National parks next target for hunters

Monday, 25 March 2002 10:00

 Recreational shooters, pig doggers and other hunters across NSW have National Parks within their grasp following the Coalition's keen support to spread hunting opportunities to these lands under the controversial Game Bill.

"National Parks, including the very popular Blue Mountains, Kosciusko and Royal would become stomping ground for blood sports enthusiasts if this Bill takes hold", said Fran Kelly of the Total Environment Centre

"It is sickening to see Coalition MPs joining Government MPs in Parliament, as they fall over themselves to offer more and more to this small but violent section of society as they debate the Bill. Commonsense has gone out the window" said Ms Kelly.

"The Government and Opposition are selling this whole Bill as feral animal control, but it will worsen pest problems not alleviate them as recreational hunters gain more and more access to public lands, including national parks. They have a vested interest in retaining and spreading pests for their blood sport enjoyment, not controlling or eliminating them and wildlife will undoubtedly be caught in the crossfire." Said Ms Kelly

The Carr Government have so far excluded national parks under the Bill but with the Coalition champing at the bit to include them, it won't take long before they too go to hunters. The only way to prevent this from happening is for Carr to stop the Bill now before it goes any further, " said Ms Kelly.

"As the Carr Government is responsible for introducing the Bill they should also take equal responsibility if national parks end up becoming hunting grounds rather than areas for wider public enjoyment and conservation," said Ms Kelly.