The first trial, supported by $61,000 in Qld state governemnt funding, will use a Radio Frequency Identification Device

Qld Minister for Primary Industries, Fisheries and Rural and regional Queensland Tim Mulherin has announced a trial of new technology to assist the kangaroo industry in Queensland.

Mr Mulherin said: "Currently kangaroo harvesters use a paper-based traceback system, but overseas markets, including the E.U. are demanding improved traceability.

"With this in mind, we will conduct field trials on two different identification tags to track kangaroos from the time they're harvested until they arrive at the processing factory.

"The first trial, supported by $61,000 in state governemnt funding, will use a Radio Frequency Identification Device.

"This sort of technology is already used in Australia to identify casino gambling chips but this will be the first time it is used for kangaroo and wild game harvesting.

"The identification tag is fixed to the animal and records specific information about each kangaroo, including time, date and GPS location of harvest.

"It also has the capability of collecting details such as the sex and species of kangaroo.

"The two month trial will begin in southern Queensland in March this year and will involve Ipswich based ‘Game Meat Processing' and a number of local kangaroo harvesters and field depots.

"The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation (DEEDI) will supply an economist to look at the true economic advantages," he said.

Mr Mulherin said that Safe Food Production Queensland would trial a different tag that used barcode technology already used in the red meat industry.

The tag will capture the time and date from various stages throughout the supply chain.

"We want to develop one cost effective tag that will suit the requirements of all agencies and restore access to overseas markets.

"As well as improving traceability, the tags could potentially cut a lot of paperwork and improve harvesting practices.

"Industry stakeholders, including harvesters, processors and regulators, are supporting the trials because of the possibilities the tags offer for opening market access and lowering costs.

"The Bligh Government is about supporting industry, protecting and creating jobs, and building stronger rural and regional communities.

"A viable kangaroos industry will help us achieve that goal," Mr Mulherin said.