HUNDREDS turned up to a forum in Wonthaggi recently to send a message to the state government to keep hunting of ducks, quail and deer on the table.
Attendees moved a single unanimous motion calling on the state government to allow the continuation of the traditional pursuit of hunting for all Victorians.
The forum was organised by Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Public Land Use, The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath.
Representatives from across the state converged on Wonthaggi to discuss the state government’s plans to ban duck and quail hunting.
It also addressed the ‘thin edge of the wedge’ as traditional outdoor recreation enthusiasts are now asking, ‘what’s next could be banned under Labor’s green agenda’.
Ms Bath said she was delighted with the response to the forum as it demonstrated the breadth of people who are passionate about tradition pursuits and maintaining access to public land.
“Labor is ignoring the science and pandering to those who pedal falsehoods about impact of a well-regulated duck hunting season,” she said.
“It is abundantly clear that hunters care deeply about the sustainability of their harvest and dedicate countless volunteer hours to restore wetland habitat for all wildlife.”
The forum included a Q&A panel discussion with Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Deputy Leader of The Nationals, Emma Kealy, Gary ‘Pud’ Howard and Anne Wilson from Sale Field & Game, President Western Port Field & Game, Rob Passarin, Wonthaggi Clay Target Club President, Stuart Allen, and Gippsland MP’s Melina Bath, Danny O’Brien, Martin Cameron, and Wayne Farnham.
Addressing the forum, Ms Kealy reiterated the Victorian Opposition’s strong support for hunting and other traditional outdoor recreation pursuits.
“It was critical that access to public land was encouraged and not diminished like it is under Labor,” she said.
Ms Kealy said there is no logical reason to ban sustainable hunting as an activity in Victoria, as there is strong scientific evidence to support its continuation.
“Harvesting food for the family table through activities such as hunting and fishing has been occurring since the beginning of time with our First Nations people – it’s important that this tradition continues in a sustainable manner and be available to all Victorians,” she said.
Ms Bath said the forum represented a push back from Victorians on the state government’s green political ideology.
“The fact remains hunting is highly regulated, sustainable activity that generates enormous economic revenue in regional Victoria.
“The Nationals back the continuation of hunting and traditional outdoor pursuits based on sound science, and we will continue to support them to be conducted in a safe and responsible way well into the future.”
A packed house converged in Wonthaggi recently to discuss the state government’s plans to ban duck and quail hunting.
Anne Wilson and Gary ‘Pud’ Howard from Sale Field and Game with Member for Eastern Victoria Region, Melina Bath.
