News

Agriculture Environment and Water | August 15, 2018

Landowners hopping mad about Kangaroo pet food scheme

Concerns that the Andrews Labor Government plans to cut the kangaroo pet food scheme if it is re-elected in November were aired in Parliament last week, with The Nationals challenging Labor to come clean on the future of the program which is set to expire in March 2019.

The Nationals Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy said she was constantly being contacted by landholders fearful that Daniel Andrews plans to put a stop to the kangaroo pet food scheme if he gets back into government.

“Farmers right across western Victoria are frustrated by increasing kangaroo numbers,” Ms Kealy said.

“As seasonal conditions worsen and feed becomes scarcer, people are feeling the impact of increased kangaroo numbers even more.

“If Labor supported the kangaroo pet food program they would have made it ongoing when it expired in March this year instead of just extending it past this year’s election.

“The kangaroo pet food program has created jobs in regional Victorian communities and it means kangaroo carcasses no longer need to be left in a paddock to rot.

“It is shameful that the Andrews Government continues to ignore the problems increased kangaroo numbers are creating for farmers and motorists in regional Victoria.

“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.