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Canberra Today 16°/19° | Friday, March 29, 2024 | Digital Edition | Crossword & Sudoku

Cull time, but we don’t care, says survey

A SURVEY released today reveals the majority of  Canberra residents support the ACT Government’s policies on kangaroo culling and comes as the Government announces that a kangaroo cull will start tomorrow.

The controlled cull of Eastern Grey Kangaroos will take place at the Canberra Nature Park which will be closed from 6pm on Tuesday, May 22 to 6pm, Tuesday, June 12 .

“The cull of up to 2015 Eastern Grey Kangaroos is needed to maintain populations at appropriate levels to protect the integrity of ecosystems, several of which contain endangered flora and fauna,” director of parks and conservation Daniel Iglesias said.

“The numbers to be culled have been based on kangaroo counts in each location.

“Ensuring the grasslands and woodlands are not overgrazed will protect threatened species and ecosystems, provide habitat for creatures such as ground-feeding birds, prevent excessive soil loss and maintain sustainable numbers of kangaroos.”

Mr Iglesias said the kangaroos would be humanely culled by experienced marksmen.

“The cull will be conducted according to a strict Code of Practice that has the endorsement of all relevant authorities including the RSPCA. Rangers and security staff will patrol areas to ensure the safety of the public with warning signs also being installed at all entry points to the reserves,” he said.

Mr Iglesias said the survey, which was conducted in December 2011, shows Canberrans are conscious of the potential negative effects of kangaroos in the city with a high percentage of residents (79 per cent) supportive of kangaroo culling under some circumstances and 70 per cent supportive of culling for conservation of small grassland and woodland animals; an increase from 59 per cent in the previous survey undertaken in 2008.

“The results show good support for the ACT Government’s policies on controlling numbers of kangaroos for conservation of our native grasslands and the threatened animals that live in them,” he said.

“The survey found that ACT residents are generally satisfied or neutral regarding the Government’s management of kangaroos. The highest level of dissatisfaction is in regards to the removal of carcasses (25 per cent) and efforts to reduce road incidents (18 per cent).”

The sites to be closed for the kangaroo cull are Callum Brae Nature Reserve, Crace Nature Reserve, Goorooyaroo Nature Reserve, Jerrabomberra West Nature Reserve, Kama Nature Reserve, Mt Painter Nature Reserve, Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, The Pinnacle Nature Reserve and Wanniassa Hills Nature Reserve.

More information at Canberra Connect on 13 22 81 or www.tams.act.gov.au

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