Tuesday, 28 May 2024

Duck hunting

Bev McARTHUR (Western Victoria) (13:31): My members statement today relates to the shocking decision by the Surf Coast Shire Council to write to the Minister for Environment, the Minister for Police and the Game Management Authority requesting three local wetlands be closed to duck hunters. Hunting has occurred at Brown Swamp, Lake Gherang and Lake Modewarre for a long time. It is not enough to suddenly say, without consultation, that it should be banned for the sake of certain residents. The wetlands have been there since long before any houses, and duck hunting is a traditional, sustainable, healthy, legal activity in Victoria. It is disgraceful that Surf Coast shire have taken it upon themselves to try and ban it.

I encourage all members here to visit the expo in Queen’s Hall this week, featuring the Sporting Shooters’ Association of Australia, Field and Game Australia, the Victorian Amateur Pistol Association and the Australian Deer Association. And I encourage all local residents to support the tabling of a petition against the motion at the council’s meeting. That will happen tonight at 6 pm at Newling Reserve on Hendy Main Road, Moriac. Turn up, ask questions and show councillors that they should not bow to minority activists but listen to those who actually understand and care about wetlands and our great Victorian outdoors.