Thank you so much for your past support for the mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos at the Werrington Park campus of Western Sydney University (WSU).
After the elapse of some time, we have received an announcement from WSU which we were dreading.
WSU has said “… the University has announced a partnership with Stockland to deliver a six-star Green Star mixed use precinct to serve the local community. The proposal envisages more than 18 hectares of open land and a cultural, arts and heritage precinct. Working with our academics and researchers, the project will look to embed world class sustainability principles in its planning and design. This includes continuation of our ecological study, supported by independent ecologists, to inform our kangaroo management strategy. The University is committed to the ongoing management of kangaroos and is consulting with experts and the relevant authorities in developing an appropriate strategy for the local population. It is important that any decisions about the kangaroos and their welfare is informed by research, data, and specialised knowledge. If you have any further questions regarding the kangaroos, you can email Michaela Briggs, Strategic Planning Manager Estate and Commercial ... “
That proposal, along with the adjoining Lend Lease housing development on 29ha, represents a huge reduction in the habitat, foraging and shelter which has formerly sustained the mob of as many as 60 Eastern Grey Kangaroos at Werrington Park.
Our past experience with developers and their hired consultants suggests that what the developer wants the developer gets in the way of ecological assessments and recommendations. In this WSU case, if it considered the proposed diminished area of open space will not sustain the existing number of kangaroos then a cull will certainly be in play. If that occurs it will be distressing and a deplorable indictment on what WSU could descend to in pursuing business interests over ecological sustainability. We expect better from educational institutions.
Thankfully, the Animal Justice Party in the NSW Parliament has expressed its concern to WSU about the latter’s intentions and welfare of the kangaroos.
We have sought more information from WSU about the area proposed as open space and its capacity to sustain the kangaroos but, after the passage of a few weeks we are still awaiting a reply. We have also spoken to a Sustainability Officer with Stockland expressing concern about the threat of planned residential development and potential for future residents to let their domestic dogs run off-leash and chase the kangaroos into panic and onto the busy Great Western Hwy with certain death the result.
More updates later.