Farmers call for roo control

Victoria’s peak farming body has called on the State Government to commercialise a 2014 kangaroo petfood trial to ensure ‘sensible and effective’ kangaroo population control.

Victorian Farmers Federation Livestock Group president Leonard Vallance said the kangaroo pet food trial was ‘clearly’ successful as an effective system for sustainably managing kangaroo populations and reducing waste.

He said Victorian Environment Minister Lily D’ambrosio needed to implement a kangaroo-harvesting framework based on evidence her department gathered in the trial and a 2018 kangaroo aerial survey.

“These important decisions need to be made based on objective evidence, not an emotional knee-jerk reaction,” Mr Vallance said.

“Victoria is the only state in Australia without an approved management plan for commercial kangaroo and wallaby harvesting.

“Implementing a framework will increase transparency and provide certainty for government, shooters and farmers.”

Mr Vallance said he believed Victoria’s kangaroo population had ‘exploded’ well beyond a natural level in recent years and was having a serious impact on agricultural businesses and the welfare of the kangaroos themselves.

“I’ve been inundated with calls from members who have lost pasture and crops, and had fences ruined by large numbers of kangaroos,” he said.

“We’re also concerned the large number of kangaroos on our roads reduces road safety and threatens human lives.

“Furthermore, we’ve heard shocking stories of emaciated, skinny kangaroos in overpopulated areas. This is a genuine animal welfare concern that needs to be addressed.

“We have a great opportunity to sensibly and sustainably manage the kangaroo population, reduce damage to our farms, reduce waste in the system and support a viable business.”

“We have a great opportunity to sensibly and sustainably manage the kangaroo population, reduce damage to our farms, reduce waste in the system and support a viable business” – Leonard Vallance