The results are in for annual Sunbury kangaroo count, with the event founder revealing the marsupials have sustained their population.
The count started on May 14 for the eighth year in a row, and over a couple of days about 537 kangaroos were recorded.
Count founder and Sunbury resident Robert Irvine said these results were as he expected and follows a gradual growth in Sunbury’s kangaroo population.
“It was pretty much as expected, the numbers have been strong… and sustained,” Mr Irvine said.
“Despite the rapid urbanisation it [appears it] hasn’t negatively affected the kangaroo numbers.”
Mr Irvine said some standout locations include the Sunbury fields and Mount Holden, with the roos preferring to retreat under the trees or lay in the long grass during the day.
“It’s a normal protective strategy of theirs,” he said.
“They graze early in the morning and then rest during the day, with a couple of significant expectations.
“On the top of Mount Holden you can clearly see about 150 kangaroos.
“Sunbury fields used to be the old race course and when they developed the housing they left a park in the middle.
“The kangaroos are still there … we counted [about] 50 there.
2023 kangaroo count details:
Gap, Wileman, Reservoir: 64
Burke’s Hill, Reservoir: 59
Elizabeth Dve, Kenway: 50
Sherwood Grange: 46
Emu Bottom Wetlands: 18
The Parkway: 7
Enterprise Dve: 6
Red stone Hill: 26
Moore Rd: 48
Mount Holden: 134
The Strand:26
Kent hill Ct: 30
Canterbury Hills: 23
Zoe Moffatt
