The Hon. Mark Furner, Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities (Qld), Media Release, 14 October 2022

The Palaszczuk Government has released a new strategy that gives councils and landholders a more coordinated approach to dealing with the impacts of growing feral deer populations.

Minister for Agricultural Industry Development and Fisheries and Minister for Rural Communities Mark Furner said the Feral Deer Management Strategy 2022-27 would help build capacity to control feral deer.

“Feral deer numbers across Queensland are growing and pose an increasing threat to biodiversity, agriculture and public safety,” Mr Furner said.

“The new updated strategy aligns with the Biosecurity Act 2014 and defines best practice management and a coordinated approach to control feral deer.

“Local councils and landholders can now more effectively manage this growing problem through a combination of research, partnerships, planning and collaboration, improved understanding of impacts, practical knowledge, and appropriate control methods.”

Mr Furner said the Feral Deer Management Strategy 2022-27 had been developed following public consultation earlier this year.

“Feedback from more than 400 responses received during the consultation period was instrumental in finalising the strategy to strike the right balance,” he said.

“Important revisions to the draft include the outlining of animal welfare requirements through the Codes of Practice adopted under the Animal Care and Protection Act 2001 and recognising the role of recreational hunters.

“The strategy acknowledges that different stakeholders have different viewpoints and I thank everyone who contributed to developing this new approach to controlling feral deer.”

The Feral Deer Management Strategy 2022-27 can be found on the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries engagement hub, daf.engagementhub.com.au/feral-deer-strategy.