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Agriculture | September 21, 2018

Labor dismisses drought concerns of local farmers

Daniel Andrews has dismissed concerns about drought under questioning by The Nationals in Parliament this week.

The Nationals deputy leader Steph Ryan called on the Andrews Labor Government to immediately fix long delays in approving permits to reduce kangaroo numbers after receiving reports of farmers waiting up to 10 weeks.

The call follows The Nationals request for Labor to come clean on the future of the kangaroo pet food program which is set to expire in March 2019.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said farmers right across Victoria were becoming increasingly frustrated by rising kangaroo numbers.

“As seasonal conditions worsen and feed for livestock becomes scarcer, farmers are feeling the impact of kangaroos in plague proportions even more.

“There are people whose livelihoods are at risk from drought and it is obvious Daniel Andrews has no interest in helping them.

“It is shameful that the Andrews Government continues to ignore the problems increased kangaroo numbers are creating for farmers right across Victoria.

Ms Kealy said Labor should act immediately to make the kangaroo pet food program ongoing, instead of just extending the trial period past this year’s election.

“The kangaroo pet food program has proven to reduce kangaroo numbers and created jobs in regional Victorian communities, with kangaroo carcasses no longer being left to rot in paddocks.

“Only The Nationals will provide a better deal for farmers by making the kangaroo pet food scheme permanent if we are elected in November”, she said.