Respect our national symbol
WRIN expresses its extreme disappointment at the state government's decision to increase the quota for kangaroo harvesting. The justification is it increases in populations. There's no evidence to support such claims. Actually populations have decreased due to habitat destruction through land-clearing and bushfires.
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Considering the intention to sell kangaroo meat for humans, it's concerning how the cold chain of carcasses is maintained. They are killed in the field and need to be refrigerated before transportation. Do shooters have access to controlled refrigeration? Are audits performed? Are temperature checks performed, standards met? Roos are hunted at dusk so transport delays are expected.
Wild populations carry parasites to which they are adapted. These parasites cannot be controlled.
Shooters lack knowledge of kangaroo populations. The ability of shooters to distinguish between male/female kangaroos from a distance is questionable. Do shooters have the skills to rescue orphaned joeys? Are they held accountable for errors? Are orphaned joeys left to die slow, cruel deaths?
Kangaroos are an iconic native species. We should be respecting our most recognisable symbol and value and appreciate these unique animals.
Michelle Mead, WRIN
Special exhibition coming up
I refer to the letter from Darren Chester, Minister for Veteran's Affairs (April 3) regarding the 80th Anniversary of the Siege of Tobruk. To commemorate this on Anzac Day, the Rats of Tobruk Association is having a special exhibition and open day at its historic Tobruk House (44 Victoria Avenue, Albert Park) from 11am to 2pm. All are welcome to attend.
The exhibition, supported by the Victorian government, can also be viewed online at ratsoftobrukassociation.org.au/exhibition. For more information, call 0432 232 502.
Mike Kiernan, VP, Rats of Tobruk Association Inc
Discussing development
Headline in Saturday's paper 'Buyers snap up house lots' re lack of land to build on - comments by agents and developers whose businesses rely on sales of land (they have a vested interest).
Other news:
City of Bendigo says there were 660 hectares of residential land zoned residential but not yet subdivided by developers - perhaps the owners don't want to sell?. I have spoken to the mayor and our councillors re development occurring, particularly in Maiden Gully. We recognise land needs to be developed but object to all vegetation on the land being razed. Surely council have the means, or should have the means, to ensure all vegetation is not removed?
Over the past few years, all large subdivisions in Maiden Gully have resulted in tens of thousands of trees being removed leaving the suburb devoid of the reason most people came here.
Obviously it is easier for the developers to knock down everything and start with a blank canvas. It will take years for the area to become pleasant again as most blocks are not large enough for a decent-sized tree.
I am not saying no development - we recognise development will occur. I am saying let's keep a percentage of the environment we currently have. I have had no follow-up or response from council. Bendigo "the city in the forest" - not quite anymore.
Meryl Birch, Maiden Gully
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