Feral deer spreading across Australia cost farmers over $91 million a year
Feral deer are estimated to cost Australia more than $91 million annually.
Feral deer are becoming one of Australia's fastest-growing invasive pests. A national report estimates annual costs exceed more than $91 million.
Over the past five years, deer numbers increased in Queensland, NSW, the ACT and Tasmania. South Australia achieved the only decline after removing more than 36,000 deer since launching an eradication program in 2022.
The Victorian Farmers Federation said deer are appearing in central and western districts where they were rarely seen a decade ago. Deer push through fences and apply heavy grazing pressure.
Invasive Species Council chief Jack Gough warned that WA and the NT are at the start of the invasion. "Deer are the next rabbit crisis for Australia," he said.
Experts say governments lack the ambition and funding needed to manage the spread at the right scale.
- $91 million
- Annual cost to farmers
- More than 36,000
- Deer removed in South Australia
- Queensland, NSW, ACT, Tasmania
- States with increased deer numbers
- $242 million over a decade
- Predicted damage if no action
Why it mattersUncontrolled feral deer could become as harmful as rabbits once were. Experts warn that a decade of inaction could cause $242 million in damage.
AustraliaAustralian farmers face growing feral deer damage across eastern states, with costs rising and government action falling short.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 6 h ago
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