By Corey Everitt
The Victorian Kangaroo Alliance is calling for Parks Victoria to maintain its security at Cardinia Reservoir Park after a recent series of kangaroo killings seems to continue unabated.
On Saturday 14 December, three kangaroo bodies were discovered at Cardinia Reservoir Park who appeared to have been killed with potential firearms and vehicles, according to the Victorian Kangaroo Alliance (VKA).
This follows two other incidents in November where a number of kangaroos were found dead at Cardinia Reservoir Park, appearing to have been killed similarly.
“The community is rightly outraged, devastated, and deeply concerned about the illegal use of firearms and animal cruelty occurring in Cardinia Reservoir Park, a popular destination for families,“ Victorian Kangaroo Alliance President, Alyssa Wormald said.
“The repeated discovery of severely injured and bloody dead kangaroo bodies near the playground has sparked widespread alarm, with locals fearing it’s only a matter of time before a child witnesses the gruesome scene.“
Since the incidents, the VKA has offered a $10,000 reward for any information that can lead to the perpetrators.
The association also investigated the park’s security as they received local reports of ‘frequent’ entering by individuals when it is closed overnight.
The VKA said their findings underscored the ‘need for enhanced security’.
“As local feedback suggested that inadequate park security is a primary factor contributing to the attacks, we undertook our own research and consultation to identify the issues and potential solutions,“ Wormald said.
“We are calling for Parks Victoria to immediately improve Park security to safeguard the local kangaroos and prevent further illegal activity.
“The community is echoing our urgent calls for enhanced security measures to safeguard the kangaroos, cherished by locals and tourists alike, and ensure that the Park remains tranquil and family-friendly for all.“
They noted the lack of security cameras at certain entrances and how existing cameras ‘cannot reliably’ capture license plates at night.
Residents reported, according to VKA, that the main gate can be left open as late as 9pm.
The gate from Red Hill Road is not in use and is permanently closed but is ‘severely damaged’ which allows easy access, it was also noted that this gate had no security cameras.
Another gate off Duffys Road is permanently closed but was called ‘flimsy’ by the VKA.
This gate is protected by road spikes, however, the VKA used a small car mat to demonstrate how ‘easily flattened’ they can be for illegal entry.
Melbourne Water oversees security for Cardinia Reservoir as a whole and can also incur penalties for illegal entry.
The association recommended an upgraded camera to be utilised as well as the installation of cameras near the children’s playground – where many of the bodies have been discovered – as well as around public toilets and picnic areas.
The Red Hill Road and Duffys Road gate, the VKA said, should be upgraded to the level of the main gate and only allow those departing the park passage.
“We have emphasised the need for urgent attention to this matter, and we are still eagerly awaiting a response to our security upgrade proposal from Parks Victoria. In the meantime, we are working on our own community watch to protect the area whilst action from Parks Victoria is pending,“ Wormald said.
“In addition to our engagement with Parks Victoria, we are also communicating with Federal and State MPs, as well as the Shire, to advocate for immediate enhanced security measures and ensure a united response to this issue. We are also liaising with the police in the hope the reward we have offered will bring the perpetrators to account.“
