Released 05/09/2025
Six Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies have been released from quarantine into the Jedbinbilla Safe Haven within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Minister for City and Government Services Tara Cheyne said the wallabies will join Tidbinbilla’s existing protected population of wallabies as part of the reserve’s breeding program.
“The Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby is critically endangered, and its survival depends on captive breeding programs like the one in Tidbinbilla,” Minister Cheyne said.
“Only a few safe havens exist for this species. These are critical for providing insurance against extinction and a source of genetically robust animals for reintroductions.
“The 6 wallabies released into Jedbinbilla today were flown into the ACT from Victoria on 1 August 2025 where they completed a mandatory 30-day quarantine period. This quarantine period is now complete, and all wallabies have had a thorough vet check and are healthy and ready to integrate safely with our existing wallaby population.
“Tidbinbilla also provided 2 wallabies to Mt Rothwell Sanctuary to complement the genetic diversity of the Odonata population, allowing both populations to benefit by the introduction of unique genes.“
By increasing the genetic diversity in these populations, we help improve the likelihood of producing a population that will thrive and adapt to challenges, like a changing climate. It’s our intention that when this population is large enough, we will be able to re-introduce these animals into the ACT – to put them back into the wild where they belong.
“This exchange of wallabies with our interstate partners really demonstrates the value of these captive breeding programs in helping to protect these species from extinction.
“I thank they entire recovery team for their valuable partnership in protecting these marsupials for future generations and look forward to working together in the future,” said Minister Cheyne.
For more information about the captive Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby breeding program and Jedbinbilla Safe Haven, visit the Tidbinbilla website.
Quotes attributable to Matt Singleton, Chief Operating Officer, Odonata Foundation:
"This achievement is the result of a collaborative effort of the Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Recovery Team, drawing on decades of dedicated research, breeding, and land management. It reflects the persistence and commitment of many partners who have worked tirelessly to bring the species to this exciting stage, where genuine recovery is now within reach."
Quotes attributable to Marc Perri and Richard Hill, Co-Chairs of the Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby Recovery Team:
"The establishment of Jedbinbilla is a key component of the Recovery Team’s strategic plan to insure the captive population of this species across three independent sites. This safe haven is essential for the next phase of recovery – translocating safe have animals into previously occupied natural habitat across southeast Australia."
- Statement ends -
Tara Cheyne, MLA | Media Releases