General News
4 December, 2025
Forum to tackle rising feral deer threat
THE Victorian Deer Control Community Network, in collaboration with Project Platypus and local Landcare groups, is joining forces to address the growing impact of feral deer across Western Victoria. With populations causing significant damage to biodiversity, agriculture, forestry and road safety, the groups are convening a community forum in Halls Gap on Saturday, 6 December.
The event aims to raise awareness and equip landholders with practical, effective strategies for early intervention, a key focus to prevent deer numbers from becoming unmanageable.
“Deer are well established in Eastern Victoria, but populations in the west remain smaller and more controllable. Acting now for early intervention is essential, particularly after the bushfires,” said Peter Jacobs, Executive Officer of the Victorian Deer Control Community Network.
Lachlan McIntyre from Project Platypus said the threat is already highly visible in the Grampians–Gariwerd landscape.
“Deer threatens both biodiversity and primary production in the Grampians-Gariwerd area. They damage crops, consume pasture, destroy fencing, and hinder bushfire recovery and revegetation efforts,” he said.
The forum will feature expert presentations, practical guidance, and opportunities for landholders to ask questions, share experiences, and discuss solutions with professionals in the field.
The Grampians–Gariwerd Deer Forum will be held at the Halls Gap Hub on Saturday, 6 December, from 10:30am to 3:30pm.
Bookings are essential.
Visit the events section of the Project Platypus website www.projectplatypus.org or call Peter Jacobs on 0487 295 198.