Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association (TFGA), Media Release, 6 June 2023
The sustainable management of wildlife in Tasmania is a serious matter for Tasmanian landholders and farmers. Central to managing the issue are property protection permits, which are issued by the Department of Natural Resources and Environment (NRE).
Mr Sauer said, “Property Protection Permits are crucial for protecting crops, pastures and farm forestry.
“Permits are subject to rigorous assessment, underpinned by evidence and science, including the need to demonstrate existing control measures landowners undertake, like shooting and game-proof fencing.
“Before anything can be done farm operators are required to obtain permits, which are closely regulated by the NRE Tas.
“The process ensures transparency as work is meticulously recorded, monitored, and publicly accessible online, allowing anyone to review the published results.
While still incurring significant loss and damage “if we didn’t take steps to manage wildlife in this state, it’s estimated the additional damage caused would cost farmers upwards of $20 million a year,” said Mr Sauer.
“We’ve seen more than 700 fallow deer being put down in the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, more than double the estimated number the NRE anticipated.”
The TFGA also supports this action as it clearly demonstrates the increasing population of wildlife which is affecting agricultural production that provides sustainable food, fibre, and pharmaceuticals to the community.
Mr Sauer said “Farmers are custodians of the land and fully understand the size of the problem, and nobody likes culling wildlife.
“Speaking with members we know game-proof fencing, will cost them $10-15k per kilometer, but $30k per kilometer for a deer fence to protect their pastures and crops, then there is the ongoing maintenance cost.
One TFGA member said, “In just four days of putting in the control measure, the pasture growth increased by 25 per cent, and without it, I could only run half the amount of stock.
“There is also a difference from 15 – 20 years ago with fencing technology being a lot better. Today we get more wire and steel in the product, and it does a better job of keeping wildlife out.
“However, ongoing maintenance costs persist as wildlife will push through or dig under fencing, especially in areas adjacent to Public and Crown Land, exacerbating regulatory challenges,” he said.
The burden of managing wildlife populations falls primarily on Tasmanian farmers, who must bear the economic costs of investing in fencing and population control measures, despite having no legal responsibility or ownership of wildlife, which lies with the Crown.
Mr Sauer said, “The needs of the agricultural sector to manage wildlife populations effectively are imperative, and more needs to be done to reduce red-tape and support farmers”.
The TFGA believe the management of wildlife in Tasmania and property protection permits are key to addressing the ongoing problem and creating balance in Tasmania. The needs of the agricultural sector are vital in their role of maintaining food production levels and a stable supply of affordable food.
