Kangaroo harvesting
The Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP) began in Victoria on 1 October 2019 to enable the harvesting of Eastern and Western Grey kangaroos (grey kangaroos) in Victoria. The program provides an alternative to the existing Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) system for landholders wishing to control kangaroos on their property.
The KHP helps landholders reduce issues caused by kangaroos on-farm, it makes use of the carcasses and provides an income for the trained harvesters. Problems faced by landholders include crop destruction, competition with livestock and damage to property such as fences.
The sustainability of kangaroo populations is protected by limiting the harvest using annual quotas. The harvesting quota is set taking into account population estimates and the predicted ATCW numbers for the coming year.
Authorised harvesters take kangaroos in a sustainable manner at no cost to landholders. Suitable kangaroo carcasses are delivered to a processing centre where they are processed for food and other products, minimising wastage. Harvesters are accredited in firearm proficiency and game harvester skill sets. They must act in accordance with national standards.
Landholders engage authorised harvesters directly and can request details of authorised harvesters in their area. Landholders wishing to use authorised harvesters do not need to apply for an ATCW
The program is designed and implemented by the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions in collaboration with the Game Management Authority (GMA) – who also lead compliance and enforcement of the KHP – and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP).
The KHP operates in accordance with the 2021-2023 Victorian Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan (KHMP):
- Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan Kangaroo harvest management plan, 2021-2023 (PDF 681.47 KB)
- Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan Kangaroo harvest management plan, 2021-2023 (DOCX 2716.17 KB)
Authorised Harvesters are subject to the Conditions of Authorisation:
- Conditions of Authorisation Conditions of authorisation (PDF 224.55 KB)
- Conditions of Authorisation Conditions of authorisation (DOCX 56.54 KB)
Authorised harvesters are required to act in accordance with the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes.
In 2021, the new Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan 2021-2023 was released.
The new plan has changed slightly from the previous year’s plan. Changes to the 2021 – 2023 plan include:
- the life of the plan has been extended to three years
- the expansion of the program to using kangaroos for human consumption (previously limited to pet food)
- the ability to trade interstate for both harvesters and processors where they are legally authorised to do so in the relevant jurisdiction
- the Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan 2021-2023 being declared a Developmental Wildlife Trade Operation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act 1999. This will allow kangaroo products collected under the program, such as skins, to be exported overseas.
Download the Kangaroo harvest zones map Kangaroo Harvest Zone Map (DOCX 152.78 KB)
There are seven kangaroo harvest zones in Victoria:
- Mallee
- Upper Wimmera
- Lower Wimmera
- Central
- Otway
- North East
- Gippsland.
See Local Government Areas in each harvest zone Local Government Areas by zone (DOCX 18.15 KB)
Harvesters in different parts of Victoria can apply to harvest in any given zone.
A quota for the harvesting program is set each year and allocations released in stages throughout the year.
To ensure the sustainability of kangaroo populations, a total recommended take (across the KHP and ATCWs) is determined. The total recommended take is set at 10% of the population.
The KHP is based on each zone’s estimated population. Zones with a higher proportion of Victoria’s kangaroo population will generally have a higher quota. The predicted ATCW numbers within a zone also affect the KHP quota.
ATCWs are considered on a case-by-case basis and not capped, therefore the level of take up across the two programs is monitored closely. If the level becomes too high, the number of quota allocations will be revised at the next planned release.
From this quota, harvesters in different parts of Victoria can apply for an allocation which specifies how many or grey kangaroos they can harvest in any given harvest zone.
These allocations are strictly enforced, and non-compliance may result in revocation of authorisation to operate. Non-compliant harvesters can face significant penalties.
The 2022 quota covers the period 4 January 2022 to 31 December 2022.
| Harvest zone | Total annual quota per zone |
|---|---|
| Central | 46,150 |
| Gippsland | 13,100 |
| Lower Wimmera | 22,915* |
| Mallee | 1,050 |
| North East | 3,715* |
| Otway | 20,650 |
| Upper Wimmera | 11,400 |
| Statewide total (annual) | 118,980 |
*Adjusted annual quota. For more information on quota adjustments, see Kangaroo Harvesting Program zones and quota.
