East Gippsland Water will begin a targeted wildlife control program across several of its water recycling farms between May and July, a move that has drawn criticism from animal welfare advocates, wildlife carers and some nearby landholders.
The program will be carried out at East Gippsland Water-owned properties at Bruces Track, Kalimna West; Reynolds Road, Metung; and Barkhill Road, Paynesville.
According to East Gippsland Water, significant populations of deer, kangaroos and foxes are causing ongoing damage to pasture, fencing, access tracks, neighbouring properties and areas of environmental significance, with the organisation stating it has a legal responsibility as land manager to address the impacts.
In a letter to nearby residents, the authority said the control program would be undertaken by qualified professionals under strict animal welfare and safety requirements. Residents have been advised they may notice increased night-time activity, with signage to be placed around property boundaries. The sites will remain closed to the public during the program.
The initiative has prompted backlash from some in the community, including wildlife carers and animal welfare advocates, who have questioned the population estimates and justification for the program. One opponent claimed figures used in permit applications had been overstated, arguing local photographic evidence did not support reported numbers or levels of damage attributed to kangaroos.
Concerns have also been raised about the proximity of the control areas to wildlife shelters, with some opponents stating animals that have previously been rehabilitated and released by carers could be affected.
Wildlife carers have also been praised by critics of the program for their ongoing volunteer work, with calls for greater recognition and support for their efforts.
Opponents are calling for greater transparency, an independent review of wildlife population data and a pause on the program while concerns are investigated.
East Gippsland Water managing director Michael Wandmaker said the organisation understood the issue was sensitive and acknowledged community concern regarding wildlife welfare.
“We, like our community, care deeply about the welfare of wildlife and the environment,” Mr Wandmaker said.
He said the properties were previously leased to private farmers who managed wildlife impacts as part of standard agricultural operations, but East Gippsland Water now held direct responsibility after bringing the farms back under its own management.
The sites are used for wastewater treatment and reuse through land irrigation systems, with cattle already operating on some properties and planned for others as part of recycled-water farming operations.
Mr Wandmaker said monitoring had identified overgrazing, reduced fodder production, fence damage and soil disturbance linked to high wildlife numbers, warning that without intervention the impacts would continue to worsen.
East Gippsland Water said the program had been approved under permits issued by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action following site inspections and assessment of documented impacts.
Under the permits, sambar deer — classified as an invasive species — will be targeted for removal, while kangaroo numbers will be reduced under strict conditions applying to protected native wildlife.
Mr Wandmaker said the work would be undertaken by licensed and accredited professionals using approved humane control methods in accordance with Victorian legislation and codes of practice.
“Animals are individually targeted and there is no indiscriminate shooting,” he said.
Carcasses will be managed in line with permit requirements to minimise environmental and public health risks.
East Gippsland Water maintains the program is currently the only effective short-term option available to reduce environmental damage and protect infrastructure and surrounding land, with operations to occur mainly at night to minimise disruption to residents.
