Lee Rhiannon (NSW, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I move:

That the Senate—

(a) notes that:

  (i) the Bathurst community in New South Wales is leading the way in creating an innovative and non-lethal solution to wildlife conflict management at the internationally renowned Mount Panorama car racing circuit,

  (ii) Mount Panorama's car races are internationally significant in motor racing and are of important economic benefit to Bathurst,

  (iii) councillors from Bathurst Regional Council recently reiterated unanimous strong support for the relocation of over 150 kangaroos from Mount Panorama and is funding basic upfront costs,

  (iv) the relocation project is being delivered by donated expertise from scientists, veterinarians, darters and kangaroo rehabilitators, and has some 300 community volunteers registered to help,

  (v) 17 local businesses, community clubs and non-government organisations (NGOs) are supporting the project, and

  (vi) kangaroos are one of the world's iconic animals and the non-lethal management of kangaroos at Mount Panorama is of national and international interest; and

(b) calls on the Government to:

  (i) congratulate Bathurst Regional Council and its achievement in leading the way in kangaroo management based on real community participation and engagement, and robust science and principles of species ecology and behaviour, and

  (ii) provide the support needed for other communities to adopt similar non­ lethal approaches to our iconic kangaroos.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I seek leave to make a short statement.

Stephen Parry (President) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

Is leave granted? Leave is granted for one minute.

James McGrath (Queensland, Liberal National Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

The government acknowledges the Bathurst community and the way in which they responsibly manage their regional affairs. The national population of kangaroos is in the order of 50 million. Reports are that the cost to the Bathurst council to move 150 kangaroos is in excess of $50,000. The government does not agree that nonlethal approaches are best for all communities. Rural and urban communities across Australia appropriately manage kangaroo populations according to their local circumstances for crop protection, human safety on roads and meat production. The government sets robust standards for the humane and hygienic culling of kangaroos for management or processing. Local authorities must abide by these standards while ensuring the wellbeing of their communities and environment.

Question agreed to.