NEWS DESK
Cull called off
THE man hired to shoot kangaroos at the RACV’s Cape Schanck golf club early last Thursday morning says he had a valid government permit. Leigh Swan of Rosebud, a professional shooter for 30 years, was the centre of controversy on Friday when news of the cull hit the airwaves. He is angry his actions drew so much negative publicity – especially on talk-back radio. Mr Swan said he had a big male kangaroo in his sights and was considering his options when his day was abruptly brought to a premature end. “I want to get the story correct: I’ve had about 40 emails and about 50 texts and it’s been a big day,” he told The News last Friday afternoon. “I did not take a shot at the roos.
“When they saw me they took off. I took the clip out and put the gun down because there was a house in the background. “I am disgusted because I have been reading so much crap about this. I’ve read that people saw me shoot [at the roos] but I did not fire a shot. “Safety is paramount and I do not fire crap shots. I know the greenies don’t like it but it’s my job – and I do a lot of golf courses. “I had been planning the cull for two days and was just trying to finish the job. “I don’t want to get into the politics of this; I am distressed because people are lying about it and I have already seen my solicitor.” Mr Swan said had been contracted by RACV
resort management and regarded the cull as just another day on the job. “I do most of the professional shooting on the Mornington Peninsula,” he said. “My aim was to take out the big male because he has five females and, in the next year or so, there will be 12 or more roos. “They will do a lot of damage and the male is a monster. I saw them sunning themselves and that’s when I wanted to get the big bugger.” Mr Swan said he had spoken with golf course management about “our options”. “If we don’t get rid of the big male there will be trouble in future,” he said. Stephen Taylor
FUN FOR THE KIDS!
G R OW
FREE SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN!
A
PAGE 6
Southern Peninsula News 22 September 2015
FUZZY
WEEK 1 JOIN IN THE FUN AT THE SAND ART WORKSHOP!
WEEK 2 GROW A FUZZY FRIEND WORKSHOP!
It’s fun, colourful and bright, and kids can use their imagination to create their very own masterpieces to take home.
This fun gardening activity sees kids create their very own Fuzzy Friend and when they start growing, kids can cut their Fuzzy Friend’s grassy head!
Tuesday 22 to Friday 25 September 11.00am to 2.00pm daily
Cnr Boneo Rd & McCombe St Rosebud VIC 3939 T 03 5950 2400 facebook.com/RosebudPlaza www.rosebudplaza.com.au
IEND
Kangaroo shooter angry at fallout
FR
Cull anger: John Henshaw and his dog Izzy being filmed by Melbourne TV stations at the RACV resort in Cape Schanck last Friday afternoon. RACV management in Melbourne has said the cull will not occur. Picture: Yanni
Continued from Page 1 Irene Wyld, chair of Moonah Estate Owners Corporation, said the incident occurred in a residential area near where “a number of us walk early in the morning”. “Many other golf courses throughout Australia have kangaroos roaming the fairways – there is no rational reason why the RACV should be allowed to shoot any kangaroos on this particular golf course,” she said. “There has not been one word of communication to residents in regard to this attempted cull.” Another resident, Phil Gleadhill, used Twitter to complain about the incident and received a reply from the organisation: “RACV alarmed to hear of Cape Schanck cull permit. Unauthorised by HQ and stopped immediately, no roos believed harmed.” On Friday, the RACV’s southern resorts general manager, Mark Bennetts, emailed some residents: “We ... learned today that a permit had been obtained to cull some kangaroos at the resort. This was a total surprise to us, was not an approved activity and has been stopped immediately. We understand that no kangaroos have been killed.” He later issued a statement to The News: “RACV can confirm that a permit was obtained to cull six kangaroos at its Cape Schanck resort after local residents and golf playing guests reported aggressive behaviour by kangaroos in this area. “The permit was obtained by a staff member without authorisation. As soon as RACV management was advised, a directive to cease all activity was immediately issued. As far as we are aware, no kangaroos have been harmed. “We apologise for any alarm or distress caused by this unauthorised action.” The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning reportedly confirmed a permit was issued late last month to cull a “small number” of kangaroos at the resort. A spokesman said the permit was granted after reports of aggressive kangaroos attacking people and dogs.
Tuesday 29 September to Friday 2 October 11.00am to 2.00pm daily