A last-ditch move from the government has secured the future of the divisive Kangaroo Pet Food Trial.
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The trial was set to come to an end on Sunday, March 31 but the government confirmed the trial would be extended until September 30.
As well as the trial extension, the government will establish a Kangaroo Management Plan to provide a framework for the practice to continue in the long term.
From October 1, 2019, kangaroos in Victoria will be able to be harvested and processed in accordance with the plan and kangaroo harvesting zones and annual quotas for each zone will be established.
"We've listened to farmers' concerns and that's why we're taking action to sustainably manage kangaroo populations and reduce waste going forward to the benefit of farmers and our environment," agriculture minister Jaclyn Symes said.
Lowan MP Emma Kealy has been vocal in pushing for the pet food scheme. Ms Kealy said the program will be vital for farmers.
"The Andrews Government has dithered for months over the program, refusing to guarantee it would be ongoing," she said.
"This announcement is a huge win for local farmers and pet food processors and comes after years of lobbying by myself and The Nationals team, local farmers, the VFF, the pet food industry and all the drivers that have hit a roo and added their voice to our campaign.
"A huge thank you to everyone for their strong support and advocacy. With your help we have made it happen."
The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning will spend the next few months establishing a regulatory framework so the plan will have strong compliance and enforcement requirements.
Regular statewide kangaroo population surveys will be conducted to ensure quotas remain sustainable.
Landowners with Authority to Control Wildlife permits will not be able to process kangaroos under the new system.
Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said the decision to extend to program permanently has been "a long time coming".
"The trial has been going for five years so to get to the stage of it being commercialised but also to be under guidance of the Agriculture department are two positive steps," he said.
"Another key thing to take out of this is we will have more evidence as to where farmers are being impacted across the state and how they can be best assisted."
Ms Kealy said she will continue to ensure community expectations are met with the new plan to be rolled out in October.
"Farmers around some areas of Lowan have reported kangaroo numbers in plague proportions," she said.
"This program offers a way of proactively converting a problem to a product with an economic benefit for rural and regional communities.
"The sustainable management of kangaroos is important for our region and the state."
Energy, environment and climate change minister Lily D'Ambrosio said the plan will have a positive impact.
"This decision is about the sustainable management of kangaroos in Victoria and ensuring commercial drivers don't influence the current Authority to Control Wildlife system," she said.
Community members, environment groups and businesses involved in the industry will all have input into the development of the plan.
More to come.
