Mr Walsh said farmers, professional shooters and processors have been left frustrated by the Labor Government’s ‘‘ongoing failure’’ to verify the future of the trial which he claimed communities relied on for local jobs and investment.
Asking for an explanation in state parliament recently, Mr Walsh said Labor’s Environment Minister Lily D’Ambrosio replied that a decision would be made ‘‘very, very soon’’.
But he argued this response fell far short of community expectation.
‘‘Confidence among farmers, professional shooters and processors has been decimated by Labor’s failure to genuinely support this emerging industry,’’ Mr Walsh said.
‘‘Since it was introduced by the former Liberal Nationals Government, the kangaroo pet food program has successfully improved biosecurity on Victorian farms and created new jobs and investment in communities in regional Victoria.’’
The trial began in March 2014 to allow the use of kangaroo carcasses resulting from authorised control activities to be processed for pet food in an aim to reduce the waste of carcasses from kangaroos.
It was extended until March 2018 to test its sustainability over a longer period and expand the geographic area of the trial.
Following an evaluation in early 2018, the trial was extended to March 31, 2019 in order to determine long-term trends and impacts on population.
Ms D’Ambrosio said a decision about the future of the trial is expected shortly.
“The Kangaroo Pet Food Trial is currently being evaluated and options are being considered for the future of kangaroo processing in Victoria post the conclusion of the trial,’’ she said.
But Mr Walsh said it was crucial the program continued.
“Wild dogs and foxes will be having a feast on controlled kangaroos that are left in the paddock to rot if Labor axes this program,” he said.
“This trial has proven its worth and this year, instead of another extension, it must be made permanent.”
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