Deer damage to be in focus at Koonwarra expo

Deer damage to farms and native vegetation will be at the centre of discussion at Koonwarra next month, as landholders join specialists to talk about how communities can coordinate control efforts.

South Gippsland Landcare Network will hold its inaugural Deer Control Expo at Koonwarra Hall on Saturday, November 21, from 10am to 3pm.

The network says deer destroy remnant vegetation and newer plantings, while wallowing damages areas beside waterways.

And farmers face damage too.

Deer can break fences and eat pasture, crops, vines and fruit, and the network warns that collisions with the animals pose a risk to the wider community.

The expo follows the Victorian Government’s September 30 announcement of $500,000 for sambar and hog deer control at Wilsons Promontory, part of an additional $1.7 million statewide package.

“Deer damage forests, farms and native habitat. We’re stepping up control where they’re doing the most harm,” Environment Minister Jaclyn Symes said.

At the Prom, the control work will complement the predator and herbivore exclusion fence Parks Victoria is establishing.

The government says the operation will reduce deer numbers inside the park, while the completed fence will help prevent their return.

And the Prom’s experience will feature at the Koonwarra expo.

Parks Victoria representatives Ben Grant and Ruby Wicks will discuss deer and fox impacts at Wilsons Promontory, alongside the agency’s deer control program and its work with communities.

Local landholders Jillian Staton and Bruce Whittaker will explain their move from desk jobs to deer control and how to lead coordinated community action.

National Deer Facilitator Jane McKenzie will discuss management approaches, while Victorian Deer Control Community Network chief executive Peter Jacobs will examine control methods and the benefits of community groups.

Commercial harvester Leigh Francis will offer advice and discuss his work with local farmers. Game Management Authority representative Jason Flesch also features on the program.

Lunch and refreshments are included, with venison and vegetarian options available. Tickets are available through Humanitix.

The expo will explore control approaches that active community groups should be able to put into practice.