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Discussion started on pilot program to allow commercial processing of Gippsland wild deer for donation to food charities

Motion urging government discussions for a pilot program allowing the commercial processing of wild venison for donation to food charities. Clear dialogue and universal clarity are crucial for effective implementation and community benefit.

By news@gippsland - 15th November 2023 - Back to News

I am pleased to put the Nationals and the Liberals names on this particular motion by Mr Bourman, motion 239 on the notice paper today. I would like to start by addressing the problem and the issue that Mr Bourman has raised, and that is food insecurity and the ever-increasing need and struggle for everyday Victorians to put food on their table. As Mr Bourman has said, this is not the catch-all solution to this problem, but it is certainly worth investigating on merit.

Regulations oversee deer control, including PrimeSafe's role in regulating wild deer processing, highlighting the need for purposeful use post-culling

Food support challenges

When we look at Foodbank Victoria - it has been quoted before and I would like to do so and put on record my sincere thanks to David McNamara and all of his team right across Victoria for the amazing work they do to support individuals and families who are struggling to put food on the table.

David McNamara recently said, in 2023, 'This is the worst I've seen in 15 years.' There are many programs, and we certainly know the importance of those outreach programs and food distribution centres. I acknowledge that the current government made a commitment to a Foodbank distribution centre in the Latrobe Valley back in 2018. I think only now we are seeing advertising for that food distribution centre, so five years later it is coming on - much needed.

Latrobe Valley food challenges

Let us look at some of the statistics around food poverty. We see in the Latrobe Valley, for example, 66 percent of the population identified that they are experiencing food insecurity, with hunger nearly double that of the state average. Any average above zero is tragic, but Latrobe Valley is certainly experiencing that in manifold ways.

We know that at the Morwell Neighbourhood House 25 people present every single day to use the food pantry and support services. We know that the Enjoy Church, which is also based in Morwell, provides the Re.store pantry, and they have seen an exponential growth in use of the service over even the last two years. They partner with Foodbank Victoria to supply over 200 families and individuals at the open shop that they hold every month.

Food insecurity impact

We see that Wellington shire and the food pantry there are now delivering to 100 families, both in Yarram and Golden Beach. We see that in Bass Coast a recent survey provided evidence that nearly 10 percent of adults experience food insecurity - 'with hunger' was the question - and that is almost three times the state average. The proportion of parents who rely on unhealthy but low-cost food - here is the thing, low-cost food - was 23 per cent, nearly 24 per cent, which is double the state's average.

So we can really see the bite that is sincerely affecting many people in Victoria. We also know that the manager of PICAL at Phillip Island has been relating to us that the cost-of-living pressures on those households' budgets mean that food insecurity is gaining more and more, and I could go on.

I will just digress slightly from the motion but keep on the issue in relation to counselling. Of course when people come in and request some support and request counselling, they just cannot meet the cost of bills; costs are exceeding income. We know that the Financial Counselling Victoria service has requested from the current government $1.5 million to provide 300 financial counsellors in addition to their 300 that already exist across the state.

Deer impact analysis

Now, these people do an amazing job, and it shows the absolute need in our regions, so we would support that in its entirety. To the deer - and deer are nature's survivors, without a doubt. They were introduced as a species. Victoria is paradise to deer, and we have seen that their number has grown from, once upon a time, a few thousand to now over 1 million. This has a cost.

It has an environmental cost, it has a social cost, it has a cultural cost and it has an economic cost. To drill down into some of those costs, indeed a report released by Frontier Economics last year talks about a cost of $1.5 billion to $2 billion over the next 30 years unless we can control our deer population.

Particularly now driving around Gippsland, as we do, many of the car yards and the panelbeaters deal with the effects of the deer population, and it can be quite damaging and very dangerous for people to drive our roads, not only at dawn and dusk but at other times.

Diverse deer impact

We know that socially deer can have a serious impact on the peri-urban areas. Not only are they just in the highlands in Gippsland, now they are encroaching on those peri-urban areas surrounding Melbourne as well as our regional towns. They certainly can destroy fences, and as I have said, they have a very serious implication for road safety.

Culturally, we know that they can impact soil and damage sensitive native plant species, and they certainly can attack cultural sites. Economically, they are grazing on crops and grazing on pastures, orchards, vineyards and market gardens. They are survivors, and they will do anything that they need to to survive.

We have seen that in recent times. Post the fires we have seen around 4000 deer culled, so there are not only the recreational hunters but there is also the culling of deer and what to do with that meat, and that is the subject of our debate today.

Parks' deer management

One of the concerns that my Eastern Victoria colleague the member for Gippsland East Tim Bull has raised on a number of occasions is the fact that when Parks Victoria has employed shooters, some of the time - and these are all licensed, professional shooters - there have been incidents where they have shot deer on the edge of Lake Tyers in East Gippsland.

