CULLING is off the table for a mob of kangaroos at Paramount Estate in Baldivis.
A meeting promised by Baldivis MLA Reece Whitby was held earlier today in Perth between Mr Whitby, Environment Minister Stephen Dawson, City of Rockingham Mayor Barry Sammels and developer Spatial Property group.
Mr Whitby emerged from the meeting stating it was a “success”.
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READ NOW“We had a successful meeting with all the players in relation to the kangaroos’ issue in Baldivis,” he said.
“The result is culling is off the table – there’s been an agreement signed with the developer.
“That will reassure many hundreds of people in Baldivis that have been concerned about the fate of these animals.
“The thought of seeing them destroyed is very distressing to so many people.
“Today was about the agreement and how we can move forward in a way that those kangaroos can be relocated and hopefully give them a chance of survival.”
Mr Whitby said the agreement gave everyone breathing space.
“Now we have time because you would relocate during the cooler winter months while the kangaroos (aren’t) stressed in the heat,” he said.
He didn’t think the development would be impacted by the decision.
“I don’t think so, in any case we need to do this properly,” he said.
“You have to be aware relocating kangaroos is not without problems, it does have risks and there is the possibility some might not survive.
“I think if the choice is between slaughtering an entire mob (or) moving kangaroos, it’s much better to relocate.
“The people of Baldivis have made it very clear they don’t want these kangaroos destroyed.
He said the developer wanted a positive outcome.
“To be fair to the company they are very keen to reach a negotiation – they take no delight (in) the prospect of killing native wildlife,” he said.
Public warned to stop interacting with the kangaroos
Mr Whitby issued a caution that well intentioned human interaction with the kangaroos is doing more harm.
“Can I just advise people – I know they want to support the roos but it is an issue,” he said.
“If they get too much human contact and (are) fed as they have been lately it really lessons their chance of a successful relocation.”
“It is against the law to feed them for a reason.
“I’ve been assured by the Department, troughs of water are in place and there are inspections to make sure water is there.”
Future developments potentially impacted
A better strategy that deals with wildlife early is key to how future developments are managed, according to Mr Whitby.
He said the legacy of this experience might be a good outcome for other wildlife in the future.
“We need to review the way that planning accounts for the presence of wildlife,” he said.
“In this situation we have a suburb develop very quickly and the kangaroos were cut off.
“It made it very problematic to find a solution.”