Around 120 wallabies will be relocated from The Briars wildlife sanctuary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the population, after a unanimous vote of councillors tonight (16/9).
Last year, an increase in the availability of food for the wallabies, brought about by increased rainfall, stimulated high breeding rates. The change to drier conditions this year has conversely reduced food availability, leading to pressure on the population and the environment.
It is estimated there are approximately 150 wallabies currently in the sanctuary at The Briars, while the recommended carry capacity – the number of animals to remain sustainable – is around 30.
Shire rangers acted quickly when changes in the population were noted and have been providing supplementary feed to the wallabies to ensure they have enough food supply while management options were investigated.
Officers engaged expert ecologists, vets and zoologists to assess the situation and provide best-practice management advice. At today’s Council meeting, Councillors unanimously supported the preferred management option provided by experts.
The wallabies will be sedated and moved to a separate area within the sanctuary, where they will be health checked and assessed to determine the best outcome of rehoming, contraceptive implants or humane euthanasia. The cost of this option to ratepayers is estimated at $190,000.
As the program will take some time to impact the population at The Briars, rangers will continue to supply supplementary feed until the numbers better reflect the recommended carry capacity.
The two other options up for discussion were a combination of selective euthanasia and re-homing, or non-selective humane euthanasia. Theseoptions were costed at $88,000 and $14,000 respectively.
“I called an urgent meeting so this decision could be made quickly and transparently. The Briars sanctuary is much-loved by our community, and with these animals in our care, people rightly expect us to choose the most humane path,” said Mornington Peninsula Shire mayor Cr Anthony Marsh.
“I have always been a supporter of our wildlife at The Briars and across the peninsula, so I’m especially delighted with council’s unanimous decision, both as mayor on behalf of council and as the local ward councillor for Mount Martha.
“It’s not the cheapest option, but it’s the one that best reflects the values and expectations of our community.
“This is a wonderful outcome for our wallabies and for the sanctuary. It shows how seriously we take our responsibility to protect and celebrate the unique wildlife that makes our community so special.”
