The ACT Government wishes to advises that the following reserves and nature parks have re-opened to the public following the completion of the kangaroo cull.
- Callum Brae Nature Reserve,
- Crace Nature Reserve,
- Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve (and adjacent unleased territory land),
- Gungaderra Nature Reserve,
- Kama Nature Reserve,
- Mount Painter Nature Reserve,
- Mulanggari Nature Reserve,
- The Pinnacle Nature Reserve (and adjacent unleased territory land)
- Wanniassa Hills Nature Reserve
The sites had been closed since 30 April 2015 to allow for a conservation cull of kangaroos to take place.
“A total of 1689 kangaroos have been culled as part of the ACT Government’s ongoing program to protect these grassland and woodland sites from overgrazing,” said Director, Parks and Conservation, Daniel Iglesias.
“An additional 701 pouch young, the majority of which were very small and unfurred due to the timing of the cull, were also killed.
“The cull was undertaken without incident. Many of these sites are challenging in that they are small reserves located on the urban fringe. It is a credit to the professionalism of the contractor and staff from ACT Parks and Conservation Service who were able to deliver the work safely and effectively.
“We are pleased to be able to announce the early re-opening of the reserves and thank the public for their understanding and cooperation while the reserves have been closed.
“The cull will now play its part in protecting the environment at these locations. Ensuring the grasslands and woodlands are not overgrazed will help to protect our grasslands and woodlands, which provide habitat for creatures such as lizards and ground-feeding birds, and will avoid excessive soil loss whilst still maintaining sustainable numbers of kangaroos.
“The cull was undertaken humanely in accordance with a strict Code of Practice. The ACT Government chief veterinary officer attended the program on two nights and an independent vet audited 10% of shot animals to ensure the cull was undertaken appropriately. Auditing results demonstrated 100% compliance with the Code of Practice.
“We also used 8% of the culled kangaroos to make baits to use in our wild dog and fox control programs.”
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