Reserve closures during Eastern Grey Kangaroo Management Program

Released 06/06/2023

Six reserves across the ACT will be closed in June and July to allow the ACT’s Kangaroo Management Program to be safely delivered.

The ACT’s Conservator of Flora and Fauna Bren Burkevics said the Kangaroo Management Program iscritical to protect the ACT’s threatened natural temperate grasslands and grassy woodlands from overgrazing by kangaroos.

"The ACT’s natural temperate grasslands are some of the best quality in Australia but are sadly one of the most endangered ecological communities with only about 0.5% remaining in good condition,” Mr Burkevics said.

“These grasslands and grassy woodlands provide habitat and protection to a wide range of plants and animals that are local to Canberra some of which are on the road to extinction if these ecosystems are overgrazed and become degraded.”

Leading scientists and land managers with decades of experience in ecology, land management, and kangaroo management have calculated an operational target of 1,042 kangaroos are to be removed across five priority reserves in 2023. This target is lower than previous years due to good rainfall and the effects of previous kangaroo management programs.

“I am pleased that for a second year the use of GonaCon Immunocontraceptive Vaccine will be a key part of the Kangaroo Management Program and over time is expected to lower but not eliminate the requirement for kangaroos to be culled.”

The following reserves will be formally closed under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 from Monday 12 June to 31 July during the times and days listed below. All closures will be clearly signposted and monitored for illegal trespassing.

To reassure the Canberra community that the Kangaroo Management Program is conducted by appointed conservation officers and professional contractors to the highest standards of animal welfare and public safety, the 2023 program will be subject to a compliance audit by an independent veterinarian with the results to be made available to the public.

“I respect that the Kangaroo Management Program is a confronting topic but acknowledge that a December 2022 survey of Canberrans revealed that 76% of those interviewed believed the culling of kangaroos is appropriate under certain circumstances, and 66% are supportive of kangaroo culling for the conservation of grassland and woodland animals.”

“I thank all Canberrans for their cooperation and understanding during the reserve closures to allow this important conservation program to be delivered to ensure that the ACT’s grasslands and woodland remain vibrant and resilient,” said Mr Burkevics.

The ACT Government makes comprehensive information available about the kangaroo management on the Environment ACT website.

- Statement ends -

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