Lilydale kangaroos still stuck after relocation move slammed

A mob of kangaroos landlocked by suburban growth in Lilydale are now stranded by government red tape.

The kangaroos have to be removed to make way for a housing redevelopment on the former Lilydale quarry site.

A mob of kangaroos is still stranded by suburban growth in Melbourne’s outer-east after a planned relocation described by wildlife advocates as cruel and inhumane was suspended.

The six-month struggle to save the landlocked roos seemed close to being solved when the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning came up with a proposal to move up to 50 of the eastern greys to a St Andrews sanctuary.

The roos, including at least seven joeys, need to be moved so work can begin at Intrapac’s Kinley housing development on the old Lilydale quarry site.

Wildhaven wildlife shelter owner Stella Reid said she was happy to take the roos but was unhappy with interference from bureaucrats, red tape and giving up access to her property.

“We’ve been caring for native animals for 30 years,’’ Ms Reid said.

“We know what we’re doing. Just get out of the way and let us do our job.’’

Ms Reid’s shelter backs onto Kinglake National Park which would provide safe release for the roos.

Local families are concerned about the fate of the Kinley kangaroos.

But among many conditions the department wanted to place collars around the animals to track them and also release them in two stages – one half immediately and the rest after spending time at the shelter.

Acting Chief Conservation Regulator Wayne Robins said his office had received a permit application to relocate the kangaroos.

“But work is still being done to find an alternative site,’’ he said.

A team of wildlife carers, volunteers and vets was on standby as far back as July to relocate the mob until the department devised its alternative process.

Vet Natasha Bassett has inspected many of the Lilydale roos, including seven in-pouch joeys, and said most were in good health.

“The delay is regrettable. The roos are healthy and suitable for relocation to a wildlife shelter.’’

The department plan to divide the mob ignores their social and family connections, she said.

“The two split mobs will just go looking for each other and it’s asking to fail. It’s just inhumane.’’

Any DELWP relocation would also represent a policy change because until now stranded roos were usually killed rather than relocated.

Earth-moving work has already begun on parts of the old Lilydale quarry site. Pic: Jason Edwards

Lilydale resident Ian Fairweather said the community loved the roos and wanted them treated humanely.

“We are prepared to have them moved – we don’t want them culled,’’ he said.

Australian Society for Kangaroos president Nikki Sutterby said the community had fought hard to save the kangaroos.

“They have a very special place in their hearts.

“They should only be moved by a team with the experience and commitment to ensure their safe and humane relocation, and not be exposed to this cruel experiment that has a very high chance of failure.’’

Families which border the land at Lilydale have become attached to the roos and have objected to any cull.

A planned night cull of the kangaroos living on the land which was once home to Dame Nellie Melba’s family was aborted last year after protests from residents and wildlife advocates.

It’s believed a few roos have even escaped the site. A male roo was found dead, hit by a vehicle, on Maroondah Highway on New Year’s Day.

A meeting of Lilydale residents will be held next Monday.

@IanRoyall