Gippsland East MP, Tim Bull, says farmers are struggling under the pressure of exploding kangaroo populations that are destroying pastures and stopping crops from
maturing.
“Mobs in plague proportions are stripping paddocks bare and preventing seed from taking hold. Farmers tell me the damage is so bad they are questioning whether it’s worth planting at all,” Mr Bull said.
While landholders can apply for permits to control numbers, the approvals fall well short of what is needed.
“Permits typically allow 10 kangaroos to be culled, when in reality a single property might be being impacted by several hundred, so going through the process to get a permit for 10 is a waste of time.
“It’s an imperfect system that leaves farmers without the tools to protect their livelihood,” Mr Bull said.
He stressed that this is not about blanket culling, which should be avoided, but about responsible management.
“Our farmers feed the nation, and they deserve case-by-case support that reflects the reality on their properties and their on-farm challenges.”
Mr Bull said the State Government must urgently review permit conditions to ensure farmers can safeguard their crops and protect food production.
“I’ve heard the other side of the argument that they are a national emblem, a native animal and they were here first, but we have a choice to make, and it is about balance.
“No one is arguing for indiscriminate action, but if we do not act, this has the ability to push some of our food producers off the land.
“We need a system that gives them practical, timely support when local populations get out of control,” he said.
Mr Bull confirmed he will be raising the matter in Parliament and seeking a more responsive framework that recognises both the agricultural impact and the need for careful management.
