Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan Authorizes Aerial Culling of 700 Koalas

[red750]

**Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan Authorizes Aerial Culling of 700 Koalas in Budj Bim National Park**

 

In a highly contentious decision, Jacinta Allan has approved the aerial culling of koalas within Budj Bim National Park. The Department of Environment, Land, Water, and Planning (DEECA) asserts that this drastic action is backed by "comprehensive assessments," which cite a lack of sufficient food resources to sustain the koala population. It is said this was for humanitarian reasons following a lightening strike and sparking bushfires.

 

This development raises a pivotal question: Why are blue gum plantations—thought to be the original habitats of these koalas—continuing to be harvested, resulting in the displacement of thousands of these animals without the provision of alternative shelters?

 

Jacinta, how do you rationalize the following:

- Permitting shooters to eliminate koalas from helicopters without performing thorough health evaluations?
- Failing to ascertain the health status of these koalas, including the potential presence of mothers with dependent joeys?
- Referring to this act as a “mercy killing” when it seems to contradict that notion?

Conducting health assessments from an altitude of 30 meters is impractical. This method is scientifically unfounded and represents an act of cruelty.

 

Under DEECA’s management, our wildlife is not receiving the protection it deserves. These lethal measures are carried out in secrecy, with the public often learning about them only after they occur. It appears that the government is attempting to present this initiative as compassionate, which is entirely unacceptable.

 

If the public accepts this narrative, the future of our native wildlife is at serious risk.

As we approach a federal election, accountability is essential.

[facthunter]

Will you quote your sources?  Nev

[Jerry_Atrick]

It's not the first time.. Apparently way back in 2015, it was done, too: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/worldtoday/almost-700-victorian-koalas-killed-in-secret-cull/6280158

 

2 minutes ago, facthunter said:

Will you quote your sources?  Nev

Quick Google search has The Independent, SMH/The Age, and some other outlet.

 

Though, assuming it is true, it is concerning given the cost v relocating costs

[red750]

The story was a copy and paste from a post by News Australia, but a second report  by The Advertiser was hidden behind a paywall.

[facthunter]

Many are diseased and relocation doesn't provide a practical solution. Habitat is a problem. Land Clearing. Nev

[Litespeed]

How the hell do you target Koalas from a heli?

 

They are bloody hard to spot in a tree.