One of Queensland’s favourite native animals will no longer be killed for commercial gain, thanks to a decision by the new state minister for the environment and a campaign by Wildlife Queensland.

After three years of campaigning, Wildlife Queensland has been advised by the Hon. Andrew McNamara, recently appointed as Minister for Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation, that the whiptail wallaby (known popularly as the pretty face) has been removed from the commercial harvest management plan in Queensland.

'Finally, logical arguments have won the day,' said Des Boyland, Wildlife Queensland’s Policies and Campaign Manager, speaking about the society’s successful campaign.

'The whiptails have had at least one threat to their survival removed. No longer will they be shot as part of the commercial harvest plan.'

'Wildlife Queensland wishes to acknowledge that the Kangaroo Industry of Australia Association did not oppose our efforts in this campaign,’ said Des Boyland. ‘Furthermore, we understand that finally the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) supported our arguments and recommended to the Minister that the species be removed from the harvest list,' he added.

Concerns Wildlife Queensland had about other species covered by the kangaroo management plan have also been addressed.

'Recent plans contained an apparent anomaly in skin size and body weight of certain species allowed to be taken. This has been rectified,' said Des Boyland.

In addition, Wildlife Queensland had been calling for more transparency and accountability in ensuring that the species permitted to be taken still had adequate representation throughout their range.

'The EPA has now placed on their website population data based on transects for the various bioregions. This will assist greatly in establishing confidence in the management plan,' said Des Boyland.

'‘This issue so positively addressed by Andrew McNamara, together with other recent decisions by him has resulted in well deserved gains for our wildlife and its environment,' enthused Des Boyland.

'Wildlife Queensland will not rest on its laurels. The challenges are immense and no greater than ensuring the Queensland Government commits to and implements a strategy to conserve biodiversity throughout Queensland. The current framework document is totally deficient,' he added.

More information on the whiptail wallaby campaign

Whiptail wallaby

For more information about the poultry shed grant scheme and other activities, contact Wildlife Queensland by email or call +61 7 3221 0194.