Since 2009 the most effective tool in removing large numbers deer has been the aerial control program.
“The program has seen over 12,000 feral deer removed from the Limestone Coast Landscape but it’s clear that more needs to be done.
“Reducing feral deer numbers across the Limestone Coast will have a positive impact to improve native habitat and support our primary producers,”
“We need more funding for the aerial abatement program and I’ll be working in Canberra to deliver that outcome for our local community,” said Mr Pasin.
