Page 1390 - Week 04 - Thursday, 10 April 2008
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(4) Has the Government obtained legal advice on its position if a carcass is not removed promptly and becomes a dangerous obstacle to drivers and pedestrians or poses a health risk; if so, what is that advice;
(5) What is the average number of carcasses that have been removed each (a) day, (b) week, (c) month and (d) year in the ACT over the last three financial years;
(6) What is the (a) actual number of carcasses that have been removed and (b) cost per annum to the ACT for removal of these carcasses each year for the last three financial years.
Mr Hargreaves: The answer to the member’s question is as follows:
1.
(a) ACT roads are not specifically inspected for kangaroos and other dead animal carcasses. Rather, this task is undertaken opportunistically as staff come into contact with them during the course of the day or if they are specifically referred to a spot location by a member of the public.
(b) The removal of roadside carcasses is undertaken by Rangers from Parks, Conservation and Lands, as a component of an Urban Wildlife Program.
2. The removal of carcasses is incorporated into the daily duties of Urban Wildlife Rangers. Carcasses encountered or reported as an immediate safety hazard (e.g. in the middle of a busy road) are targeted for removal as soon as practicable. Similarly carcasses in prominent public places such as high use town parks, civic centre areas, the parliamentary triangle, school playgrounds, residents’ yards, ovals and child care centre grounds are targeted for removed within 24 hours of coming to the attention of rangers. Other carcasses in non-priority areas can often remain for longer.
3. No human health impacts known.
4. No legal advice has been sought on this issue.
5.
(a) Averaged over the last 32 months to Feb 08, approximately 1 17 carcasses per day
(b) Averaged over the last 32 months to Feb 08; approximately 8 19 carcasses per week
(c) Averaged over the last 32 months to Feb 08; approximately 35 6 carcasses per month
(d) Averaged over the last 32 months to Feb 08; approximately 427 carcasses per year.
6.
(a) The estimated total number of carcasses removed for the last 32 months to Feb 08 is 1 139.
(b) This activity forms one of many tasks carried out by Rangers and is not specifically costed.
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