These are pristine waters used for holiday-makers and fishers to a great extent, yet these culled deer are being left to disintegrate in full view. Not only is this an amenity issue but it is also a health issue with that degradation of those lovely waters. We call on the government, when it is implementing these culling programs, to make sure that it is doing it in a responsible way.

The department's own environmental guidelines talk about 'target animals will not be controlled near waterways' et cetera, and Parks Victoria says that shooters will avoid shooting on wetlands and waterways. Let us make sure that that is implemented and we do not see that continue.

Deer control discussion

There is a whole raft of regulations that surround and include the deer control strategy, which was implemented in 2020. One of the current regulations that we see is that PrimeSafe regulates the commercial processing of wild deer for human and also pet food, which is a separate discussion and an important one to have. But it is necessary to look at what is going to be used with that culling. These deer are a problem in our environment and for our communities.

We certainly endorse the continued enjoyment of hunters to do recreational hunting, but once that meat is on the ground, how can it be purposefully used? I have identified the need, particularly in my Eastern Victoria electorate - the need is there. This is a pronged attack, this is not a total solution, but it has merit.

What I would say in relation to the motion is it calls on the government to commit to further discussions regarding the delivery of a pilot program to enable the commercial processing of wild venison and then donation to food charities - no problem there. Mr Bourman, I am sure, has had conversations with the government, but what we want to see is clarity across the board for - (Time expired)

