Rural
11 July, 2025
Government to streamline kangaroo management
The Victorian Government has announced plans to streamline kangaroo management in the state, and the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) has welcomed the decision.
Wimmera and Mallee members of parliament were also urging the government to address the issue, as the region is experiencing an increasing number of kangaroos.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the announcement to enhance measures for improving kangaroo management is a positive sign for the state.
“These updates reflect growing concern across rural and regional communities about the impact of overabundant kangaroos on pasture availability, animal welfare, in the light of a sustained drought across Victoria.” he said.
“Farmers need more practical and timely solutions to control kangaroo numbers and this decision by the government gives producers the means to controls kangaroos on farm.”
Emma Kealy, member for Lowan and opposition spokesperson for Agriculture, previously advocated for kangaroo population management, also raised concerns about both farm sustainability and driver safety.
“Kangaroos are at plague numbers,” she said.
“They’re eating farmers’ grass and becoming a real hazard on our roads.
“A young woman in Jeparit told me during my visit that she hit two kangaroos in a brand new car in less than 12 hours after picking it up.
“The government is cutting the kangaroo culling program just when we need it most.”
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria, Gaelle Broad, also urged the government to take action in managing kangaroo numbers across northern Victoria.
“Aerial and ground surveys were undertaken last year to estimate the kangaroo population across Victoria,” she said.
“The data, which excludes some areas, shows that there are over 2.4 million kangaroos, and nearly 500,000 in the Loddon–Mallee area.
“Kangaroo-related vehicle collisions are the most common wildlife hazards on our roads.
“These incidents are particularly dangerous for motorcyclists, who are over-represented in fatal crashes.
Ms Broad said driving on regional roads is like driving through a minefield.
“For anyone who drives on regional roads, especially in the early morning or after 5pm, it is like driving through a minefield,” she said.
“You do not know when a kangaroo will jump into your headlights, and the consequences can be devastating.”
There were nearly 10,000 collisions reported by the RACV and Wildlife Victoria last year.
Ms Broad said the most reliable statistics on accidents involving kangaroos are from insurance companies and wildlife rescue teams.
“In addition, on 3AW recently V/Line acting CEO Warwick Horsley confirmed that kangaroo strikes are now a major cause of train disruptions,” she said.
“This has led to reduced carriage numbers and delays, frustrating commuters and straining our regional transport system.”