WARNING: Graphic images.
A state MP has called for a coordinated government response after a spate of kangaroo attacks on international tourists on the NSW central coast.
The vicious attacks occurred when tourists were trying to feed the animals inappropriate food such as chips and McDonald's takeaway, according to tourist operators in the area.
Lake Macquarie MP Greg Piper told NSW parliament on Tuesday that hundreds of international tourists are daily catching the train from Sydney and then walking four kilometres to see the "wild kangaroos" which graze within the grounds of Morisset Hospital.
"There have been a number of reported incidents in which kangaroos have attacked visitors, in one case causing a very deep gash to a man's stomach," the independent MP told the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday night.
"In most cases they have been kicking out, clawing faces and grappling with people, causing lacerations or significant scratching."
Shocking images show one man receiving a deep gash to his stomach and another requiring 17 stitches to his face, Mr Piper told parliament.
He said the tourism genie was out of the bottle with the "day trip" now being advertised on major tourism websites.
He wants "appropriate signage" - in five or six languages - installed, instructing visitors not to feed the animals and warning that kangaroos can cause injury.
National Parks and Wildlife Service rangers could also patrol the grounds of the mental health facility, he suggested, as part of a coordinated response along with NSW Health and potentially Lake Macquarie City Council.
Mr Piper says despite the fact that feeding kangaroos is illegal, tourists were giving the marsupials corn chips and other processed foods, as well as apples, bananas and carrots.
The independent MP on Wednesday delivered an even simpler message on Sydney radio.
"Don't cuddle the big males - they don't like it and fight back," he told 2GB.
"There's a high risk that someone's going to be severely injured."
