Tuesday, 27 May 2025

Kangaroo control

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (19:58): (1661) I raise a matter tonight for the Minister for Environment regarding the urgent need for a more effective kangaroo management strategy in northern Victoria. Aerial and ground surveys were undertaken last year to estimate the kangaroo population across Victoria. The data, which excludes some areas, shows that there are over 2.4 million kangaroos, and nearly 500,000 in the Loddon–Mallee area. Many residents are concerned about the prevalence of kangaroos and the risk to public safety. Kangaroo-related vehicle collisions are the most common wildlife hazards on our roads. These incidents are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who are over-represented in fatal crashes, and for anyone who drives on regional roads, especially in the early morning or after 5 pm, it is like driving through a minefield. You do not know when a kangaroo will jump into your headlights, and the consequences can be devastating.

The most reliable statistics on accidents involving kangaroos are from insurance companies and wildlife organisations, who respond to phone call-outs about injured animals. The RACV and Wildlife Victoria reported last year that there were nearly 10,000 collisions, but the real number is most likely much higher as many incidents go unreported. On 3AW recently V/Line acting CEO Warwick Horsley confirmed that kangaroo strikes are now a major cause of train disruptions. He said:

… we’re seeing three times as many kangaroo strikes in the regions … so what we’ve chosen to do, is rather than cancel trains, is try to run every single train where we can …

This has led to reduced carriage numbers and delays, frustrating commuters and straining our regional transport system. There is also a significant impact on our farmers, who are already battling drought. Kangaroos compete directly with livestock for feed and water, and the pressure on agricultural land is growing. The current management tools are slow, bureaucratic and often ineffective. The action I seek from the minister is a commitment to enhance Victoria’s kangaroo harvesting program. I have spoken with constituents who are concerned that the authority to control wildlife program is flawed and the kangaroo harvesting program should be expanded. While Victoria grapples with over 2 million kangaroos, only $200,000 has been allocated in the budget papers for the kangaroo harvesting program next year. What is the government doing to expand the market for this important leather and meat resource?

Sustainable harvesting provides a way to manage kangaroo numbers while also unlocking a valuable source of leather and meat. Kangaroo leather is renowned for its strength, lightness and durability. It is widely used in footwear, gloves and sporting goods, where strong, lightweight leather is important. It lasts longer than cow leather and synthetic alternatives, reducing the need for replacements, which lowers the overall environmental impact. Synthetic leather is created through petroleum-based products that are not biodegradable, while kangaroo leather is a natural renewable resource.

Our communities are doing their best to coexist with native wildlife, but it is time for a more balanced and proactive approach that prioritises community safety.