Wallis Lake Feral Deer Control Program

⁠⁠⁠Overview

MidCoast Council (MCC) is seeking suitably experienced contractors to continue feral deer control activities under the Wallis Lake Feral Deer Control Program, reducing the impact of expanding Rusa deer (Cervus timorensis) populations and controlling their future expansion into urban areas, including Forster and Old Bar.

About

MidCoast Council, in cooperation with project partners including NSW Local Land Services, has been undertaking ground shooting of Rusa deer to reduce damage caused by expanding feral deer populations. The Wallis Lake Feral Deer Program commenced in 2022 through a funding partnership with NSW Local Land Services and has continued in various forms since.

The program initially used contractors for ground-shooting on Council-managed public land. Due to the cross-tenure nature of the program, this has expanded to include use of a boat to access islands and public foreshores, as well as ground-based shooting on private land with owner's permission. During this time, some 650 deer have been controlled across the combined target areas. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is also undertaking complementary ground shooting of Rusa deer in the target area on its land.

Scope

The scope includes:

• Undertaking a minimum of 11 nights of ground shooting within peri-urban areas of the program target area
• Deployment of two shooters per shift
• Use of thermal drone support during shooting operations

Additional shooting nights may be requested if Council successfully secures further funding during the contract period.

Contractor Requirements

• Suitable experience in feral deer control programs
• Capability to utilise advanced technologies and modern, efficient and safe approaches to ground shooting

Contract Terms and Conditions

• Contract term of 3 years, with the opportunity to extend
• Additional shooting nights may be added to the contract if Council secures additional funding during the contract period

Location

• Area: Wallis Lake target area, including Forster and Old Bar
• Map: View on Google Maps