Community
23 October, 2025
Kangaroo mob damaging farms
LOWAN MP Emma Kealy has hit out at the State Government for inaction after concerns were raised kangaroos were damaging farmland around Mortlake.
Ms Kealy had contacted Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulous in May 2025 after a resident reported their property, just west of Mortlake, was being overgrazed due to an increased presence of kangaroos.
“The resident is increasingly distressed by the constant movement of large numbers of kangaroos from the Mortlake Common Flora Reserve onto his land,” she said.
“I am advised the kangaroos are overgrazing his paddocks and destroying the house yard.
“With low rainfall in the area, the extra pressure from kangaroos is making it harder for him to sustain his cattle, which is having a serious impact on his wellbeing and financial security.”
Ms Kealy said she understood the resident had contacted Parks Victoria on multiple occasions for assistance, but the only response he received was a link to a website stating kangaroo numbers are not a concern.
“This advice does not reflect the serious conditions he is facing, or acknowledge the damage caused by kangaroos to his property,” she said.
“I request your urgent advice on what financial support or programs are available to landholders, such as kangaroo-proof fencing, to mitigate the devastating impact of rising kangaroo numbers crossing from public land to farms.”
Mr Dimopoulous responded to Ms Kealy’s letter in September, stating the issue fell under Parks Victoria jurisdiction.
“Kangaroos vary naturally in their movements and numbers from year to year in response to factors such as climate, food and water availability and predation,” he said.
“While kangaroos are a protected species in Victoria under the Wildlife Act 1975, there are situations in which kangaroos can cause damage to agriculture, regional communities and the environment and management intervention is required.
“Parks Victoria is responsible for managing the impacts of overabundant native animals such as kangaroos within park's and reserves.
“Where adjoining properties are impacted, Parks Victoria works with those landholders and other parts of government to provide advice, support and undertake control measures.
“The type of management interventions implemented will depend on the local circumstances at the time, with variables such as climate and the arrangement and the condition of the habitat, water, fencing and farming practices at the interface between public and private land being key considerations.”
Mr Dimopoulos advised Ms Kealy discussions would continue to ensure appropriate action could be taken.
“I am advised that Parks Victoria does not have any kangaroo management interventions currently planned at the Mortlake Common Flore Reserve,” he said.
“It is in discussion with other parts of government to determine appropriate actions required to manage kangaroos in areas around the reserve.
“Parks Victoria will continue to update landholders of the outcomes of these discussions.”
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