This lonely deer was spotted in Kanahooka, not far from Lakeside Memorial Gardens on Kanahooka Road. Photo: Region.
As the weather cools down, Illawarra residents can expect more visits from the region’s cutest feral pests – deer.
Feral deer are considered a priority pest animal in NSW and Wollongong City Council has been part of the Illawarra Feral Deer Management Program since it started in 2011 to deal with the ongoing problem.
Council also works with South East Local Land Services (SELLS), National Parks, RSPCA, NSW Police and both government and private landholders to cull feral deer.
Since 2011 the program has removed more than 7400 deer from the Illawarra.
This week Wollongong City Council revealed it was concerned it had not received confirmation from the NSW Government that the program would continue beyond June this year.
Council had written to the Agriculture Minister Tara Moriarty highlighting its concerns about the ongoing impacts of feral deer across the Wollongong local government area. It asked for the minister’s assurance that the activities by SELL to coordinate and deliver feral deer culling activities would continue.
However, in response to questions from Region Illawarra, Ms Moriarty has assured council the government was committed to the culling program.
“The NSW Government’s approach to the management of feral deer and other pests is based on all landholders working together with government to address the problem,” she said.
“The government’s financial commitment to the Illawarra deer program remains unchanged and will continue.
“It is vital that landholders in the Illawarra including councils also play their part.”
Wollongong Lord Mayor Tania Brown said without ongoing culling, the population of feral deer would continue to grow, along with their impact.
“Whether it be on people’s private property where they eat people’s plants, traipsing through sensitive bushland areas or in a collision with a car or truck, there is no question that deer can be destructive,” she said.
“Government firearms and biosecurity legislation prevents council from conducting deer culling activities directly and that’s why it’s essential we work closely with organisations like the South East Local Land Service to deliver deer culling activities on council-managed land.
“We know this issue is of utmost importance to our community and that they want action to be taken to control the numbers of these pest animals.”
Community members can report sightings through Feralscan, with information about sightings shared on the website used to plan future control programs.
Injured deer should be reported to NSW Police or the RSPCA. Council’s website also has information and advice for those who may get deer in their gardens or on their property.
