THE ACT government will resume its annual kangaroo-culling program with 1042 animals to be shot over June and July.

Characterising it as the “Eastern Grey Kangaroo Management Program”, the government will close six reserves across the ACT to facilitate the shooting of the animals.

“This target is lower than previous years due to good rainfall and the effects of previous kangaroo management programs,” the government says.

“To reassure the Canberra community that the Kangaroo Management Program is conducted by appointed conservation officers and professional contractors to the highest standards of animal welfare and public safety, the 2023 program will be subject to a compliance audit by an independent veterinarian with the results to be made available to the public.”

Unusually for an ACT government media announcement, there is no attribution to any politician. Instead ACT’s Conservator of Flora and Fauna Bren Burkevics is quoted as saying the program is critical to protect the ACT’s threatened natural temperate grasslands and grassy woodlands from overgrazing by kangaroos.

“The ACT’s natural temperate grasslands are some of the best quality in Australia but are sadly one of the most endangered ecological communities with only about 0.5 per cent remaining in good condition,” he says.

“These grasslands and grassy woodlands provide habitat and protection to a wide range of plants and animals that are local to Canberra some of which are on the road to extinction if these ecosystems are overgrazed and become degraded.

“I am pleased that for a second year the use of GonaCon Immunocontraceptive Vaccine will be a key part of the Kangaroo Management Program and over time is expected to lower but not eliminate the requirement for kangaroos to be culled.

“I respect that the Kangaroo Management Program is a confronting topic but acknowledge that a December 2022 survey of Canberrans revealed that 76 per cent of those interviewed believed the culling of kangaroos is appropriate under certain circumstances, and 66 per cent are supportive of kangaroo culling for the conservation of grassland and woodland animals.

“I thank all Canberrans for their cooperation and understanding during the reserve closures to allow this important conservation program to be delivered to ensure that the ACT’s grasslands and woodland remain vibrant and resilient.”

The following reserves will be formally closed under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 from Monday, June 12 to July 31 during the times and days listed below. All closures will be clearly signposted and monitored for illegal trespassing.