Nature reserves re-open to public following implementation of kangaroo management plan


Released 06/07/2017

The ACT Government advises that all reserves that had been closed for the annual kangaroo conservation cull will re-open to the public today.

The sites are Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve, Mount Majura Nature Reserve and adjacent territory land, Kama Nature Reserve, Mount Painter Nature Reserve and adjacent territory land, The Pinnacle Nature Reserve and adjacent unleased land, Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserves, Callum Brae Nature Reserve, East Jerrabomberra Grasslands, West Jerrabomberra Nature Reserve, Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve and Googong Foreshores. The sites had been closed since 17 May 2017.

“The kangaroo management program plays a critical role in protecting grasslands and woodlands. Ensuring these sites are not overgrazed protects threatened species and ecosystems, provides habitat for creatures such as lizards and ground-feeding birds and prevents excessive soil loss whilst still maintaining sustainable numbers of kangaroos,” said Director, Parks and Conservation, Daniel Iglesias.

“The completion of culling activities means species at risk such as the grassland earless dragon, striped legless lizard and pink-tailed worm lizard will continue to have the vegetation they need to co-exist with kangaroos. Other species such as ground-dwelling birds will be favoured by the protection grass cover can provide.

“A total of 2,592 kangaroos have been culled as part of the ACT Government’s ongoing program to protect our grassland and woodland sites from overgrazing. The vast majority of these kangaroos – 1406 – were culled in Googong Foreshores in NSW.

“Googong Foreshores contains a number of threatened ecological communities and plant and animal species. It forms part of a corridor of relatively intact vegetation extending from the Tinderry Range to the north-eastern ACT so this cull will help protect the area and the ACT’s water supply.

"Culling of overabundant kangaroos is currently the most humane method of population control available to the ACT Government as a responsible land manager. However a research trial is currently underway into the use of a fertility control vaccine as a potential non-lethal approach to eastern grey kangaroo management. Preliminary results are looking positive, with more results expected towards the end of the year.”

Mr Iglesias said the cull was undertaken without incident.

“Many of these sites are challenging in that they are small reserves located on the urban fringe. It is a credit to the professionalism of the contractors and staff from ACT Parks and Conservation Service who were able to deliver the work safely and effectively,” Mr Iglesias said.

“We are pleased to be able to announce the early re-opening of the reserves and thank the public for their understanding and cooperation while the reserves have been closed.

“The cull was undertaken humanely in accordance with a strict Code of Practice. The ACT Government chief veterinary officer and an independent veterinarian undertook spot checks during the program to ensure operational compliance with the Code of Practice.

“We also used 296 (11.5%) of the culled kangaroos to make baits to use in our wild dog and fox control programs.”

- Statement ends -

ACT Environment, Planning and Sustainable Development Directorate | Media Releases

Media Contacts

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Geoff Virtue

(02) 6205 0312

0401 766 218

Geoff.Virtue@act.gov.au


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