They've tried using methods to control their reproduction but it hasn't as yet been effective. I guess in the long-term this would be the ideal solution to the problem but the science isn't quite there yet.

Why try to stop them breeding when they are a valuable, sustainable resource?

They are not a sustainable resource in the areas referred to around Canberra. They're population is massive and according to the experts it is growing at a rate faster than the environment can support. These particular areas are within defence establishments so aren't subject to licensed hunting etc. I'm all for establishing a sustainable kangaroo meat industry and the current quota system is a good step forwards in doing that. The problem is that not all areas are suitable for commercial operators and that is where the government has to step in. It would have been far easier for defence and the A.C.T government to ignore the problem and not face the critism that they will over this but they have made the right decision (although to be entirely honest I'm not sure that the Minister has formally made a decision on the permit itself yet)

Why not just establish a 'special' license for the area. Someone has to shoot the roos anyhow. It might as well be someone who will do it for free or even pay for the priviledge and put the meat to good use.

Also, are these roos likely to move around much? I'm thinking that if you bought a nearby farm, took all the cattle off, made surface water available etc, the roos might head there anyway, where they could be picked off without the public danger issue.

Freediver, the problem with that idea is the little buggers are a bit cluey. Picking them off is not really an option where the problem has been allowed to get way out of control (although fine to manage a population that is already a reasonable size). If you are not in a position to pick them off over a number of years, then you need to go in like Rambo and get them in one hit. Unfortunate, but most animal populations wise-up pretty quickly to having pot-shots taken at them on a regular basis. Rabbits are no different - pick a patch where they are shot a regularly, and the little beggars are VERY toey (and with good cause obviously). Pro roo-shooters have several properties in their runs to manage this problem - saves them from coming back to the one place too regularly.

SPANKY, if you are from SA, then you might be able to compare it to a population explosion of antelope. Fairly harmless creatures generally, but put a large population of them near an urban area, then take away food and water resources, the kindest thing to do is a cull. What it really points to is that authorities need to manage populations on an ongoing basis, not just when it gets to crisis point.

Something else to note - roos can be dangerous. Particularly eastern grey males, which are very territorial. They can quite easily kill a dog that attacks them, and humans have been hurt when found in the wrong situations (although rare). My cousin was attacked at the age of 15 and was scalped (they have very sharp claws). It took 81 stiches to put his scalp back on (it was hanging down one side of his head). Its the only case I have heard of this happening, but highlights that like koalas, they are wild animals, not cute furry cuddly things.

Country Gal,Howdy...
Your comment on roos encrouching on urban areas is a little confusing to me, please correct me if I am wrong, who were there first, the roos or urbanisation? I agree that with the drought that roos will start to look elsewhere for nourishment and the drones of them is obviously causing a lot more harm than good, this is why the topic of rezoning them was brought to light and it would be a pity if this gesture was left and forgotten, as it was mentioned in this thread that they could in fact be reared for consumption, out of the way from urban areas and similarly treated the same as pork and beef. If I dare comment on the antelope in S.A. It would mean having to start on a whole new thread as hunting farms are (excuse the pun) making a killing in South Africa, for tourists.
Spanky