The issue has been raised with port Stephens council with the deer posing a potental risk to motorists.
I am saddened to read that a “humane” cull of the deer is appearing to be the solution in which the council sees appropriate.
There is nothing humane about culling and strongly believe this is not the correct course of action to take.

Deer culls are only a short term solution which require repeated slaughtering to ensure the deer numbers remain low.  The deer often respond to culls with increased fertility and as a repercussion further increase the deer population. This can also encourage other deer to relocate to the area thanks to the available food. There for In the long run the same issue will continue to arise and the cull will continue to fail in controlling deer population.

Culling is not humane.

We have seen this in the past as a result of the attempted cat cull along the Newcastle breakwall.
A licensed and expierenced external contractor was hired to safely, humanly and professionally cull the cats. Instead many were left scared, in pain and extremely badly injured. This can not be the answer to the problem. We must learn from others mistakes.

Far better alternative options are available to prevent the deer from potentially coming into contact with motorist.

Cost effective solutions include education for the public, install signs to warn motorists that deers are in the area and lower the speed limit.

Possibly the most effective technique to prevent vehicle and deer collisions is to install adequate fencing that will prevent the deer from coming into contact with the road and motorists .

Killing not the answer