National Parks in hunters' sights

hunting in National Parks

Poll

Should hunters be allowed in our National Parks?

This poll ended on 01 January 2010.

Yes

79%

No

20%

This is not a scientific poll. The results reflect only the opinions of those who chose to participate.

KANGAROOS and a host of native birds are in the firing line of a Parliamentary Bill which aims to allow hunting of these species in National Parks.

Wildlife carers have reacted angrily to the Game and Feral Animal Control Amendment Bill 2009, which has been introduced by Shooters Party MLC Robert Brown. Mr Brown did not return a call from The Northern Star yesterday.

Native species on the list include the eastern grey kangaroo, the western grey kangaroo, the euro and red kangaroos, the black swan, the sulphur-crested cockatoo, the galah, the Australian white ibis, the common bronzewing pigeon, the brown and stubble quails and 10 varieties of native duck.

Northern Rivers WIRES committee member and member of the Northern Rivers regional advisory committee to the National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sharon McGrigor, is lobbying to have the Bill rejected.

Ms McGrigor said any shooting in National Parks would impact both targeted and protected species. Animals used to a pristine environment would be stressed by the increased noise levels, which could cause pregnant mothers to abort.

Ms McGrigor said the National Parks and Wildlife Service was anticipating the introduction of the Bill and even ran a trial shoot in National Parks in the Oxley River region about a year ago.

She was visiting the park at the time and said she was terrified to go beyond the cleared areas for fear of being accidentally shot.

“They say they are professional shooters, but it is hard to trust that,” she said. “All it takes is one idiot. I didn't feel safe.”

The Bill proposes to amend the definition of 'public land' on which hunting can occur to include National Parks and other land reserved under the National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974.

Sporting Shooters' Association Northern Rivers branch president Don Chesworth said his association backed the shooting of feral animals in National Parks as it helped the National Parks and Wildlife Service's eradication program. He also supported the shooting of native animals when they were in pest proportions and if it had been allowed via a proper approvals process.

One benefit of shooters being allowed into National Parks, he said, was carcasses would not be left to rot.

He said he doubted shooting in National Parks would disrupt protected species.

“I've seen kangaroos wander across shooting ranges, totally unfazed by the shooting,” he said.

Greens MLC and Northern Rivers resident, Ian Cohen, said he would oppose the Bill with every ounce of his energy, although there was 'a very good chance' it would be passed.

He said the Bill was supported by the Government and only needed the votes of Fred Nile and the Shooters Party, who hold the balance of power in the NSW Upper House.

“It is appalling. Who knows what deals have been done for something so regressive, so anti-environment and so unsafe to come before Parliament,” Mr Cohen said.

“It will alienate other park users and won't do anything to control feral animals, which needs to be carried out in a regulated fashion.”