Army announces island roo ‘study’

Kim Waters
A SOLUTION to kangaroos damaging Queenscliff Golf Club’s greens could be available by the end of the year, according to the Defence Department.
A spokesperson said the department, which is responsible for the club’s land on the military base of Swan Island, said an environmental study would be complete by the end of the year.
“The report will guide future management actions and long-term maintenance programs for both flora and fauna,” the spokesperson said.
“The study will incorporate monitoring of grazing animals, including kangaroos and possums as well as vegetation communities.”
Queenscliff Golf Club members have called for the department to cull the island’s “exploding” kangaroo population as the animals rip into greens, leaving repairs bills now totalling thousands of dollars.
The club faces paying more than another $11,000 trying to stop the damage while it waits for the department’s end-of-year solution.
Club greens chairman Robert Warren told the Independent last week that the Department promised the study three months ago.
“Meanwhile we’re losing time and money trying to keep the grounds in order and keep our members happy,” he said.
“Some of the greens have over 100 holes and then the next day there are more.”
Mr Warren said after a year-long battle with the department the club had “no choice” but to spend $450 every two weeks on fertiliser treatments to deter the kangaroos.
“It’s a very costly exercise and a never-ending battle.”