Launceston Golf Club backs down on plan to cull wildlife on golf course after overwhelming public backlash

In a statement, the club acknowledged "the strength of negative public opinion" and defended its record of promoting native wildlife at its course.

"The board of the Launceston Golf Club has re-considered a recent decision to reduce native wildlife on the course and will not be proceeding with action proposed to start on May 1," the statement reads.

"Whilst at all times the club has complied with the relevant regulating body's guidelines, the club acknowledges the strength of negative public opinion regarding this matter.

"The club has always endeavoured to ensure a sustainable level of native fauna on the property while maintaining a championship golf course along with its infrastructure."

The Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment last week provided the permit for the cull of species - believed to include ducks, possums, native hens and wallabies.

The club claimed the animals had been "causing damage" to the course.

Neighbours claimed they only received notice of the cull in a letter distributed days before - or on the day - the cull was scheduled to begin, on May 1.

The Launceston Golf Club's Facebook page was flooded with more than 150 negative reviews criticising the move.

Russell Crowe also tweeted that it was "unacceptable", generating 130 retweets and 524 likes.

Golf course neighbour Sarah Bryan, who initially publicised the notice to neighbours through social media, says she is delighted with the outcome and thanked the community - both near and afar - for supporting the cause of native wildlife in the area.

"I wanted to point out that what they were trying to do was not right," she said.

"I was blown away with the support from the community and other people. I was inundated with messages of support and backing from local MPs."

The letter to neighbours stated the cull would take place for a "limited time" from May 1, but neighbours claimed they were not consulted.

Ms Bryan said she had a good relationship with the Launceston Golf Club in the past, and did not intend for the club to receive the negative publicity.

She said the permit process was disappointing, however.

"My main concern was that they requested the permit, and were granted, which confused me," Ms Bryan said.

"Maybe we need a better understanding that when these things happen, if they answered the public's questions at the time, this whole hoo-ha could be avoided.

"I asked the department what they saw that they could issue the permit for. The question was always danced around though."

City of Launceston councillor Andrea Dawkins wants more information about why the department granted the permit.

She said, to her knowledge, the council was not consulted on the plans and without the power of social media then the cull was likely to have proceeded.

"I was surprised that DPIPWE granted the permit," Cr Dawkins said.

"There should have been consultation, more than just one day notice for all stakeholders.

"It also opens up that questions: who are the stakeholders when animals are concerned?"

She said social media had served its purpose in giving the community a voice.

"People do care, people always cared about native wildlife, but prior to social media it's been difficult for people to communicate their concerns and apply pressure," Cr Dawkins said.

A spokesperson for DPIPWE said all permit approval protocols were followed.

"The government acknowledges that, when present in substantial numbers, browsing wildlife can have a significant impact on recreational facilities, such as parks or sporting grounds," he said.

"Non-lethal control measures are the preferred approach to managing these impacts. In situations where these measures are not successful or practical, land managers may apply for a permit to undertake culling this is identified as the most appropriate option to manage impacts.

"The department assess applications for permits to cull species, to ensure that a permit is warranted and that conditions are in place that specify how the culling is to be (undertaken), including any requirements in relation to numbers, reporting and notifications of any neighbours if that is required.

"After an assessment of the application, the department has provided permits to the Launceston Golf Club to undertake culling of species that have been causing damage to the golf course."