THE City of Whittlesea will host a community drop-in session for residents to learn more about how to live with an increasing population of kangaroos.
The event in South Morang, on June 13, follows a motion at a council meeting last month, to deal with issues associated with the growing number of kangaroos.
The drop-in session, from 3pm to 8pm at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre, will bring different agencies together to help residents learn how to protect and co-exist with kangaroos.
Mayor Lawrie Cox said the kangaroo population had moved into urban areas this year in an effort to find food and water.
“We know that with increased numbers in suburbia, more of the animals are being hit by cars,” Cr Cox said.
“And many of our residents are at a loss as to what to do to help or what to do if they encounter a kangaroo up close.”
Wildlife Victoria, the State Government’s Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and council staff will be at the drop-in session to provide information and answer questions.
“We invite the community to come along to find out more about living with kangaroos and talk to us about their concerns,” Cr Cox said.
“While DELWP, not council, is the agency responsible for kangaroo management, we felt it was important to provide an opportunity for our residents to learn more and to ask questions.
“But we are bringing in the experts to give us the information we need to co-exist with these marsupials.
“DELWP will soon begin work on a Kangaroo Management Plan for the state so this will also be the perfect opportunity to connect interested residents with those conducting this important piece of work.”
Several residents in the City of Whittlesea have contacted the North Central Review to express their concern about the rising number of kangaroos.
Most of the concern was relating to kangaroos being on roads, and the dangers to both motorists and the kangaroos.
Other residents were concerned about the behaviour of people, particularly children, towards the kangaroos.
“DELWP will soon begin work on a Kangaroo Management Plan for the state so this will also be the perfect opportunity to connect interested residents with those conducting this important piece of work.”
DELWP have already made their so called ‘management plans’ very plain, they appear intent on making Victoria another Commercial Kangaroo Industry State.
Kangaroos are NOT increasing in number, they are being pushed out of their habitat by the never ending urban and peri urban sprawl.
This desperate in humane situation has been ignored for far far to long .Its like agency’s that should have been very more vocal on behalf of the wild life . Have waited for us to do there dirty work and allow genacide on or loved Kangaroos . It’s is beyond sad know . We have had a personal experiance when my granddaughter was driving us to school with her L Very upsetting . My daughterinlaw had her brand knew car whipped out just sitting at the lights in plenty Rd . But the pain and suffering of these animals is deverstating . It feels just sad and hopeless
Kangaroo populations are not rising. Living with kangaroos is a joy. Good driving awareness safety and speed make a wonderful difference