GRANT District Council has called for kangaroo commercial harvesting to be given the green light to underpin a new industry and curb the population of the native animal.
This follows anecdotal evidence of a significant number of kangaroos on agricultural land, in plantations and native forest areas in the region.
Council will formally request the state’s environment department to review its kangaroo population data or begin a new audit of landholders.
The new push comes amid fresh interest from the private sector about establishing a commercial kangaroo harvesting industry.
It is understood a business person is “very interested” in developing a harvesting operation.
Unlike some other regions in the state, the commercial harvesting is not allowed in the South East.
Grant District Mayor Richard Sage said commercial harvesting would be based on ” sustainable” practices.
“It is not about cowboys with guns going out and shooting the hell out of the place – it is about being respectful and acting humanely,” Mr Sage said.
He said landholders were issued permits to curb kangaroo numbers, but this resource was being wasted.
Mr Sage said kangaroo meat could sustain a new industry for pet meat or human consumption if it was deemed suitable.
He revealed landholders from the across the district had raised concerns over rising kangaroo numbers.
“We have dairy farmers who have kangaroos in among their cows or beef/sheep graziers with more kangaroos than their own livestock,” Mr Sage said.
“Kangaroo numbers are impacting on landholders’ stock carrying capacity.”
He said there were also concerns about kangaroos causing car accidents on regional roads.
“Kangaroos are causing multiple car accidents and near misses,” Mr Sage said.
He argued a population survey of pine and bluegum plantations must be undertaken at an appropriate time to get an accurate snapshot of population numbers.
He said a regional harvesting management plan must strike a balance to ensure kangaroo population sustainability and the protection of farming enterprise and road safety.
Mr Sage said previous population surveys had been undertaken in the middle of summer when there were no kangaroos.
Speaking at the council meeting, Cr Shirley Little claimed many of the region’s kangaroos were hidden in the pines.
“When I saw the number of kangaroos at Glenburnie a couple of weeks ago I was absolutely amazed – there was a big mob of kangaroos not far from the racecourse,” Cr Little said.
“Every time I come into Mount Gambier from Tarpeena there are always dead kangaroos on the side of the road.
“I don’t like seeing that, I think a cull is much more humane than being hit by a 40-tonne truck.”
Council chief executive officer Trevor Smart said kangaroo harvesting was regulated by the environment department and there had been no negative impact to the long-term conservation of populations.
“Harvests are sold to meat processors who then supply skin tanners and supermarkets,” he said.
Council is hoping to secure support from councils across the region on the issue.
