A statewide census on wild deer populations will begin when the methodology to collect the data is finalised.
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Primary Industries Minister Sarah Courtney told a budget estimates hearing that $150,000 was included in the budget for a state-wide census on wild deer populations.
Huon Independent MLC Robert Armstrong had asked the minister what recommendations the government had adopted from the Legislative Council inquiry into wild fallow deer in Tasmania.
Ms Courtney said the census was a key part of the government’s “comprehensive response”.
“We need a sensible, balanced and measured approach to this important issue involving many stakeholders including farmers and hunters,” she said.
Ms Courtney said the establishment of the Tasmanian Game Council was well advanced.
She said the council would be the peak body providing advice on delivering contemporary and effective quality deer management in Tasmania, hunting and game management, browsing animal management and deer farming matters.
“The methodology for the statewide census will be developed in consultation with the new Game Council, farmers and hunters, and the census will ultimately provide benchmark data and help inform future quality deer management strategies and monitoring programs,” Ms Courtney said.
