Save Mt Alexander Shire's Kangaroos

We, the residents, ratepayers and visitors of Mount Alexander Shire, fully support Council’s decision to write to the Victorian State Government calling for a ban on the commercial killing of kangaroos in the shire.

Background

In July 2023, the Mount Alexander Shire Council decided to write to the Victorian State Government calling for a ban on the commercial killing of kangaroos in the shire.
In deciding to advocate for a ban on commercial killing (the Kangaroo 'Harvest' Program), Council considered the following points:

• Kangaroos are an iconic native species and form part of the shire’s attraction and beauty.
• There is no economic benefit for our shire.  Rather, kangaroo killing can damage the local economy as people visit the shire to see the natural environment including at bush camps and farm stays. They want to see live kangaroos and native animals.
• Shooting takes place at night using spotlights and high-powered rifles causing distress to nearby residents and posing a serious risk to human safety.
  Despite there being rules around kangaroo ‘harvesting’ there is documented evidence that a large number of killings are done inhumanely with animals suffering and joeys left to die from starvation or predation.
• The Mount Alexander community has a close connection to kangaroos, including local wildlife shelters. The recent Maldon in Winter festival promoted kangaroo protection and co-existence with a popular art installation.
• Allowing kangaroos to be 'harvested' (commercially killed) is not in line with Council’s own strategic policies around protecting natural assets and conserving the environment.

We urge the Council to take immediate action in advocating against this cruel and dangerous wildlife trade that is negatively impacting the amenity of residents and undermines the environmental and touristic values of the shire.