THE introduction of endangered eastern barred bandicoots to French Island remains uncertain after a proposed vote by islanders last weekend was abandoned.

The island community will now consider a trial introduction of same-sex animals, an idea proposed by the Department of Sustainability and Environment minutes before Saturday's meeting arranged by the community association.

The trial, which would take about 12 months, would be held in a fenced area of Parks Victoria land using bandicoots fitted with radio-controlled collars to monitor movements and eating locations.

Islanders have been debating the bandicoots' proposed release since an approach about a year ago by Richard Hill of DSE's endangered species unit.

Association president Dave Visser said Saturday's meeting became an information day after the department put forward the option of a trial release of up to 30 animals. He described the meeting as "good", with up to 30 residents hearing a panel of experts debate the controversial introduction.

"We'll take each step as it comes," said Mr Visser, indicating a cautious approach by the island community.

"Some islanders are very concerned, so we'll keep getting more and more information."

The DSE considers French Island ideal for eastern barred bandicoots, which are almost extinct in Victoria, although there is no evidence the cute-looking,

rabbit-sized marsupial ever inhabited

the island.

The island is free of the animal's keenest predator, the fox, and there has been a concerted effort to wipe out another killer, the feral cat.

The majority of the estimated 150 eastern barred bandicoots surviving are found in four reintroduction sites across western Victoria, near Hamilton, or in the captive breeding program led by Melbourne Zoo.