Nature reserves re-open to public following kangaroo cull

The ACT Government wishes to advise that all reserve sites and unleased lands that had been closed for the annual kangaroo conservation cull will re-open to the public today.

The sites are Aranda Bushland Nature Reserve (and adjoining land), Callum Brae Nature Reserve, East Jerrabomberra Grasslands, Googong Foreshores, Goorooyaroo Nature Reserve, Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve, Isaacs Pines, Kama Nature Reserve, Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve (eastern slopes), Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve and West Majura Grasslands. The sites had been closed since 7 May 2018.

“A total of 3253 kangaroos have been culled as part of the ACT Government’s ongoing program to protect these grassland and woodland sites from overgrazing. Of these, 1822 were culled within the ACT and 1431 were culled at Googong Foreshores in NSW,” said Director, Parks and Conservation, Daniel Iglesias.

“Googong Foreshores contains a number of threatened ecological communities and plant and animal species. It forms part of a corridor of relatively intact vegetation extending from the Tinderry Range to the north-eastern ACT so this cull will help protect the area, including the ACT’s water supply.”

Mr Iglesias said 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 contractors and staff from ACT Parks and Conservation Service who were able to deliver the work safely and effectively,” Mr Iglesias said.

“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.

“This kangaroo management program plays a critical role 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.

“An ACT Government veterinary officer undertook spot checks during the program and found the cull was undertaken humanely in accordance with a strict Code of Practice.”

A summary of the cull numbers, reserve by reserve, is below.

Note some sites were closed for operational reasons.