Western Victoria Region
Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (12:52): (468) My constituency question is for the new Minister for Environment, who in what could be a positive development is now also Minister for Outdoor Recreation. This week the Game Management Authority began its annual survey of Victoria’s game duck population. Experienced wildlife biologists examined duck populations across hundreds of water bodies, including wetlands, farm dams, rivers and streams. Satellite technology is used to assess the area of habitat available. These are experts using proven technology to produce accurate population projections. Adaptive harvest management then enables the continuation of sustainable duck hunting. Many of my constituents in Western Victoria Region participate in duck hunting, and facilities, clubs and communities rely on it. Minister, do you accept that the GMA’s expertise can enable the continuation of sustainable hunting in Victoria, and how soon will you reject the prejudiced, partisan, anti-scientific and racially divisive recommendations of the recent parliamentary inquiry?