In 2017, Eastern Grey Kangaroos were declared a controlled native species under the Nature Conservation Act 2014 in recognition of their potential to negatively impact on environmental, economic and social values.
Eastern Grey Kangaroos are an important component of the grassy ecosystems of the ACT. However, in some circumstances heavy kangaroo grazing can deplete the grassy layer, which can threaten the survival of other native species and the health of these ecosystems. Kangaroos can also negatively impact on the economic viability of rural properties. In addition, the ACT’s high rate of kangaroo-motor vehicle collisions negatively affects animal and human welfare.
The ACT Government's policies surrounding the management of Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the ACT are set out in the Eastern Grey Kangaroo: Controlled Native Species Management Plan 2017.
The aims of the plan are to:
- maintain populations of kangaroos as a significant part of the fauna of the 'bush capital' and a component of the grassy ecosystems of the Territory
- manage and minimise the environmental, economic and social impacts of those kangaroo populations on other plants and animals, grassy ecosystems and primary production.
The plan includes two Culling Calculators that describe how the number of kangaroos to be culled is calculated on conservation land and rural land.
The 2010 ACT kangaroo management plan [6.4 MB]remains the ACT policy document for large macropod species other than Eastern Grey Kangaroos in the ACT, including Common Wallaroos, Red-necked Wallabies and Swamp Wallabies and all species of macropods at Googong Foreshores.
Public consultation on the draft plan was open from 8 February to 24 March 2017. For a summary of the submissions received and considered in development of the final plan, read the Eastern Grey Kangaroo: Controlled Native Species Management Plan consultation report [271.8 KB].