AUSTRALIA: Queensland sets low quota for kangaroo harvest

The Australian government has announced that Queensland’s quota for kangaroo harvesting will be 3.8 million animals this year. Agforce Queensland had lobbied for a higher quota of up to six million, and has expressed its disappointment at the government’s decision. Agforce Queensland deputy CEO Paul Bidwell said the region’s kangaroo population had reached “plague” proportions.

January 21, 2002

The Australian government has announced that Queensland’s quota for kangaroo harvesting will be 3.8 million animals this year.

Agforce Queensland had lobbied for a higher quota of up to six million, and has expressed its disappointment at the government’s decision. Agforce Queensland deputy CEO Paul Bidwell said the region’s kangaroo population had reached “plague” proportions.

Despite this, popular sympathy for the Australian national symbol has held back attempts to develop a kangaroo meat and leather industry.