$2 million boost for game hunting management
The Bracks Government has announced $2 million to better manage game hunting species populations and their habitats.
Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron said the funding over four years would allow the appointment of three Game Management officers to the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s (DSE) Game Management Unit. Mr Cameron said the uniformed officers would be located in regional areas where game populations and hunting opportunities are greatest.
“The Game Management officers will ensure a more coordinated and effective on-ground game management services in all areas where game hunting is permitted,” said Mr Cameron.
Environment Minister John Thwaites said there were more than 33,000 licensed game hunters in Victoria - more than in any other state - who are legally permitted to hunt game duck, quail and deer.
The DSE will consult closely with hunting organisations and the Environment Minister’s Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee to develop the officer’s works program.
“Game hunting is a major economic contributor to regional communities and is estimated to be worth around $40 million to the Victorian economy a year,” Mr Thwaites said.
“Having these three uniformed officers in the field will ensure recreational hunting is managed responsibly and sustainably.”
Mr Cameron said improved game hunting management also offered significant social and environmental benefits.
“Proper game hunting management ensures game populations and their habitats are monitored and restored, which in turn, benefits all wildlife and the broader community,” he said.
“The three Game Management officers will forge partnerships with public land management agencies, such as Parks Victoria and Department of Primary Industries, private landowners and shooting and hunting clubs to conserve habitat and minimise the adverse impacts of pest animals.
“The officers’ duties will include assisting in research and monitoring to ensure the harvesting of game species remains sustainable.” Mr Cameron said.
Mr Bob Cooper, President of the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Victoria (SSAA Vic), has welcomed this announcement.
“It is pleasing that finally hunters in this State who, through shooters’ licenses and hunting permits have been contributing to the public purse for many years, will now see a return. The additional Game Management officers announced today will improve the quality of management of native wildfowl and habitat and enhance hunting and management of game deer. It will also improve collection of data so that informed decisions can be made on conditions, which affect game animals and hunters alike and enhance the control of pest fauna and flora.” He said.
“This government is also to be congratulated for recognising the beneficial impact of hunting as a recreation on the economies of rural communities and more importantly how partnering with hunting organisations will ensure the viability of some of the most important species in Victoria”, said Mr Cooper.
“Hunters are members of the wider community too. They are mostly people deeply committed to making sure that our natural resources are available to all - in perpetuity. This support from the State Labor Government, and in particular, Ministers Cameron and Thwaites, following a long period of consultation, appears to finally recognise our wider value - for which we are truly thankful.”
For further information on this program, please contact SSAA Vic on 03 8892 2777 or visit them online at www.ssaavic.com.au
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