Pictures from Australian Deer Association East Gippsland Branch Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Wellington Shire Council opposes mandatory fourth glass recycling bin, urging Victoria to allow council flexibility instead
  Wellington Shire Council has again urged the Victorian government to scrap mandatory household glass bins, citing costs, practicality and existing Container Deposit Scheme success while seeking greater flexibility for regional councils.
• Darren Chester met Latrobe Health Assembly representatives to discuss tackling youth food insecurity, poor nutrition and regional health priorities
  Gippsland MP Darren Chester is exploring funding for a Latrobe Valley initiative involving local health and education organisations to provide free healthy meals twice weekly, addressing student hunger, poor nutrition and wellbeing.
• The Nationals pledge weekly rubbish collection for Gippsland households to ease costs and improve waste services
  The Nationals have pledged weekly general rubbish collections across Gippsland, promising to review landfill levies and waste charges to reduce costs and ease pressure on families.
• The Nationals call for urgent public housing repairs as 147 Gippsland South properties remain vacant amid growing housing crisis
  The Nationals MP Danny O'Brien is calling for urgent repairs to 147 vacant public housing properties across Gippsland South, saying homes should be occupied amid the region's housing crisis.
• Darren Chester releases 2026 Age Pension Guide to help older Gippslanders navigate retirement support and services
  Federal Member for Gippsland Darren Chester has released his 2026 Age Pension Guide, providing older Gippslanders, pensioners, carers and families with information about pensions, concessions, aged care and government services.
• Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
  Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food.
• Darren Chester joins Annabel Crabb for locally sourced Gippsland feast on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet series
  Darren Chester will feature on ABC's Kitchen Cabinet with Annabel Crabb, showcasing Gippsland produce and locally sourced food when the episode airs August 25.
• Darren Chester praises Schoolworks’ Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar celebrating Gippsland authors, illustrators and community love of reading
  Federal Member Darren Chester praised Schoolworks Supplies for hosting The Big Bairnsdale Book Bazaar, featuring over 25 Gippsland authors and illustrators, free workshops, and celebrating local creativity, literacy and independent businesses.
• Wellington Shire Council backs West Sale Airport for proposed Gippsland Police Academy training campus
  Wellington Shire Council will advocate for a Gippsland Police Academy at West Sale Airport, citing existing infrastructure, the former TAFE campus, expansion capacity and potential regional jobs, investment and training opportunities.
• Victorian government funding to help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production, create jobs and boost housing supply
  Victorian government funding will help Drouin West Timber and Truss expand production with robotics, create six jobs, boost housing construction capacity and strengthen Gippsland's local building supply chain.
• Labor government boosts Latrobe Valley businesses with funding to strengthen supply chains, expand markets and support future growth
  The Carroll Labor government is funding six Latrobe Valley businesses to upgrade equipment, software and skills, strengthen supply chains and expand markets.
• Latrobe Mayor slams government's community safety funding decision, demands urgent support despite region's higher crime and social harm rates
  Latrobe Mayor Sharon Gibson has criticised the Victorian government for again excluding Latrobe from Community Connectors funding, despite higher crime, family violence and drug-related harm rates than funded metropolitan municipalities.
• Labor government criticised over regional childcare shortages, workforce gaps and red tape following parliamentary inquiry findings
  A Victorian parliamentary inquiry found regional childcare providers face severe workforce shortages, vacant places, growing waitlists and excessive red tape, with Melina Bath calling for stronger accountability and practical solutions.
• Traralgon Tyers interconnect begins, strengthening water supply reliability and resilience across four Gippsland towns for future regional growth
  Gippsland Water has begun construction on a 4.5-kilometre pipeline linking four towns to Traralgon’s water network, improving reliability, resilience, efficiency and capacity for future regional growth.
• Latrobe Regional Gallery unveils spring exhibitions celebrating place, culture, community, history and the natural world
  Latrobe Regional Gallery spring program features five exhibitions exploring Gippsland places, community, culture, history and nature, alongside Japanese traditions and contemporary artistic responses.
• Martin Cameron renews call for PSOs at Morwell and Moe Stations, citing rising Gippsland public transport crime figures
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron has renewed calls for PSOs at Morwell and Moe stations, citing a 49 percent increase in Gippsland public transport crime between 2021 and 2024.
• Dental experts warn Labor plan could worsen lengthy public dental waits for vulnerable Gippslanders across regional Victoria
  Dental experts warn Labor's proposed public dental expansion could worsen Gippsland wait times, with vulnerable residents already facing waits exceeding two years in some areas.
• Danny O'Brien says Nationals' Bill will strengthen agricultural land protections, safeguard and recognise Gippsland farms as strategic asset
  The Nationals' agricultural land Bill would strengthen protections for Gippsland farms, recognise agriculture as a strategic asset, require impact assessments and consultation, and ensure food security is considered before major developments.
• Parliamentary inquiry reveals CFA resource shortfalls after years of Labor neglect, leaving Gippsland communities increasingly vulnerable
  A Parliamentary inquiry has highlighted declining CFA volunteer numbers, ageing firefighting vehicles, workforce shortages and poor fuel management, prompting Nationals' Danny O'Brien to demand urgent action to protect Gippsland communities.
• The Nationals blame Labor government after 84 more jobs cut at Maryvale paper mill in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron blamed the Victorian Labor government after Opal announced 84 job cuts at Maryvale, arguing forestry policy and timber supply failures caused ongoing workforce losses.
• Darren Chester demands urgent Labor investment to fix dangerous Princes Highway and Gippsland arterial roads
  Darren Chester urged Labor governments to urgently fund Gippsland roads, citing dangerous conditions, poor maintenance and reduced investment while highlighting previous Coalition funding for highway and arterial road upgrades.
• Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
  Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3.
• Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
  Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities.
• Yarragon weekend escape offers country hospitality, local flavours, shopping and scenic West Gippsland adventures
  Yarragon offers an easy West Gippsland weekend escape from Melbourne, combining boutique shopping, local food and wine, scenic walks, galleries, markets and welcoming country accommodation.
• Local operators Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory take over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, bringing new food offering and fresh investment
  Samantha Holmes and Brett Savory have taken over Eagle Point Foreshore Hub, renaming its café The Nest, offering local produce, dining, takeaway and catering while supporting community connections.
• Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
  Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo.
• Darren Chester blames Labor-Greens timber shutdown as Maryvale Mill job losses hit Gippsland workers and families
  Federal MP Darren Chester says 84 more Maryvale Mill job losses stem from Labor-Greens forestry policies, urging state and federal governments to fund an economic transition plan for the Latrobe Valley.
• Councils begin planning for renewable energy growth across Wellington and South Gippsland communities
  Wellington and South Gippsland councils have begun a major renewable energy planning project, backed by $4.7 million, to prepare communities for future growth through housing, infrastructure, employment, services and economic development.
• Wellington Shire no-fee green waste disposal returns to support community preparedness on 17 October to 15 November 2026
  Wellington Shire free green waste disposal program returns October 17, helping residents reduce bushfire risks before summer, with extended access available at Loch Sport until November 30.
• Become a Great Southern rail trail passport collection point with other updates from the South Gippsland Shire Council
  South Gippsland Council seeks Rail Trail Passport collection points, announces a youth bravery award, Toora roadworks, grants, community events, transport updates, tenders, services and opportunities.
• Regional hospitals face staffing and funding pressures as new nurse-to-patient ratios take effect across Gippsland health services
  East Gippsland Shire Council is installing two louvered roofs at Bairnsdale Library, improving shade, weather protection and outdoor activities, with works expected to take two weeks.
• Six Latrobe Valley businesses receive funding to diversify, boost productivity and strengthen supply chains during economic transition
  Six Latrobe Valley businesses will receive funding through the Gippsland Supply Chain Resilience Program to improve productivity, purchase equipment, expand markets and strengthen supply chains amid regional economic transition.
• Wellington Shire Council secures $2M for road safety improvements across five Gippsland towns before mid-2027
  Wellington Shire Council has secured $2 million for road safety upgrades across Maffra, Stratford, Sale, Wurruk and Heyfield, with works beginning before Christmas and completion expected by mid-2027.