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Kangaroo control to commence in ACT grasslands and woodlands

The cull of up to 1890 kangaroos is needed to maintain kangaroo populations at appropriate levels

The ACT Government wishes to advise that areas within the Canberra Nature Park will be closed from 6 pm Saturday 19 June 2010 to 6 pm Saturday 31 July 2010 to allow for the controlled culling of over-abundant Eastern Grey Kangaroos.

The sites to be closed are Callum Brae Nature Reserve, Crace Nature Reserve, Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve, Jerrabomberra West Nature Reserve, Kama Nature Reserve, Mount Painter Nature Reserve, Mulligan's Flat Nature Reserve and unleased territory land adjacent to Kama Nature Reserve.

"The cull of up to 1890 kangaroos is needed to maintain kangaroo populations at appropriate levels to protect the integrity of ecosystems, several of which contain endangered flora and fauna," said Director, Parks, Conservation and Lands, Russell Watkinson. "The numbers to be culled have been based on kangaroo counts in each location.

"Ensuring the grasslands and woodlands are not overgrazed will protect threatened species and ecosystems, provide habitat for creatures such as ground-feeding birds, prevent excessive soil loss and maintain sustainable numbers of kangaroos."

Mr Watkinson said the kangaroos will be humanely culled by experienced marksmen.

"The cull will be conducted according to a strict Code of Practice that has the endorsement of all relevant authorities including the RSPCA. Rangers and security staff have been engaged to patrol the areas to ensure the safety of the public with warning signs also being installed at all entry points to the reserves.

"The cull is part of the recently released Kangaroo Management Plan which sets out the ACT Government's approach to managing the environmental, economic and social impacts of kangaroos to ensure their numbers are maintained at a sustainable level into the future.

"In some cases the cull is a follow-up to one undertaken last year in sites recommended by the Commissioner for Sustainability and the Environment's report on the Inquiry into Lowland Grasslands in the ACT. The cull is also taking place in grassy woodland sites where research monitoring indicates overgrazing by kangaroos is having a detrimental impact."