news, local-news, Greater Sydney Local Land Services, Macarthur Deer Control campaign, deer

Macarthur residents have banded together to stop wild deer destroying their property. The Greater Sydney Local Land Services late last year launched the Macarthur Deer Control campaign to cull wild deer, which are considered pests. Greater Sydney Local Land Services Senior Biosecurity Officer Lee Parker said more than 40 residents had joined the campaign and 90 deer have been killed. “While we don’t have exact numbers, our officers have been surprised by the large numbers of deer they have encountered since the program began,” he said. “One night they counted more than 150 in the area, including about 70 on one property. “The deer are shot by highly trained licensed officers, using thermal imaging to ensure accuracy. “This process has been audited and approved by the RSPCA. “The carcasses are then donated to feed large cats in captivity/zoos.” Mr Parker said wild deer posed a risk to agricultural crops, motorists as well as domestic pets and livestock. Deer compete with livestock for food, carry pests and diseases, damage crops, graze native plants, damage gardens and parks, can injury pets and get hit by cars. “Wild deer are difficult to keep out of agricultural and sensitive environmental areas as the cost of deer-proof fencing is very expensive,” Mr Parker said. Theresa Park grower Sam Galea joined the campaign after losing 20 percent of last year’s corn crop to deer damage. “There needs to be a united effort among our community in order to help make this program a success,” he said. “Working with the Greater Sydney Local Land Services team collaboratively is our best chance to get on top of the problem. “Not only have they impacted me financially but I also hit one in my truck which nearly caused a major accident.” Silverdale, Theresa Park, Cobbitty and Werombi are being targetted in the campaign so Local Land Services get a clear picture of the success of the campaign. Officers have used infrared technology and online mapping. “The interactive online mapping tool tracks the movement of our officers as well as the location of the shot fired,” Mr Parker said. “It is an internal system to ensure we accurately record the location and direction of the shot.” Mr Galea said the Greater Sydney biosecurity team had assisted him with practical on-ground advice as well as guidance in setting up a motion detector camera to monitor pest animal activity on his property. “The use of the camera has been critical to helping us determine when the deer are most active and keep track of their movements throughout the night,” he said. Mr Parker said the program was being run in partnership with Wollondilly and Camden Councils.

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