Harvesters can apply for a quota allocation in any zone. The allocation will specify how many kangaroos they can harvest and in which zones. Tags (with quota ID) are then posted to harvesters for attaching at the time of harvesting.
Harvesters must only harvest the number of kangaroos they have been allocated tags for, and only in the zones the tags specify.
The annual quota releases for 2022 are provided below, with the first release for 6-month quota and quarterly thereafter. Any quarterly unallocated quota may be rolled into the next quarter release.
Release Three quota in the North-East and Lower Wimmera zones was reduced due to an adjustment in the program's annual quota. For more information on quota adjustments, see Kangaroo Harvesting Program zones and quota.
| Harvest Zone | Quota allocated Release 1 | Quota allocated in Release 2 | Total quota Release 3 (including carryover) | Total annual quota |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Central | 22,420 | 7,870 | 15,860 | 46,150 |
| Gippsland | 6,550 | 3,200 | 3,350 | 13,100 |
| Lower Wimmera | 15,275 | 7,640 | 0 | 22,915 |
| Mallee | 525 | 260 | 265 | 1,050 |
| North East | 2,475 | 1,210 | 30 | 3,715 |
| Otway | 7,650 | 2,750 | 10,250 | 20,650 |
| Upper Wimmera | 5,700 | 2,850 | 2,850 | 11,400 |
| Total | 60,595 | 25,780 | 32,605 | 118,980 |
The total number of grey kangaroos taken in Victoria will be monitored closely throughout the year. The KHP quota may be adjusted at points throughout the year to maintain a sustainable take across the KHP and through ATCW’s.
Active/non-active
The status of a harvester is assessed per harvest zone. Harvesters must demonstrate activity in the zone in which they are applying for quota.
Harvesters’ initial status per zone for 2022 will be based on their activity in that zone throughout October- December (the last three months of 2021). For harvesters in the North-East zone, status will be based on activity in July-September 2021.
2022 active/non-active criteria
Non-active harvester:
- a new harvester
- a harvester who has not received an allocation of tags in the last three months for the zone
- a harvester who has received an allocation in the last three months for the zone but has not consumed 50% of the total tags issued to them in this three-month period.
Active harvester:
- a harvester who has received an allocation of tags in the three months prior to applying for tags and has consumed (used) at least 50% of the total tags issued to them for the zone within this three-month period.
2022 tag allocation rules
The tag allocation rules outlined below will apply to all harvesters for 2022.
Tag allocation rules will remain in place to prevent non-active harvesters from stockpiling unused tags.
| Demonstrated harvest status | Initial tag allowance | Subsequent tag allowances |
|---|---|---|
| Non-active Harvesters – North East & Mallee | Maximum 50 tags, per zone | Maximum 200 tags, per zone |
| Non-active Harvesters – all other zones | Maximum 100 tags, per zone | Maximum 200 tags, per zone |
| Active Harvesters – all zones | Maximum 200 tags, per zone | Maximum 200 tags, per zone |
Wherever possible, harvesters will receive the quota they have applied for, if eligible. Demand and supply constraints in some zones may mean that quota received is less than what was applied for.
Before being able to apply for subsequent tag allocations, the harvester must have consumed (used) 50% of the previous tags issued to them.
The Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan (KHMP) has been updated and the new plan will be in effect until the end of 2023.
Amendments include:
- Extending the life of the plan from 1 year to 3 years.
- Allowing harvested grey kangaroos to be used for human consumption and for products to be exported overseas.
- An ability to suspend harvesting in a zone or a zone segment (local government area) when an event (such as a bushfire) occurs that could affect grey kangaroo populations.
