Golf club forced into embarrassing backflip over pledge to kill native animals
A Tasmanian golf club has abandoned plans to cull native wildlife causing damage to lawns after backlash from the public, including actor Russell Crowe.
The Launceston Golf Club had been granted permission from the state's Department of Primary Industries, Parks, Water and Environment (DPIPWE) to cull species including ducks, possums, native hens and wallabies because of their excessive droppings.
Neighbours received a letter from the club stating the cull would take place for a "limited time" from May 1, but residents argued they they were not consulted, according to The Examiner.
The move to kill the native animals was criticised by wildlife carers and locals, who claimed they hadn't been properly informed.
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Norwood resident Sarah Bryan was one of the neighbours who received the letter.
She told The Examiner she called the golf club's general manager to inquire about the planned cull, which he told her came after reports of excessive animal faeces on the green.
She reportedly followed this up with DPIPWE and was told the permits were granted due to damage to the grounds and large populations. But the resident said neither she or her father have never noticed this in their years of living in the area.
"Yeah there's poo on the golf green, but it's not enough to disrupt anyone playing," she told The Examiner.
Australian actor Russell Crowe also hit out at the proposed culling on the weekend, tweeting: "Unacceptable. In glorious Tasmania of all places".
Unacceptable.
In glorious Tasmania of all places.
Launceston Golf Club's native animal cull under fire from wildlife carers, locals - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) https://t.co/G8MOZ0Ufhb— Russell Crowe (@russellcrowe) May 4, 2019
Backlash forces club to reconsider
On Monday, the club released a statement saying it had reconsidered the decision to cull that was slated to begin last week.
"The board of the Launceston Golf Club has re-considered a recent decision to reduce native wildlife on the course and will not be proceeding with action proposed to start on May 1," the statement reads.
"Whilst at all times the club has complied with the relevant regulating body's guidelines, the club acknowledges the strength of negative public opinion regarding this matter," it said.
"The club has always endeavoured to ensure a sustainable level of native fauna on the property while maintaining a championship golf course along with its infrastructure."
- with AAP
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