SIMON Corbell and Shane Rattenbury have released the results of a survey they say shows broadening community support for the government’s kangaroo management strategy.

Simon says Canberrans understand why kangaroo numbers need to be controlled.

“The survey showed strong support for our current kangaroo management practices, with 86% of residents in agreement that culling kangaroos is appropriate under certain circumstances. Only 7% of the people surveyed indicated they are against culling kangaroos under any circumstance,” Simon said.

“The survey results also showed that 83% of Canberrans support culling kangaroos to protect small grassland and woodland animals. This is an increase from 70% in 2011 and 59% in 2008.

“Canberrans also support fertility control methods to manage kangaroo populations, with 76% of Canberrans agreeing on the importance of these methods. We are the only state or territory funding that kind of research, and these results are a strong endorsement of our fertility trial,” Mr Corbell said.

Shane said the survey shows that the community is well informed about the government’s kangaroo management strategy.

“These results show that Canberrans understand the need to protect small woodland animals,” Shane said.

“It also shows that we have strong support for the steps we’re taking to conserve our native grasslands – and protect the threatened species that live in them.

“These findings will give us a valuable insight into community attitudes towards kangaroos. The results will help us monitor kangaroo issues and improve our management and education programs.”

The telephone survey was undertaken in June 2015. It mirrors similar surveys in 2008 and 2011. All three surveys polled 600 Canberra residents. For full survey results visit tams.act.gov.au