Managing kangaroos and wallabies on private land

Victoria’s native wildlife is protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. While these species are an important part of our natural environment, in some cases—particularly where certain populations become overabundant—they can cause damage to farmland, property, or local ecosystems.

This page outlines how to manage wildlife in a lawful and responsible way, including how to apply for an Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW) permit, implement indirect control measures, and engage with the Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP).

Why wildlife might need to be controlled

In some areas, overabundant wildlife can:

  • Damage crops, pastures, fences, and gardens

  • Cause road safety hazards and traffic accidents

  • Compete with livestock for feed

  • Impact biodiversity through overgrazing

  • Become aggressive towards people

Populations of kangaroo species, including Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Western Grey Kangaroos, and Swamp Wallabies, have significantly increased across Victoria. When numbers exceed what the habitat can support, animals may suffer due to lack of food and water, and the environment itself can be severely impacted.

Legal requirements

All Eastern Grey Kangaroos, Western Grey Kangaroos, and Swamp Wallabies are protected under the Wildlife Act 1975. It is illegal to disturb, harm, or destroy protected wildlife without formal approval.

The most common form of approval is an Authority to Control Wildlife (ATCW), issued by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA).

An ATCW may be granted when:

  • Wildlife is causing damage to property, agriculture, or biodiversity
  • Indirect control methods have been attempted and documented
  • The proposed control methods are considered humane and justified 

Apply for an ATCW

A DEECA officer will assess the application and may inspect your property to confirm the extent of wildlife damage.

Indirect management methods

Before applying for an ATCW, landowners and occupiers are encouraged to try indirect, non-lethal methods to deter wildlife, including:

  • Avoid close contact with wildlife
  • Do not feed wildlife
  • Reduce access to food and water sources
  • Use livestock guardian dogs
  • Install or modify fending (e.g., electric fences, visible fencing, or alternative materials)
  • Fence gardens, homes, and sensitive areas separately from open paddocks 

Control methods requiring a ATCW permit

If indirect methods have failed, an ATCW may permit the following actions:

Scaring:

  • Use of loud noises such as Bird Frite cartridges, gas guns or car horns
  • Use of lights (e.g. high-beam or spotlights) to deter wildlife

Shooting:

  • As a last resort, an ATCW may authorise the humane shooting of specified species
  • All non-lethal methods must be attempted and documented beforehand
  • DEECA officers will discuss suitable options with the applicant during the assessment process

Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP)

The Kangaroo Harvesting Program (KHP) offers an alternative method for controlling kangaroo and wallaby populations through sustainable and humane harvesting practices

About the program:

  • Carried out by trained, licensed harvesters
  • No cost to the landowner or occupier
  • Harvesters are accredited in firearm safety and game harvesting
  • The program supports population control while allowing the meat to be processed and used

Unlike ATCW permits, landowners do not need to apply for a permit to engage an authorised harvester.

Click here to find an authorised harvesting in your area.

Useful links

Apply for an ATCW

ATCW application guide

Kangaroo Harvesting Program information 

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