The government’s plan to open up national parks and World Heritage-listed natural areas to recreational shooters will put the lives of bushwalkers and campers at risk, the Greens say.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Hunting permits will soon be issued in the state’s protected areas as part of a pest-management strategy.
Primary Industries Minister Sarah Courtney said there would be strict requirements that hunting occurred away from areas frequented by visitors.
She said the plan was consistent with a recommendation from a Legislative Council inquiry into wild fallow deer which recommended the eradication of deer populations in World Heritage and other conserved areas.
Greens leader Cassy O’Connor said the plan presented a high safety risk to the public and native species.
“If the Liberals were serious about controlling feral deer, they would implement proper invasive species management through the Parks and Wildlife Service,” she said.
“A well-resourced and properly managed cull is what’s needed, not open slather for recreational shooters.
“There have been tragic, avoidable deaths in other parts of the world where shooters are allowed in to places where people go to enjoy bushwalking and camping.”
Wilderness Society spokesman Vica Bayley said the plan was more to appease the state’s gun lobby in the wake of a backdown to the government’s proposed gun law reform than for feral species eradication.
“Deer are well-known to be an increasing problem in parks and reserves and something does need to be done about them but introducing recreational hunting is a dangerous and ineffective strategy,” he said.
Mr Bayley said the forester kangaroo cull on Maria Island was conducted by professionals and the national park was closed to all visitors over that time.
“Recreational hunting is not a credible or effective feral pest management strategy,” he said.
“This policy is a land grab for recreational hunting.”
Premier Will Hodgman defended the decision in Parliament on Thursday.
He said the Parks and Wildlife Service had provided recreational access for deer-shooters on reserved land for some time.
“Hunting for deer is now explicitly allowed under the 2016 Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area Management Plan,” Mr Hodgman said.
“That went through an unprecedented level of public consultation ... and accepted by the World Heritage Committee.”
