Tuesday, 15 October 2019

In reply to  Mr MEDDICK (Western Victoria) (28 August 2019)

Mr PAKULA (Keysborough—Minister for Jobs, Innovation and Trade, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Minister for Racing):

Victoria’s nature-based attractions, including our national parks, wetlands, reserves and marine areas, are an important part of our visitor economy which draw thousands of visitors to the state.

Visitors enjoy a range of activities every day within these environments and the Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that all activities on Victorian public land and waterways, such as bushwalking, kayaking, fishing and hunting, co-exist safely and responsibly.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning estimates there are over 35,000 wetlands in Victoria covering an estimated 784,000 hectares, which can be identified through MapshareVic: https://mapshare.vic.gov.au/MapShareVic.

Through MapshareVic, users can filter for areas where hunting does and does not occur during the hunting season and identify areas that they can safely enjoy. Information about safety during the hunting season is also provided on the website of the Game Management Authority, including hunting maps and fact sheets at http://www.gma.vic.gov.au/hunting.

In the specific areas that you have mentioned, I am advised that hunting is not permitted on the Murray River and the Barmah National Park, including many of its surrounding wetlands. These are areas where businesses can safely operate. In the more popular duck hunting areas of Cohuna and Kerang, there are also wetland areas where hunting is not permitted.

In 2019, Victoria’s duck hunting season commenced on 16 March and closed on 19 May. Illegal hunting is not tolerated by the Victorian Government. Witnesses to illegal behaviour are encouraged to report these activities to the Game Management Authority online or on 136 186 or through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.