By Sohaib Shams
An unpublished government report warns that feral deer are rapidly spreading across Australia and could become the country's next major invasive pest crisis, similar to feral pigs, unless urgent action is taken.
Deer Numbers and Costs Surge
The national vertebrate pest management report card, covering 2020-2025, shows six established feral deer species have increased in both population and territory. The invasive animals now cost farmers more than $91 million annually in production losses and management time.
Most States Failing to Control Spread
Every state and territory received failing grades in the traffic-light assessment, except South Australia. New South Wales and Tasmania scored red in all four categories, while Queensland and the Australian Capital Territory received three reds and one yellow. South Australia earned green across the board after launching a statewide eradication plan in 2022.
Experts Warn of Systemic Underfunding
Invasive Species Council advocacy manager Reece Pianta said the report confirms long-term underfunding of deer control. He noted that early intervention could still contain or reverse the spread, unlike with more established pests. Professor Euan Ritchie of Deakin University said governments are failing to invest enough to mitigate impacts on agriculture, native wildlife, road safety and culturally significant sites.
South Australia Shows Eradication Is Possible
Professor Andrew Lowe of Adelaide University said South Australia's success demonstrates functional eradication is achievable. The state's $4 million program has already reduced deer numbers, though animals are moving to urban fringes where culling is costlier. Lowe estimated a further $10 million over ten years would achieve functional eradication, far less than the projected $241 million in annual damages by 2031 if nothing is done.
