Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull has taken up local concerns with poorly-managed State Government deer control programs, which appear to be feeding destructive wild dogs, foxes and pigs, to the floor of Parliament.
Gippsland East Nationals MP, Tim Bull, said he has been told Parks Victoria contractors have been culling deer in the Alpine National Park, without a requirement to remove carcasses.
“Feral deer have become a serious problem, however without carcass disposal, it is reducing the numbers of one invasive species to the benefit of others that are more damaging,” Mr Bull said.
“My office has received an enquiry from a constituent who said when discussing the operation with the shooters, they advised the carcasses are left in the bush.
“The State Government spends taxpayer dollars carrying out control of wild dogs, foxes and feral pigs in these same areas, so I have asked the Minister to explain why these carcasses have been left to rot, feeding up populations of wild dogs and foxes.
“This area is on the fringe of farms that have an ongoing battle to maintain viable businesses in the face of these destructive feral pests.
“I am advised that already 300-400 deer have been culled, possibly more,” Mr Bull told Parliament.
“Many farmers are reluctant to give hunters permission to shoot deer on their properties unless the carcass is removed, for precisely this reason.”
Mr Bull said he has been further advised an aerial shooting trial has commenced with similar concerns.
“It appears there is no plan to remove these carcasses either, some of which are reportedly lying in waterways, which is not acceptable.
“It is my strong belief this is occurring and if so the Minister needs to do something about it.”
Caption: Gippsland East Nationals MP Tim Bull, discusses the control of feral pests with Ken Stuart, Chairman of the Pest Plants and Animals subcommittee of the East Gippsland Landcare Network.
