By Laura Michell
Community concerns about the number of kangaroos being hit and killed by cars across Whittlesea has prompted the council to organise a public forum.
Whittlesea councillors voted earlier this month to organise a kangaroo management forum to help protect the animals and provide residents with advice.
Many kangaroos have been sighted in residential areas of Doreen, Mernda and South Morang in recent weeks. Wildlife rescuers say the dry start to the year is forcing kangaroos to wander front yards, parks and roadsides in search of food.
As result, rescuers say they are receiving dozens of calls daily about kangaroos that have been hit by cars.
The council forum, which will include representatives from the council, Wildlife Victoria and the state government, will provide advice to residents on what to do if they hit a kangaroo while driving, as well as discussing a wildlife management plan for the municipality’s outer north.
A similar meeting was held by neighbouring Nillumbik council last Tuesday.
Whittlesea Cr Alahna Desiato hopes the forum will better educate people about the municipality’s wildlife.
“A lot of people are confused about what to do if they see a kangaroo and don’t know when they should call Wildlife Victoria,” she said.
“I’m hoping we can also learn what council can do to alleviate the problem.”
Mernda resident William Sharp, who raised the idea of a forum with the council, said it was time a management plan was put in place.
“There is lots of development happening in the area and the kangaroos have nowhere to go,” she said. “There has been a lack of planning.
“Kangaroos are not dangerous or pests and they deserve to be here.
“We need to find a solution to integrate their habitat.”
It is not yet known when and where the forum will be held.
