Deer and kangaroo in Cowra's Peace Precinct and its neighbouring streets are safe from culling, for now.
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Council's general committee voted this week to take no action to reduce deer and kangaroo numbers at the Cowra Peace Precinct and in North Cowra but will discuss their presence and any need for control at a future information meeting.
"We don't want to give anyone any indication that something might happen when nothing may happen," Cr Peter Wright said.
"It's important we indicate at the moment that we aren't going to take any action before getting more information," he said.
Council was discussing the matter after receiving two letters about the presence of the kangaroo and deer.
Cowra mayor Bill West added "we're not going to react to something, we're going to look at the situation which has been raised".
Council's environmental services director Kate Alberry says if Council is of a mind to pursue the culling of the kangaroo population it would be required to apply for a 'Non-commercial licence to harm kangaroos' from the NSW National Parks and Wildlife office.
Ms Alberry added that reducing the deer and kangaroo numbers would also require consultation with National Parks, the Department of Primary Industries, Local Land Services and the Office of Environment and Heritage.
"This could be complicated and a costly exercise with the Peace Precinct area being a public area and a major tourist attraction," Ms Alberry said.
"Additionally, there is a possibility of public concerns with the culling of these animals which will need to be managed carefully," she said.
North Cowra resident Scott Vickary supports culling of the kangaroos.
In a letter to Council Mr Vickary said "my grave concerns are that unless some action is taken by Council someone is highly likely to be injured in either an attack by one of these roos or sustain injuries as a result of a motor vehicle collision in town".
Mr Vickary reminded council of an incident earlier this year at Goolma near Mudgee were a motorcyclist was killed after colliding with a kangaroo.
"While those circumstances were different (ie, higher speeds and out of town) it still heightens the possibility of a similar accident in Cowra," Mr Vickary said.
"Unless this is addressed by council, more animals will be unnecessarily injured and people placed at risk whilst driving along these roads," he said.
Cowra Shire Councillor Ray Walsh says he has seen "quite a few" kangaroos that had been hit by vehicles in the area.
"I support giving the matter more thought, and maybe a report from our staff on what measures we might be able to take to lessen the danger," he said before adding that the council is taking no action at this time.
"We'll look at whether or not there are any ways to address the problem, it's certainly not talking about any elimination, at this stage, of the animals," Cr Walsh said.
Cr Peter Wright added that drivers aware of the problem "should take their own risk management".
"I don't think removing them will get rid of the problem, (others) will just come back.
"You know there is a risk there drivers should be aware of it".
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