- Allowing the annual KHP quota to be published separately to the management plan. This allows the quota to be adjusted each year.
Developmental Wildlife Trade Operation
The KHMP 2021-2023 now recognised under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 as a Developmental Wildlife Trade Operation. This allows the international export of kangaroo products from this program.
PrimeSafe
On 1 February 2020, the Meat Industry Act 1993 was amended. As a result, vehicles used in harvest, processing, storage or transport of kangaroos for pet or human food or other commercial products, must be licensed with PrimeSafe.
For further information on these regulatory changes visit the PrimeSafe website.
To get involved in the program as a harvester, you will need to register through Service Victoria.
Please ensure you are using Chrome as your browser when registering or logging into their system.
Log in as an existing Service Victoria user
You will need to provide evidence of appropriate training including:
Firearm proficiency training
Learn more about firearm proficiency training and the SSAA Victoria Commercial Kangaroo Firearms Proficiency Accreditation Course. Interstate or equivalent qualifications are accepted.
Game Harvester Skill Set
Learn more about Game Harvester Skill Set training. Interstate qualifications are accepted.
Assistance
For help registering or using the Service Victoria App please access our Guide for Harvesters Guide for Harvesters (DOCX 40.67 KB)
For any enquiries about import or export permits please email the wildlife licensing team at wildlife.licensing@delwp.vic.gov.au
Frequently asked questions
For more information for processors and harvesters, see the following documents:
To get involved in the KHP as a landowner, you will need to register through Service Victoria.
Once registered, you can request a list of currently authorised harvesters who have expressed an interest in operating in your zone.
It will be up to you to make direct contact with harvesters to organise a time and date for harvest.
Landowners are required to provide written consent to an authorised harvester to harvest grey kangaroos on their property.
Also, they should request evidence from the harvester that they have appropriate public liability or public indemnity insurance.
The authorised harvester e-licence on the Service Victoria app is sufficient proof of authorisation for processors and landowners.
Download the Consent form for landowners Consent form for landowners Consent form for landowners (DOC 715.5 KB)
Frequently asked questions
For more information, see the following documents:
The GMA provides the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions with a quarterly report outlining program information relating to quota allocation and consumption figures, harvest summary figures, authorisations and compliance activities undertaken.
2022 reports
- Kangaroo Harvest Program Report Q2 2022 Kangaroo Harvest Program Report Q2 2022 (PDF 215.84 KB)
- Kangaroo Harvest Program Report Q2 2022 - Accessible Kangaroo Harvest Program Report Q2 2022 - Accessible (DOCX 307.13 KB)
- Kangaroo Harvest Program Report Q1 2022 Kangaroo Harvest Program Report Q1 2022 (PDF 216.6 KB)
- Kangaroo Harvest Program Report Q1 2022 - Accessible Kangaroo Harvest Program Report Q1 2022 - Accessible (DOCX 306.14 KB)
2021 reports
If you have a wildlife problem on your property, you can apply for an ATCW to control wildlife that is:
- damaging buildings, pasture, crops or other property
- posing a risk to human health and safety
- damaging the environment.
If you require an ATCW, you must complete and sign an ATCW application form and submit it to the Conservation Regulator (DELWP) according to the locations listed on the form.
For more information on ATCWs, see wildlife management and control authorisations.
- Follow all instructions, signage and park where directed.
- Before entering or leaving a property, ensure your vehicle, equipment, footwear and clothing are clean and free of any visible dirt or contaminants and, if possible, disinfected or washed away from livestock or crops.
- If entering certain areas, you must use provided equipment or clothing if asked.
- Minimise contact with livestock, crops and plant materials, and only enter authorised areas.
Contact information
For all queries, complaints and concerns relating to the Kangaroo Harvest Program, please contact us:
- Phone: 136 186 (between 8am and 6pm Monday to Friday)
- Email: customer.service@ecodev.vic.gov.au
Page last updated: 27 October 2022