Hamilton Island Marina

in september 2016, it was reported by news media outlets that the queensland department of environment and heritage protection (ehp) had issued damage mitigation permits (dmp) which resulted in over 1,000 animals being culled on hamilton island between november 2014 and may 2016 by the resort's operator. over 18 months the cull resulted in the death of 599 common brushtail possums, 393 agile wallabies, 36 pied currawongs, 35 sulphur crested cockatoos, 3 torresian crows and 1 laughing kookaburra. the ehp stated the role of the permits were to allow the "ongoing management of some wildlife species to prevent unacceptable levels of damage, and to protect public safety at the airport and in the resort itself". the resort management stated that "any culling of animals and birds is done as a last resort when all other methods have been exhausted".[4][5] the rspca were unaware of any culling on the island.[6] the resort's management carried out the culls ?to prevent damage or loss of property and to protect the health and wellbeing of staff, guests and other visitors?. social media users were critical of the cull.[7][8]