Dear oh deer, we need answers from the North East

Member for Benambra Bill Tilley MLA wants people from the North East to have their say on the control of deer and other feral pests on crown land.
The Inquiry into the Control of Invasive Animals on Crown Land is now calling for submissions into the benefits of Parks Victoria and other agencies such as the Game Management Authority’s use of community hunting organisations and individual shooters in recent trials.
Mr Tilley is a member of the Environment, Natural Resources and Regional Development committee that will also look at how these programs could be applied to other feral pests.
Comments from Member for Benambra Bill Tilley:
“There is no question that there has been a massive increase in deer numbers in the Kiewa, Mitta and Upper Murray valleys in recent years.
“The anecdotal evidence is overwhelming – farmers saying stock now have to compete with deer on pastures, smash repairers compare the number of accidents and claims related to deer on roads and the simple tales of people seeing more and more deer.
“A professional shooter told me recently that deer sit in the forest fringe abutting farm land during the day and move onto the paddocks to graze at night, sometimes in herds of 50 or 60 animals.
“Clearly there has been some success with professional shooters engaged to deal with the issue but there are many other challenges including managing the “irresponsible” shooters, the removal or carcasses and having a targeted approach to culling deer numbers.
“That’s why we want as many people as possible to share their experiences and knowledge with this committee. In the end our recommendations can only be based on the information we have gained through this inquiry and given the expertise and experience of shooters, land managers, farmers and the community in the North East it is vital that people from this electorate voice their opinion.”
Mr Tilley wants at least one public hearing in the electorate as part of the inquiry.
Closing date for submissions is Monday, August 8.
Submissions can be confidential and for more information go to www.parliament.vic.gov.au/enrrdc/article/2999
Media contact: 0439 029 847                       tracey.holmes@parliament.vic.gov.au