How kangaroos eight roos could save entire mob from being sho at Canning Vale tip site

Wildlife officers will attempt to shift a small number of landlocked kangaroos from the Canning Vale tip site in a move that could save the entire mob from the bullet.

If the trial translocation of six to eight western grey kangaroos is successful, it could be the catalyst to save hundreds from a controversial cull recommended last year.

It’s estimated up to 300 kangaroos now reside in a shrinking pocket of nature under increasing pressure from planned and actual development in the area near Jandakot airport, including the Thornlie-Cockburn rail line, a Jandakot Eastern Link road and the proposed Canning Vale regional sports complex.

The translocation will involve tranquillising the kangaroos and implanting a WiFi tracking device to monitor the animals in their future, as yet undetermined, location.

Historically it has been considered a risky and often unsuccessful practice but City of Canning councillor Amanda Spencer-Teo this week said involving WA Wildlife’s western grey kangaroo specialist veterinarian was cause for great hope.

“Translocations are, and can be, successful,” she said.

“Dr (Meg) Rogers has mastered the science behind the sedation of western grey kangaroos. No translocation in WA has ever had anyone like her overseeing the health and welfare of animals being moved.”

Canning council, which late last year set aside $250,000 to save the kangaroos, confirmed on Tuesday it will cover the estimated $1000-per-kangaroo cost for the trial.

“What this proposes to do is include translocation as an option, to put saving the lives of the kangaroos on the table,” Cr Spencer-Teo said.

“We can use the data to make an educated decision on what happens next. If the translocation is successful, council can determine whether a larger number of macropods can be translocated in the future or if alternatives need to be explored.”

Further fencing in the kangaroos to shield them from nearby development is not viable as the mob has outgrown the small amount of green space left.

Cr Spencer-Teo said existing fences had already caused deaths of some animals attempting to reach their traditional grazing land.

An environmental report commissioned for the City of Canning and made public last November said shooting was the most humane and effective option to control the growing number of western grey kangaroos in the area, despite some community perception of it being unacceptable.

The report suggested fencing or limiting water availability could also act as natural attrition measures.

The $6 million Jandakot Eastern Link project involves the construction of a road connecting Jandakot Airport to Ranford Road as part of the Ranford Station Metronet project.

It will provide access to the future Ranford Road train station, the City’s waste facility, a proposed Canning Vale Regional Sports Complex and be an alternative road for motorists between Ranford Road and Nicholson Road.