Under the revised target the 2021 quota has jumped by 37,780 to 95,680 kangaroos, after kangaroo populations increased by almost 40 per cent since 2018, according to a 2020 population survey.
Currently a north-east harvest zone takes in a number of local government areas including Benalla Rural City, City of Greater Shepparton and the Mansfield, Moira, Strathbogie and Campaspe shires.
The changes to the program allow extra meat to be made available for human consumption, not just pet food as is currently the case.
Work will also be undertaken to identify export opportunities for the kangaroo skins.
Victorian Agriculture Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said kangaroo numbers need to be "sustainably managed".
“This program provides a service to farmers and an income to trained professional shooters,” she said.
“The changes to how products generated from the Kangaroo Harvesting Program can be used gives more options to harvesters and processors to make use of these animals and reduce waste — and create more jobs in country towns.”
Since October 2019, 86 harvesters and five meat processors have taken part in the pet-food-only program, with many calling for changes that allow processing for human consumption to support jobs in country communities.
The sustainability of kangaroo populations is protected through annual quotas, in accordance with Victoria’s Kangaroo Harvest Management Plan 2021-2023.
The quota is based on population surveys and modelling from DELWP and is set alongside the estimated numbers of kangaroos controlled under the Authority to Control Wildlife permit system.
To be part of the program, harvesters must be authorised, hold a firearms licence and be accredited in firearm proficiency and game harvesting.
Harvesters must abide by the National Code of Practice for the Humane Shooting of Kangaroos and Wallabies for Commercial Purposes.
Their vehicles and cool rooms must also be accredited through PrimeSafe.
