MEPAAW Deer Roadshow
MEPAAW Deer Roadshow
Coordinating a regional approach to Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds in the NW
Taking Action -
MEPAAW-NW-02
The issue
The Managing Established Pest Animals and Weeds (MEPAAW) program saw Landcare NSW engaged by NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) to facilitate the delivery of workshops and activities aimed at increasing landholder uptake of best practice management of invasive species. Project partners from across the region were engaged by Pest Lures to workshop activities and deliverables in Narrabri on November 6, 2018. On 4 Feb, Pest Lures distributed a Post-Workshop Package which included a MEPAAW Activities Worksheet, outlining the eligible activities and deliverables. On 7 Feb, LLC's were asked by NSW Landcare to submit EOI's by 15 Feb to address delivery of the eligible activities. On 8 Mar, NSW Landcare advised LLC's of the outcomes of their EOI including the funded amount available to deliver and complete reporting on MEPAAW activities, by 31 May 2019.
The solution
Tamworth Regional and Northern Slopes Landcare Associations collaboratively developed a plan to deliver the key MEPAAW activities identified for the NW. This included the hot regional topic of feral deer, which have become an emerging widespread pest animal issue across the eastern seaboard. To address this issue, a roadshow was developed involving a series of half day workshops in 4 targeted towns in the region. NW LLS provided advice on priority townships based on local deer issues (Willow Tree, Somerton, Bingara and Narrabri). Deer ID and control expert Stuart Boyd-Law was recommended by NSW DPI and was engaged to deliver the main component of the workshops, and dates selected to fit within the project deadline of 31 May around his availability (29 April - 2 May). NW LLS Biosecurity Officer Dave Lindsay also presented.
Topics covered included - deer species identification - signs of deer presence in the paddock/bush on your property - control options - who to contact for advice on control and up-to-date regulations and legislation in your local area - how to maintain your general biosecurity duty in regards to deer sightings and incursions - and how they compare to other key pest animal species also prevalent throughout the region.
The impact
The workshops were packed with informative, relevant information delivered by local experts.
38 people from across NW NSW attended the roadshow. Participant numbers were low due to overlap with school holidays, Easter and ANZAC day public holiday periods and limited time to promote during the short delivery timeframe. All participants recorded positive feedback and improved knowledge of invasive species management. Networking opportunities from the roadshow were a significant positive outcome for both presenters and attendees.
Key facts
- The workshops were packed with informative, relevant information delivered by local experts.
- All participants recorded positive feedback and improved knowledge of invasive species management.
- Networking opportunities and engaging with expert advice were highlights.