The ACT Government wishes to advise that Callum Brae Nature Reserve, Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve (and adjacent unleased territory land), Kama Nature Reserve, Mulanggari Nature Reserve, Mt Painter Nature Reserve, Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve and The Pinnacle Nature Reserve (and adjacent unleased territory land) re-open to the public at midday 1st of August.
The sites had been closed since 11 July 2013 to allow for a conservation cull of over-abundant kangaroos to take place.
“A total of 1149 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 355 pouch young, the majority of which were very small and unfurred due to the timing of the cull, were also killed.
“Although the legal challenge to the cull reduced our operating window from eight weeks to only three and bad weather caused some nights to be lost, we were very close to reaching the quota of 1244 kangaroos. Due to the time constraints, we did not get a chance to undertake the cull at Mt Painter.”
Mr Iglesias said the cull was undertaken without any significant incident and will help play its part in the protection of the environment.
“Ensuring the grasslands and woodlands are not overgrazed will protect threatened species and ecosystems, provide habitat for creatures such as lizards and ground-feeding birds, prevent excessive soil loss and maintain sustainable numbers of kangaroos,” Mr Iglesias said.
“The cull was undertaken humanely in accordance with a strict Code of Practice. Both an independent vet and the ACT Government chief veterinary officer audited 46% of shot animals to ensure the cull was undertaken appropriately. Auditing results demonstrated 100% compliance with the Code of Practice.
“For the first time ever we also used almost 15% of the kangaroo meat to make baits to use in our wild dog and fox control programs.”
Courtesy of ACT Territory and Municipal Services
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