MASSIVE numbers of kangaroos are overpowering the limited amount of feed on Belalie, the 40,000 hectare grazing property operated by John and Margie Oldfield, 120 kilometres north of Bourke.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The kangaroos are in far greater numbers than the Oldfield's stock and have been a major problem for several years.
"The reds and scrubbers have bred up enormously and are knocking down the feed," Mr Oldfield said.
"Kangaroos are the biggest thing affecting us."
While much of the north-west has taken a hammering from drought, the Oldfields got through winter with a small amount of rain.
More rain was recorded in recent weeks and fingers are crossed for essential follow-up falls.
"We are pretty hopeful things will be OK," Mr Oldfield said.
"The area from Weilmoringle to Walgett is still very dry and has missed out on rain for a long time.
"The economy in Bourke is suffering, mainly from the irrigation set-up. Irrigation has been the lifeblood of Bourke but it is not going at all well. There hasn't been much water down the river and government regulations are difficult."
Mr Oldfield has been on Belalie all his life and understands the highs and lows of north-western NSW.
"We are in a low rainfall area and are always going to get dry times," he said.
"Towards the east people expect to be able to get crops - they get more rain and expect more rain
"Our place is not in drought but things have been pretty tight and we were getting rid of stock before winter.
"It looked like we were in for real trouble with dry conditions and the huge numbers of kangaroos.
"The rain has given us a good start to get summer grasses growing."
