Protect the Tweed by reporting wild deer

FERAL deer are a growing threat in the Northern Rivers, according to the Tweed Shire Council in a new campaign to remind residents of the pest.

While their numbers might not be significant now, feral deer can quickly multiply if left unchecked. With residents’ help feral deer can be prevented from establishing here.

The council’s Frances Smith-Wright said in a recently released video that the deer were an emerging threat and urged the community to report sightings.

“They damage crops, erode soils, destroy habitats and put livelihoods at risk,” Smith-Wright said. “With your help, we can protect our farms, landscapes and communities for the future.”

Farmer Mal Weston from the NSW South Coast warned the Northern NSW region had to act early.

“Get on top of them before they become such a huge problem that we’ve got, it’s really impacting our business big time,” Weston said.

Tweed landowner Jan Fletcher said she wanted every landholder to be aware of the issue and make sure they report them.

“So that we can deal with them before they become established,” Fletcher said.

To help stop feral deer before they spread residents can report sightings by calling the local deer project officer on 02 6670 2400 or reporting online at feralscan.org.au/deerscan