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Kangaroo cull proposed in Denmark where roos are ‘a safety risk to aircraft’

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VideoPilots have had several near-misses with the Roo's on the runway.

Kangaroo culling has been proposed at a number of sites across Denmark following safety concerns at the town’s airport.

Shire of Denmark chief executive Bill Parker said near-miss incidents involving kangaroos at the airport has led the Shire to organise short-term culling.

“Kangaroos pose a serious threat to aircraft, particularly when landing in the late afternoon,” he said. “Given the risks, our immediate options are very limited to a cull.

“Longer term, the Shire is investigating improving fencing at the airport.”

Meanwhile, WA College of Agriculture principal Kevin Osborne said the college operation, located south of the airport, has also been affected by growing kangaroo numbers.

“We are noticing increased levels of damage to our conserved fodder paddocks, damage to fences and a reduction in the amount of food on offer to our livestock,” he said.

The college is now working with the Shire to manage growing kangaroo numbers by proposing a cull.

They have obtained all necessary approvals from the appropriate agency with a licence that expires on April, 2019.

The proposed cull will be carried out by a licensed kangaroo shooter who is allowed to shoot up to 20 kangaroos.

Great Southern wildlife carer Gayle Upson said she expected the Shire to conduct the appropriate measure and properly count the number of kangaroos in the area before starting to cull.

“Since the drought that we had earlier this year, naturally you will see more kangaroos now because they are starving.

“So I just want to make sure that the Shire has conducted a proper counting and choose to resort to culling only when it’s necessary.”

Mr Parker said recent seasons have been favourable for kangaroo reproduction in the region with vast populations seen moving through pastures across the Shire.

The most recent statistics from the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions estimate 3,734,775 red and western grey kangaroos in WA.

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