Early versions of a controversial report into the management of the ACT's wombats noted there was "not enough information" on population estimates to make policy recommendations, despite the final document suggesting culling.
The ACT government's 2025 draft technical report Managing Wombats recommended the exploration of a Controlled Native Species Management Plan, which conservation activists feared could be used to allow landholders to cull wombats.
However, documents released under Freedom of Information laws show at least three early versions of the report stated there was "not enough information on the abundance or distribution of wombats within the ACT on which to base management decisions", with one draft noting more research was needed
"Due to the nocturnal and burrowing nature of wombats they are difficult to survey. Direct counts using spotlight surveys are labour intensive, unfeasible over large areas and have been found to bare [sic] no relationship to population numbers, as wombats may remain in their burrows for prolonged periods," the early version stated.
Speaking to the assembly, independent member Thomas Emerson said he was concerned the report considered culling options despite a lack of reliable sources confirming population estimates.
"How we got from that early draft to a final draft technical review that made no reference to developing more evidence-based population estimates in the recommendation section and instead suggested exploring options for culling is an interesting question and quite concerning," he said.
"Similarly, the report only consulted one scientist who said more research was needed in investigating conflicts between leaseholders and bare-nosed wombats, and that this particular issue was, 'outside his area of expertise'.
"The answer to an under-resourced conservation issue is not to jump to culling, it's obviously to fund more research and more consultation so we can have the evidence-base to make sound decisions."
A petition calling for the Legislative Assembly to "reject any policy promoting the killing of wombats" had 2650 signatures from ACT residents when it was tabled on Wednesday, with a parallel Change.org petition receiving 17,912 signatures from across Australia and overseas.
The petition's sponsor, ACT Greens leader Jo Clay, said the government had been unable to give her an estimate of wombat numbers in the ACT.
"I've spoken to several farmers, and many do have concerns about how they can manage wombats on their properties... one farmer lost an entire tank full of water in a drought," she said.
"We need the government to carefully consider and thoroughly study these issues and work with farmers to find solutions that are humane and effective."
The 2025 report noted Icon Water and ACT landholders had reported issues with wombats. Some farmers expressing interest in an authorised control program, but the report conceded only three had been consulted.
