Native fauna culling under Shooters Party bill is strictly controlled
Northern Star, Page: 11. Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Regarding Mel McMillan’s article Shooters Party hit list’ (NS, 27/6), with comments from Ms Pearse and Mr Korn: This report was not balanced and contained a number of inaccuracies.
Firstly, nowhere in the bill does it state that hunters can just roll up to a National Park and start hunting. This is false.
The bill simply removes the exclusion of National Parks from the definition of public land, ie, it only allows the opportunity for hunters to hunt in National Parks.
To actually permit hunting would require additional government approval.
Secondly, the article gives the impression of unrestricted hunting of native fauna in National Parks. Again, this is false.
The bill allows, at the discretion of the Director of National Parks, the use of properly trained and insured volunteer hunters to participate/assist in culling activities within National Parks.
These culling activities are strictly controlled and are only conducted after much research has been undertaken. The subject of game reserves is an interesting one.
Yes, these animals do have the potential to cause widespread agricultural issues, but then so do many other species, for example goats.
Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia have had game reserves for many years and they seem to be able to run these activities without causing widespread harm.
Maybe because these reserves are actually managed, thus are controlled as any responsible manager of stock/wildlife should do.
I should also point out that these reserves do set aside areas of land that effectively become sanctuaries for native fauna from foxes and feral cats, as these pests are actively culled. In fact, these reserves are common in many parts of the world and are acknowledged in contributing greatly to biodiversity and rural employment.
Wow, who would imagine that hunting could bring both a win for the environment and rural economy!
Jason Kite, Queanbeyan, NSW.
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