Pest animals
Key points
- Native animals (such as bees, snakes, magpies and cockatoos) are protected by law under the Wildlife Act 1975, check out our living with native wildlife page
- Under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CaLP) certain animals are declared as pest animals in Victoria. These animals are, or have the potential to become a serious threat to primary production, the environment or community health in Victoria.
- The Agriculture Victoria website has information on managing pest animals
Eastern Regional Pest Animal Network
Council is a member of the Eastern Regional Pest Animal Network, which was established in 2016, across Melbourne’s east. The network is a mix of local government, statutory agencies and Victorian government bodies. These include 13 Local Government Authorities in eastern Melbourne, Parks Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Department of Transport (DOT), Melbourne Water and Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority.
This voluntary network came together with the understanding that pest animal management is best implemented at a regional scale, with well-coordinated action across land tenures, sharing knowledge, capacity and resources.
Deer
All deer in Victoria are a protected species under the Wildlife Act 1975 and on public land are managed by the Game Management Authority (GMA). The GMA is an independent authority responsible for the regulation of game hunting in Victoria. The GMA regulate through education, research and enforcement to achieve responsible and sustainable game hunting in Victoria.
Deer control on private land is not administered by the GMA.
What Council is doing
- Council is advocating to government for more effective deer management, including removing their protection under the Wildlife Act
- We aim to help landholders better understand the issues in deer management and create opportunities for improved community-based responses to manage deer in our area.
More information and resources
- Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action: Invasive species on public land
- Victorian Deer Control Program
- Victorian Deer Control Strategy
- Cardinia Deer Management Coalition Incorporated is a volunteer organisation who work with agencies and authorities to reduce the impact of deer on the Cardinia Creek catchment.
- Game Management Authority is responsible for the regulation of game hunting in Victoria
- DeerScan is a free app to record deer sightings, evidence of deer, damage and control activities
- Public Place Permit: is issued by Victoria police and authorises the holder to use or carry a firearm in public places in specific circumstances
- Sporting Shooters Association of Australia
- Farmer Assist The SSAA Farmer Assist program has been developed to provide farmers and landholders with a simple way of finding qualified SSAA members to undertake shooting as part of pest control and/or conservation activities
- Australian Deer Association
Foxes
Foxes are pest animals and cause harm to native wildlife and other animals. Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for information on managing foxes
There is currently a Victorian Government fox bounty program in place.
Indian mynas
Indian mynas are an introduced bird species in Australia that have adapted to and thrive in urban areas.
They have a significant impact on our environment due to:
- aggression towards native bird species
- displacement of native animals from their nests
- altering building structures by blocking pipes and gutters with nest materials (including rubbish) and droppings that can spread disease
- harassment of household pests
Indian myna control on private land is the responsibility of the landholder.
For more information about what you can do, head to Northern Bendigo Landcare group website.
More information and resources
MynaScan – A free online tool to record sightings, roosts, and impacts of Indian mynas
RSPCA Victoria – Indian mynas – Information on impacts and humane management
Community control groups - Community led groups providing education and resources
Cardinia’s Gardens for wildlife program – Tips for planting native species to support local birds
Rabbits
In Victoria, feral or wild populations of European rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) are declared as established pest animals under the Catchment and Land Protection Act 1994 (CALP Act).
- Visit the Agriculture Victoria website for information on managing rabbits.
- The Victorian Rabbit Action Network run training and mentoring programs, deliver workshops on best-practice rabbit control, and support people and organisations to collaborate on rabbit action.
Wasps
Visit the bees and wasps page for more information.
Useful links
Contact
Contact Council’s Land Management Officer, who can provide land management advice, including information on resources and grants.
Ph: 1300 787 624
Email: mail@cardinia.vic.gov.au