Hi All,
Today the Government released the report my independent office prepared on the ACT Lowland Native Grassland Investigation.
The Report can be downloaded from our website http://www.envcomm.act.gov.au/investigations_and_consultation/investigation
I will be available on and off over the next few days to chat if you have any comments or questions on my report.
Max Cooper
ED – Simon Corbell’s media release on this is online noting the need to manage kangaroo populations in order to preserve the native grasses.
The RSPCA also had this to say:
- The RSPCA has been expecting the release of this report for some time. We understand that the report makes a number of recommendations some of which pertain to the management of kangaroos in the ACT, including on Defence land at the Majura Training Area. We look forward to reading the report and providing a response to the ACT government.
CEO of RSPCA ACT Michael Linke said “For too long, we have seen an ad hoc approach to the management of kangaroo populations in the ACT, which has not taken account of animal welfare. Instead of this, the RSPCA wants a long-term strategic management program in place, where kangaroo populations (and their associated impact on the environment) are managed through humane control measures. Where the welfare of kangaroos is already compromised, this may require initial reductions in numbers through culling, but in the long term, kangaroo populations should not be allowed to build up to unsustainable levels. The welfare of animals must be a priority in any decision-making process regarding wildlife management in the ACT.”
The RSPCA has already urged the Defence Department to develop national guidelines for the management of overabundant macropods on Defence property. We hope the report is a practical step towards addressing these problems.
Note: Ultimately the responsibility and decision surrounding the management of wild animals lies with the landholder. Landholders apply for licences routinely to manage animals on their land. The RSPCA is not involved in this process. Occasionally, the RSPCA is contacted by government landholders to provide advice regarding the control of kangaroos. Where appropriate, the RSPCA advises on the animal welfare implications of control measures, but this should not be taken as a general endorsement of these measures.
The ACT government’s recently released code of practise for the management of kangaroos goes a long way to addressing many of these issues.