“As a resident of Lake Cathie for over 20 years I have witnessed first-hand the impacts of the increasing feral deer population,” Mrs Williams said.

“Notwithstanding the NSW Government’s most recent intervention to cull numbers, I am fearful that the current population if left uncontrolled and unclassified will lead to further vehicle accidents, and sadly the potential loss of life or severe injury as drivers attempt to evade the species on our rural and regional roads.

‘I acknowledge the work of the North Coast Local Land Services and in particular thedevelopment of the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy which outlines a framework to prioritise actions to humanely euthanise and manage the deer population for the safety and welfare of community members and the protection of endangered ecological species.

‘While the Hastings Wild Deer Management Strategy and the Port Macquarie-Hastings Council plan has resulted in some reduction in deer numbers in our community, it is paramount that we continue to remain on the front foot to ensure deer numbers do not overwhelmingly increase.

Mrs Williams said she will stand by her community to continue to denounce this feral pest and is calling on the Government to consider ways to ensu'@re landholders can more effectively manage the deer population.

‘As well as raising the issue in Parliament I will continue to meet with the Minister to implore him to take action to support the community when it comes to dealing with the

ongoing damage and destruction caused by the deer,’ Mrs Williams said.

The full speech by the Hon Leslie Williams can be found by Clicking Here