Kim Waters
The Defence Department has hit back at Queenscliff golfers over their claims an “out of control” kangaroo population is tearing up their Swan Island course.
A spokesperson said the department had “no current plans” to answer the golfers’ call for a cull of kangaroos.
The spokesperson also rejected claims the defence department was responsible for introducing kangaroos to Swan Island.
“There are no records indicating that the introduction of kangaroos was officially carried out or sanctioned by defence,” the spokesperson said.
“It is believed the kangaroos may have been introduced by residents of the island a number of decades ago.”
The Defence Department spokesperson estimated about 150 kangaroos were on Swan Island.
The department did not regard the kangaroos as an “environmental or safety risk”, he said.
Queenscliff Golf Club’s Kevin Cameron, who told the Independent last week that the kangaroos were costing the club members and money, said the department’s response had left the club “disappointed and surprised”.
“The army keeps saying it will get back to us and fix the problem but we feel like we’re beating our heads against the wall because they aren’t doing anything,” Mr Cameron said.
Club president Glenda Werrett said directors had heard nothing from the department since last year.
“They sent us a letter saying they were considering contraception late last year but we haven’t heard anything else,” Mr Werrett said.
Queenscliff Mayor Bob Merriman said the department’s response to the golf club was “disappointing”.
But he believed a solution was “still in the pipeline”.
“I have a real concern about the impact of the damage to the area. Kangaroos are virtually destroying all the flora and fauna, so it’s really a serious environmental and animal-welfare matter,” Cr Merriman said.
“On that basis, I think we need to do something because it’s continuing to cause difficulty not only for humans but also for other species.”
Cr Merriman said he had contacted State Government about the kangaroos and was awaiting a response.