I searched for information about this project on the Bathurst Regional Council website and couldn’t find any apart from the minutes of the ordinary council meeting on February 1, 2017. I conclude the project is not open to public scrutiny.

There is a shroud of secrecy around this project, for which Bathurst ratepayers have already paid $150,000: the figure is only an estimate given we are paying around $9000 each month for the project (according to the Western Advocate).

My understanding is the KRP was a knee-jerk reaction by council to unwelcome publicity. This publicity was a result of a trigger event leading to frightened kangaroos in the streets of Bathurst.

On August 15, 2012, Bathurst Regional Council adopted a report by a consulting ecologist as a working document. The report states: “Relocation or fertility control methods may not be viable options at present.”

Was the consultant ecologist informed of or prior to the trigger event? If not, why not? Surely the spending of this sum of money would justify consultation with an independent ecologist.

In 2011, the Department of Environment and Energy estimated there were 34 million plus kangaroos in Australia not counting the Northern Territory, Tasmania and Victoria. 

According to Bathurst Regional Council minutes (as above), the KRP involves the relocation of 250 to 350 kangaroos. This is beyond belief.

The KRP must end immediately.

Perhaps regular surveys of fauna and flora of Mount Panorama by an independent ecologist would prevent future waste of Bathurst ratepayers’ money. This would ensure transparency and accountability for future projects.

Car racing is of great economic benefit to Bathurst. However, we need to ensure our flora and fauna are maintained and managed in a humane manner, with experienced and independent ecologists providing ongoing research and recommendations.

I WOULD like to respond to your recent article (Windradyne Whisperer, July 4) suggesting that the interest in public office in the September elections means that “the vote will be diluted, ensuring only the number one on the ticket will get elected. Everyone else is wasting their time.”

I absolutely disagree.

It is unlikely that nine of the ‘above the line’ groups will each gain 11 per cent of the vote (or even the number one candidate with a below the line personal support.) And if one group gains stronger support, that leaves less support for the others.

Electors of Bathurst also have the option of voting below the line and individually selecting (in preference order) at least five candidates, or more if they wish.

Just because there is a large field does not mean any particular candidate cannot gain sufficient support to be elected.

I will be a candidate in the elections in September, and do so not to waste my time, but to offer to the Bathurst community my skill and interest in representing them at local government, and will be asking the Bathurst people for their support, and will need their personal support and to attract votes below the line to be elected.

Just because candidates form into groups does not mean you have to vote above the line and I encourage all electors to consider their vote carefully.

Sure, vote above the line to support a group, in the order of that group on the ballot paper. But if that does not suit you, vote below the line. I, for one, would appreciate your personal support.