Feral deer are emerging as one of Australia’s most serious environmental and agricultural threats. Victoria has possibly the largest deer population in Australia, estimated to be over a million animals. The feral deer population is expanding rapidly and invading new areas.
There are many organisations, institutions, businesses, groups and individuals in Victoria actively involved in feral deer control, research, campaigning or are directly impacted by feral deer. However, other than local networks, there is no statewide forum to share information, experiences and collectively seek solutions.
The Victorian Deer Control Community Network will provide a platform for statewide collaboration over matters related to feral deer.
We are now encouraging people and organisations to join and contribute to the network, the only prerequisite is being interested in reducing the impact of feral deer. To become a member please download and read our Terms of Reference before filling in the application form below.
The Invasive Species Council helped form the network and is providing executive officer support as well as website resources for the new community-driven initiative.
By 2030, a healthy and respectful collaboration of community, interest groups, institutions and government has resulted in the substantial and sustained reduction in the distribution of feral deer and the impact of feral deer on the community, environment and the economy.
To substantially reduce the impact and distribution of feral deer in Victoria.
The key roles of the network are, in relation to reducing the impacts and distribution of feral deer in Victoria, to:
- Share information.
Build knowledge and capacity. - Raise awareness in the community of the need for effective control.
- Advocate for effective policy and control programs.
- Advocate for adequate funding and resources.
- Advocate for targeted research.
- Identify opportunities for collaboration.
The geographic scope of the VDCCN encompasses anywhere in Victoria where feral deer are present or have the potential to be present. Matters for the VDCCN are those related to reducing the impact and distribution of feral deer in Victoria.
Membership application
Membership of the VDCCN is open to all individuals and organisations that are concerned about, directly affected by or are carrying out control programs or research related to feral deer impacts in Victoria and align with the purpose of the VDCCN.
The strength and influence of the VDCCN is only as strong as its membership so we encourage anyone interested in the control of feral deer impacts to join and contribute. Its free and rewarding.
The benefit to you as a member is to make connections with people with similar concerns about the impact of feral deer and learn from others how best to address your issues.
The benefit to the community from your involvement is building a network that will raise awareness, support solutions and positively influence government policy, to work towards reducing the impact and distribution of feral deer in Victoria.
The Terms of Reference for the VDCCN can be viewed here: It is important to read these before joining.
If you are interested in becoming a member please fill out the registration form on the new VDCCN website.
A review of Victoria’s Wildlife Act is a chance to move on from the past by managing feral deer as a pest.
Dr Annelise Wiebkin is ready to tackle one of Australia’s worse emerging pest animal problems – feral deer.
Feral deer are probably Australia’s worst emerging pest problem, causing damage to the natural environment and agriculture.