General News
16 June, 2025
MPs' urging for kangaroo management
Wimmera and Mallee members of parliament are calling for urgent action to address the increasing number of kangaroos in the region.
Victorian Shadow Minister for Agriculture and member for Lowan, Emma Kealy, said kangaroo population management is needed, while citing concerns for 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, is also urging 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.
“I have spoken with local residents who say the authority to control wildlife program is flawed and the kangaroo harvesting program should be expanded.
"While Victoria grapples with over 2 million kangaroos, only $200,000 has been allocated in the budget for kangaroo harvesting next year.
"The current management tools are slow, bureaucratic and often ineffective."