A new website launched last week will support national efforts to tackle the growing feral deer problem.

The National Feral Deer Action Plan is currently being developed by a national working group, led by National Deer Management Coordinator Dr Annelise Wiebkin.

Feral deer cause damage to Australia’s natural environment and agricultural businesses by trampling plants, grazing and ring-barking young trees, fouling waterholes, causing soil erosion, spreading weeds and pose a significant risk to the ability to contain an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease should one eventuate.

Member for Barker Tony Pasin said feral deer were becoming a major problem across Australia and in Barker.

“Feral deer cause significant impacts on agriculture, the environment and are a road safety concern in parts of Barker,” he said.

“Feral deer is estimated to cost land managers an average of $2133 per year per property for control activities.

“The new website will support the development and delivery of the National Feral Deer Action Plan, raise awareness of feral deer impacts and provide strategies and tools for managing feral deer.”

“It provides a platform for communities wanting to manage the impacts of feral deer in their local area and to share knowledge of what is and is not working, through videos, podcasts and events. It will also provide access to news articles and updates on research findings.

“The website will help groups across the country coordinate their efforts to control feral deer and share knowledge on how to manage their impacts.”