THE Mornington Peninsula Shire’s efforts to relocate an over-abundant wallaby population at The Briars Wildlife Sanctuary are progressing slower than anticipated with early trapping having captured fewer animals.
The update follows the shire’s 16 September decision to move the wallabies into a secure holding area as part of a staged Macropod Management Plan, which has seen supplementary feeding undertaken twice weekly “where necessary,” a council statement said.
Overall, 120 wallabies will be relocated from the Mt Martha sanctuary to ensure the long-term sustainability of the population.
Increased rainfall has stimulated high breeding rates with drier conditions this year having conversely reduced food availability, leading to pressure on the population and the environment.
A specialist working group has been established to guide the process.
According to council, “The team has engaged a working group made up of experts from University of Melbourne, macropod specialist veterinarians and trapping and tranquiliser specialists to progress the Macropod Management Plan.”
“Ongoing meetings of the group have delivered an operational plan and scheduling of field work for phase one which is estimated to finish by the end of December.”
While phase one has begun, the council confirmed “the number of wallabies caught has been lower than expected”.
“The approach to trapping and relocating the wallabies has adjusted based on regular assessments and will continue until all healthy wallabies are in the holding area. Officers will be receiving a progress report in early December. Phase two of the plan will be delivered in the new year which includes fertility controls and assessing viability for rehoming,” it said.
Minor infrastructure works have also been completed to accommodate the relocated wallabies to ensure the area is secured.
In addition to scientific oversight, cultural and environmental authorities have been brought into the process, with council noting “external stakeholders have been engaged including Bunurong Land Council and Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action” and “ongoing conversations are happening with stakeholders to ensure involvement in the activities where necessary”.
Council emphasised that all decisions would follow strict regulatory requirements, noting “our licence guides how we are allowed to rehome animals housed in the sanctuary. Several relevant licensed organisations have shown interest in rehoming wallabies if and when the time is right”.
In September, the shire said there were 150 wallabies currently in the sanctuary at The Briars, while the recommended carry capacity – the number of animals to remain sustainable – was around 30.
First published in the Mornington News – 9 December 2025
