Preston Beach Golf Course- Kangaroo Culling

I refer to the kangaroo culling at Preston Beach Golf Course.

(1) Did the Department of Environment and Conservation recommend to the Shire of Waroona fencing or sedation and relocation as an option to keep out the kangaroos?

(2) Why was Preston Beach Golf Club in Waroona shire not required to follow the recommendations made by DEC?

(3) What sources of funding or grants were available to Waroona shire so it could carry out DEC’s recommendations?

(4) Is the minister aware that the Waroona shire is refusing to make public the damage licence issued to it by DEC; and, if so, how can members of the public know what rules and stipulations within the damage licence were not breached?

(5) How does DEC define a humane method of culling joeys?

Hon DONNA FARAGHER replied:

I thank the member for some notice of this question.

(1) I am advised that the Department of Environment and Conservation wrote to the Shire of Waroona, the Preston Beach Progress Association, the caravan park owners and the Preston Beach Golf Club management in 2006 suggesting a range of measures to deal with large numbers of kangaroos in the area and on the golf course. Fencing and sedation of kangaroos, as well as culling, were suggested for consideration.

(2) Various options to control kangaroos are available, however, the department recognises that some options may be impractical or too costly. Whilst it is understood that culling may upset some members of the community, it is often the most effective method. Shooting, when conducted humanely, is acknowledged by the federal government and conservation and animal welfare agencies as an acceptable means of managing kangaroo populations.

(3) No funding or grants are available from the department for damage mitigation purposes.

(4) No. The department has the responsibility for ensuring compliance with licences and conditions.

(5) The method for the humane killing of pouch-young and young kangaroos is specified in the national code of practice for the humane shooting of kangaroos and wallabies.