No Hunting in our National Parks

On 27th June 2012, the NSW Coalition Government, the Shooters and Fishers Party and the Christian Democratic Party voted in changes to legislation that allows amateur, recreational hunting to occur in NSW National Parks.

The people of NSW are deeply disturbed by the idea of hunters with guns and children with bows and arrows roaming around our national parks. Our peaceful enjoyment of national parks and this kind of activity simply don't mix.

Families in particular are worried about the safety of their children playing freely in a public place where hunters may be present.

The NSW Government’s own risk assessment stated that the risk of injury or death from projectiles (bullets or arrows) is ‘major’.

The program that allows recreational hunting is set to commence in 77 of our national parks at some point during 2013. The NSW Government states that this program is about controlling pest animal populations in national parks.

There is no scientific evidence to show that recreational hunting in NSW has reduced the population of any pest animal species. Despite this, the government will invest $19.1million dollars of taxpayers in the 'Supplementary Pest Control Program' over the next five years.

Opponents strongly believe the hunting program which was borne from a deal struck with the Shooters and Fishers Party, is designed to facilitate the sport of hunting on public land, and has little to do with conservation. No legislative changes were actually required to continue dealing with pest animal populations in NSW. Legislation already existed for integrated pest management programs to be carried out by professionals.

Community groups are working together to ensure the legislation that allows amateur, recreational hunting in our national parks is repealed.

With your help, we can ensure this unpopular, unsafe and costly program does not get off the ground:

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