A record 6.9 million kangaroos and wallabies will be able to be killed for commercial purposes this year after the Environment Minister, David Kemp, approved a national quota increase for kangaroo culling of about 1.5 million.

The increase is lower than the states had asked for, but has angered green groups, who said the cull would be the biggest ever "slaughter" of Australia's national symbol.

http://www.smh.com.au/news/0201/08/national/national23.html

Facts are:

Traditional livestock (i.e., cattle, sheep) habitat is also ideal for kangaroos

Conversion of bushland to pastoral habitat has increased the populations of the large kangaroos (some 4 species are harvested), albiet at the expense of smaller ones that prefer denser bush or forests

The number of kangaroos that can be supported on a given unit of land is much higher than the number of sheep or cattle

Kangaroos are soft-pawed animals and are gentle on fragile Australian soils.

Some ecologists are hoping for a market for kangaroo meat to develop and replace cattle/sheep farming as hooved animals destroy the fragile Australian soil

Kangaroos are delectible animals.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by terenz:
Some ecologists are hoping for a market for kangaroo meat to develop and replace cattle/sheep farming as hooved animals destroy the fragile Australian soil

Kangaroos are delectible animals.</font>

While Kangaroo meat is indeed tasty, it will never take over from the traditional meats of beef or lamb. There are still many Australians who almost gag at the thought of eating Kangaroo.

Some Australians see Kangaroo meat as disease ridden as they think they could be eating Roos' that are just slaughtered in the wild. While others do not like the thought of having one of our national symbols for lunch or dinner.

My husband is American, he says that when he looks at our Coat of Arms (a roo and an emu) he gets hungry. Some Aussies would think he was a Barbarian for even thinking of eating them. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Phoebe

Have shared 'roo with a few Australian friends on my previous trips down there. The cooking techniques have improved remarkably since 1996 when I first tried it to 2000 when its preparation and cooking seems t have been universally perfected at many restaurants. You're right that it's a taboo among many. I remember the look on the face of the Pommie owner of a Hunter Valley B&B when my GF told her "we want to have Australian dishes such as 'roo".

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Feebster:
My husband is American, he says that when he looks at our Coat of Arms (a roo and an emu) he gets hungry.</font>

So do my wife and I, don't forget camel

Yuck!! I had camel while I was in Sydney and I did not like it at all. The Kangaroo was ok, the emu was not that good, but I really liked croc. http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

When you've seen teh damage a roo does to a car on an outback highway, you understand why trucks all have roo-bars fitted up front. The Newell Highway is littered with ex-roos that have wandered too close to the black stuff.

Roos really are a pest in much of the country and need to be culled in places. The ones to be culled are far from endangered. I think encouraging a Roo Products industry is a good way to cope with the problem.

By the way, I like roo (to eat) when properly prepared, but would never buy it to cook at home on the barbie. It is extremely lean and needs to be slow cooked to stop it being very tough.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by pointsgirl:
Yuck!! I had camel while I was in Sydney and I did not like it at all. </font>

It was just poorly cooked with excessive amounts of unnecessary herbs added. Besides, how can you enjoy any food in the Centerpoint tower when the timelimit is 90 mins during which you must serve yourself and also wait in long queues to access the counters where food is served? Just the appalling service and atmosphere leaves a bad taste in one's mouth.

I always suggest to peole that they can ge tnicer food than in Centrepoint Tower.

Sure the view is great, but there are much nicer, and cheaper restaurants to be found elsewhere. It's merely a tourist trap.

Go for the view, yes..but go elsewhere for the food. Why eat medicore at best when you can eat superb http://www.flyertalk.com/travel/fttravel_forum/smile.gif

Phoebe

Yep, if you want good views and good food, try the revolving restaurant on top of Australia Square (George St, near bond street). Its the round building!

The Summit is definitely much better than Centrepoint. The views are much better, you see more of the Opera House and the Quay. It's worth checking it out. Level 47 of Australia Square building at 264 George street. Enjoy!

I have to agree that the summit is much better. I went there when I was in Australia and I loved it.

The Summit is far better than Centrepoint.

But there are certain nights and certain times it's best to avoid, as it is a major place to eat for bus loads of Japanese tour groups.

Unfortunately trial and error are the only ways you'll find out when it's best to go.

Phoebe



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If God meant man to fly, he'd have given him more money. Anon