The introduction of a new commercial kangaroo zone in Central Western New South Wales has resulted in only a trickle of applications, according to a media spokesperson for the Department of Environment and Climate Change.
Department of Environment and Climate Change (DECC) North West Director Joshua Gilroy said the Kangaroo Management Plan 2007-2011 allowed for the creation of new zones.
“The new area covers the former Rural Lands Protection Boards (RLPB) of Mudgee/Merriwa and Hunter,” Mr Gilroy said.
“The request for the new commercial zone was requested by the RLPBs in these areas.
“Following consideration of the submissions, DECC conducted an aerial survey to estimate kangaroo numbers in the area.
“The survey estimated over one million eastern grey kangaroos in the area’s 70,000 square kilometres - which is a large enough population to be able to sustain a conservative harvest for commercial purposes.
“There is a substantial number of kangaroos already being shot in the area for crop and pasture damage mitigation, whose carcasses cannot then be used for commercial purposes.
“The land covered by the new zone also includes significant refuge areas, with approximately 16 per cent of the area being reserves where commercial kangaroo shooting will still not be permitted.”
The DECC spokesperson said that anyone wanting information about the new commercial zone should call kangaroo management on 1300 173376.
In the past the commercial zone was over the Western part of the state, and the DECC said that while they did not have wider figures, it is estimated that the kangaroo population is higher than it was at the time of first settlement in 1788.
Some estimates put the national kangaroo population at 50 million.
Be wary and aware
The Australian Society for Kangaroos warns the public to be wary of illegal shooters requesting to kill kangaroos on properties.
“It is important that people know their rights and responsibilities when it comes to this industry,” Nikki Sutterby, co-ordinator with the Australian Society for Kangaroos, said.
“People have the right to protect native wildlife on their property and say no to shooters.”
Shooters must have professional harvester’s licences from DECC and landholders must also have a commercial occuper’s licence. Only one licensed professional shooter is allowed to shoot on any one property.
Ms Sutterby said a lot of people were opposed to the new zone, alleging that there had been no public consultation before it was approved. Ms Sutterby alleges the kangaroo industry is about pure profit and that our national symbol is being hunted down to make sports shoes and pet food.
Cooyal farmer supports commercial cull zone
Cooyal property owner John Webb welcomed the new commercial zone and said the kangaroo population on Cooyal Station was at the highest level he had ever seen.
“In the past local farmers were able to get tags to control the kangaroo population,” Mr Webb said.
“I have had tags in the past, but any roos shot were wasted as they could not be used commercially.
“The department has done the right thing, done a count and then opened the new commercial zone.
“Under the new zone the culling for crop protection in the new areas will mean that kangaroo carcasses will not be wasted.
“There are also controls in place where the commercial shooter has to be properly trained and licensed and can only operate on a property if he has tags, the property owner has a commercial occupier’s licence and is prepared to allow the shooter onto the property.
“Those who oppose the cull have no idea of the real world,” Mr Webb said.
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