A PERMIT to “scare” wildlife has been issued by Victoria’s environment department to a farmer in drought-ravaged Gippsland, despite kangaroo numbers ballooning in the region.

Forge Creek farmer Robert Richards applied for an authority to control wildlife permit and was issued with a “scare only” licence by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning last month.

The “scare’ application is rarely handed out, with cull applications usually granted.

“I was flabbergasted by this so-called authority to scare permit,” Mr Richards said.

“I reckon it’s unique. Uniquely stupid.”

Like many in the Bairnsdale region, Mr Richards’ property has been hit hard by drought and he was forced to de-stock in order to give his pastures time to revive.

However, dozens of kangaroos frequently graze on his property despite erecting a $19,000 fence to keep the ravenous wildlife at bay.

“It’s certainly frustrating that you have to wait eight or nine weeks for a permit to control wildlife, all the while your property is under pressure. By the time you actually get the permit, it’s of no use. I mean, a permit to scare? In what way does (DELWP) propose that I scare the kangaroos? By wearing a dinosaur outfit? You can’t use a car or a quad bike (to scare off kangaroos). These things are highly regulated.”

EDITORIAL: WORLD HAS GONE HOPPING MAD

The 1.8 metre high fence erected by Mr Richards has been regularly breached by kangaroos, despite being solidly built.

“The larger ones burrow underneath to the point where I would be able to fit through (the hole under the fence),” he said.

A DELWP spokeswoman said the department advocated non-lethal management of wildlife “wherever possible.”

“Where non-lethal techniques are ineffective or impractical, lethal control may be necessary,” the spokeswoman said.

“It is DELWP policy that a land manager exhausts all practical non-lethal options before applying for an ATCW for lethal control, which is a last resort.

“Scaring frequently, using loud noises — ‘Bird Frite’ cartridges, gas guns as well as car horns — or lights — spotlights, high beams on vehicles — may help deter kangaroos from your property.”

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