The Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) Livestock Group is calling for urgent Government action on unmanageable kangaroo populations with the Kangaroo Pet Food Trial due to expire on 31 March.
“With only four days of the trial to go, we are calling on the Victorian Government to take urgent action to ensure the proper management of kangaroos beyond the end of the month,” said Mr Leonard Vallance, VFF Livestock Group President.
“Months have passed and we have seen no action or response from the Government. Beyond the tramlines of Melbourne we have a significant problem which Government decision makers are completely silent on.
“The end of this week marks the end of the first 100 days of the new Government. They seem to have gone missing when it comes to agriculture.
“We have asked repeatedly for the release of the results of the 2018 kangaroo aerial survey, which was commissioned by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning,” he said. “The Department has had the results for weeks, yet they remain unwilling to engage or to share the report.
“The Government needs to take action so the burden of kangaroo control and waste management does not fall solely on the shoulders of private landholders. The kangaroo pet food trial was an effective system for farmers and shooters to sustainably manage kangaroo populations and reduce waste.
“We have reached out to both Ministers D’Ambrosio and Symes, to seek urgent action to implement a permanent system so kangaroos can continue to be sustainably managed.
“If nothing is done before the end of the week, the Premier will need to nominate sites around the State where legally culled kangaroo waste can be deposited so it is not left to rot on private land and attract feral pests and disease,” said Mr Vallance.
Media Contacts:
Leonard Vallance, VFF Livestock Group President, 0417 551 547
Heather Smillie, Stakeholder, Media & Communications Officer, 0400 874 589