By Callum Ludwig
A concerned resident of the Yarra Valley is seeking clarity on the culling of kangaroos, arguing more should be done to monitor harvesters and prevent cruelty against the native icon.
Susan White has been an advocate for the wellbeing of kangaroos for years, including solo protesting on the steps of Victorian parliament.
Ms White said she thinks there should be staff from DEECA (the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action) out monitoring the shooting and harvesting process.
“This has to happen, it’s very important, some of these shooters really should not be in possession of any of these permits, these permits should not be given out like lollies,” she said.
“Not enough investigation and care is taken to make sure they’re going to the right people that want to do the right thing.”
The Yarra Ranges has had its fair share of contentious kangaroo kills in recent memory;
Save the Kinley Kangas, which would later become the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance, was formed in 2020 after public outcry at the news that a kangaroo population at the Kinley Estate were going to be shot
Chirnside Park residents reported witnessing a number of dead and injured kangaroos left near the Heritage Golf and Country Club after holding protests to request the club call off a planned cull in 2021
A Chirnside Park resident discovered the remains of about 20 kangaroos only 500 metres from homes on Victoria Road in December 2021, left behind and not attempted to be buried after an authorised cull
One kangaroo was dead and another injured after being shot with arrows in Healesville in June 2022
Five kangaroos were found deceased by a Healesville resident near the Maroondah Highway and Airlie Road intersection in September this year.
A Victorian Government spokesperson said the Victorian Government regulates commercial kangaroo harvesting to balance animal welfare considerations and environmental sustainability.
“Harvesting must be sustainable, humane, and only undertaken by authorised professional harvesters in accordance with annual quotas set through the Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan and a national code of practice,” they said.
“The Game Management Authority assesses all allegations of illegal behaviour through the Kangaroo Harvesting Program and takes enforcement action where necessary.”
Instances of suspected cruelty by a commercial kangaroo harvester, operating under the Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP), are investigated by and should be reported to the Game Management Authority (GMA) by calling 136 186 or by visiting the GMA website via www.gma.vic.gov.au/enforcement/report-illegal-hunting-online.
However, instances of other wildlife crime are investigated by the Conservation Regulator, which is also responsible for the Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) system where land managers can apply for an authorisation to cull and control kangaroos on their own property. If someone suspects wrongdoing of someone who is not a commercial harvester, they can make a report to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 and can remain anonymous if they choose.
Anyone caught hunting or destroying kangaroos without authorisation, either under the KHP or ATCW systems, faces maximum penalties of more than $9,870 and/or six months in jail per charge. These penalties can be increased if offences are identified under Prevention of Cruelty to Animals legislation.
Authorised KHP harvesters can also only operate on private property with the permission of the landowner and the authorisation process includes imposing strict conditions to prevent cruelty towards kangaroos based on existing animal cruelty legislation which outlaws practices such as wounding, overworking or tormenting, overcrowding, abandonment and poisoning.
In 2024, the kangaroo harvesting quota began at 155,650 before being revised to 142,350, including a final total of 43,900 kangaroos in the Central Harvest Zone which includes the Yarra Ranges. From 2025 to 2028, the Yarra Ranges has been relocated to the Gippsland Harvest Zone.
According to the 2024-2028 Victorian Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan, authorised officers actively monitor compliance by conducting inspections of kangaroos taken by commercial authorisation holders and follow-up reports in cases of non-compliance and by conducting in-field audits of harvesters to observe dispatching of kangaroos, both adult and young at foot, to ensure compliance with the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes.
Harvesters competency is validated by ensuring they have a valid firearms proficiency accreditation which includes an accuracy test undertaken every 5 years, have completed a recognised Game Harvester competency program and have an appropriately licenced harvest vehicle with PrimeSafe.
More information on the KHP can be viewed at: dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/vic-kangaroo-harvest-management-plan-2024-28.pdf.
