Urgent action is needed to manage increasing kangaroo populations across northern Victoria, with rising numbers contributing to a spike in vehicle crashes, train disruptions and damage to farmland.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, raised the issue in Parliament this week, submitting questions to the Minister for Environment regarding the state’s Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) system amid concerns the number of permits being granted was declining despite the escalating kangaroo population.
“Kangaroo numbers have exploded across our region, and communities are bearing the brunt of it,” Ms Cleeland said.
“People driving on rural roads are genuinely frightened. In the early morning or around dusk, it feels like a kangaroo could jump in front of you at any moment.”
Recent surveys estimate there are more than 2.4 million kangaroos across Victoria. But Ms Cleeland said the true impact goes beyond population data.
“Motorists are at serious risk, and kangaroo collisions are now one of the most common wildlife-related hazards on our roads,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Motorcyclists in particular are vulnerable, and the outcomes of these crashes can be tragic.
“Despite this, the tools available to manage local kangaroo populations are outdated and difficult to navigate.”
The strain is not only on roads. Kangaroo strikes have become a major cause of disruption to regional train services, with V/Line recently confirming that collisions are reducing carriage availability and causing regular delays.
“Our regional transport network is being affected, our roads are less safe, and our farmers are watching as kangaroos compete directly with livestock for scarce feed and water,” Ms Cleeland said.
“With drought already pushing farm operations to the brink, the added pressure from unchecked wildlife populations is unacceptable.”
Ms Cleeland also criticised the government’s limited funding commitment to kangaroo harvesting, with just $200,000 allocated in the state budget for next year.
“That amount of funding shows how little the government is prioritising this issue. We need real investment in population control and sustainable harvesting,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Kangaroo meat and leather are valuable products with global demand. Expanding the market not only helps manage numbers, it also creates economic opportunities for rural communities.”
Ms Cleeland urged residents to share their experiences and have a say in the current Parliamentary inquiry into wildlife roadstrike in Victoria.
Tune into ABC's Country Hour from 12 today to hear Leone Ryan speak with ABC's Warwick Long about the impact of Mitchell Shire not being dought-declared as well as the government's latest tax on farmers. ... See MoreSee Less
Urgent action needed on escalating kangaroo numbers
‼️State Govt survey closes June 30th, follow the link to have your say!⬇️
www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/inquiries/WildlifeRoadstrike/Survey/
Urgent action is needed to manage increasing kangaroo populations across northern Victoria, with rising numbers contributing to a spike in vehicle crashes, train disruptions and damage to farmland.
The Nationals’ Member for Euroa, Annabelle Cleeland MP, raised the issue in Parliament this week, submitting questions to the Minister for Environment regarding the state’s Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) system amid concerns the number of permits being granted was declining despite the escalating kangaroo population.
“Kangaroo numbers have exploded across our region, and communities are bearing the brunt of it,” Ms Cleeland said.
“People driving on rural roads are genuinely frightened. In the early morning or around dusk, it feels like a kangaroo could jump in front of you at any moment.”
Recent surveys estimate there are more than 2.4 million kangaroos across Victoria. But Ms Cleeland said the true impact goes beyond population data.
“Motorists are at serious risk, and kangaroo collisions are now one of the most common wildlife-related hazards on our roads,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Motorcyclists in particular are vulnerable, and the outcomes of these crashes can be tragic.
“Despite this, the tools available to manage local kangaroo populations are outdated and difficult to navigate.”
The strain is not only on roads. Kangaroo strikes have become a major cause of disruption to regional train services, with V/Line recently confirming that collisions are reducing carriage availability and causing regular delays.
“Our regional transport network is being affected, our roads are less safe, and our farmers are watching as kangaroos compete directly with livestock for scarce feed and water,” Ms Cleeland said.
“With drought already pushing farm operations to the brink, the added pressure from unchecked wildlife populations is unacceptable.”
Ms Cleeland also criticised the government’s limited funding commitment to kangaroo harvesting, with just $200,000 allocated in the state budget for next year.
“That amount of funding shows how little the government is prioritising this issue. We need real investment in population control and sustainable harvesting,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Kangaroo meat and leather are valuable products with global demand. Expanding the market not only helps manage numbers, it also creates economic opportunities for rural communities.”
Ms Cleeland urged residents to share their experiences and have a say in the current Parliamentary inquiry into wildlife roadstrike in Victoria.
The public survey closes on June 30. ... See MoreSee Less
Survey - Inquiry into wildlife roadstrike in Victoria - Parliament of Victoria
www.parliament.vic.gov.au
Submissions Closed | Submissions for this inquiry have now closed however the survey will remain open until 30 June 2025.1 CommentComment on Facebook
Deer numbers need checking as well.
Concerning for all farmers and landowners in Victoria.
fb.watch/ArxhRFHwwT/?mibextid=rS40aB7S9Ucbxw6v ... See MoreSee Less
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You dont have to be a member to attend the VFF Conference, anyone can attend.
vicfarmers.zohobackstage.com/TheVictorianFarmersFederation2025LivestockConference#/ ... See MoreSee Less
The Victorian Farmers Federation 2025 Livestock Conference
vicfarmers.zohobackstage.com
The highly anticipated VFF Livestock Conference will be held at the All Seasons Resort Hotel on 17 July 2025.0 CommentsComment on Facebook
#scrapthetax ... See MoreSee Less
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A number of our members are heading to Melbourne on Tuesday - join us and make your voice heard ... See MoreSee Less
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"How long do you need to be in drought before drought is declared" ~Leone Ryan on ABC this afternoon.
In case you missed today's Country Hour, two of our members spoke to Warwick Long today: www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/vic-country-hour/victorian-country-hour/105284656
You can hear Leone from 40:48 and Marla from 49:21 ... See MoreSee Less
Victorian Country Hour - ABC listen
www.abc.net.au
Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund passes and drought support is announced but a majority of farmers aren't happy1 CommentComment on Facebook
Listened to it during my lunch break at work the other day. Well done to those who spoke out.
Tune into ABC's Country Hour from 12 today to hear Leone Ryan speak with ABC's Warwick Long about the impact of Mitchell Shire not being dought-declared as well as the government's latest tax on farmers. ... See MoreSee Less
1 CommentComment on Facebook
If anyone missed it like me, click on this link and go to 40:45 minutes www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/vic-country-hour/victorian-country-hour/105284656?utm_content=link...
Timeline photos ... See MoreSee Less
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Photos from Annabelle Cleeland MP's post ... See MoreSee Less
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