The Agriculture Minister Jaala Pulford is in Sale this afternoon announcing a new funding plan to support safe, responsible and sustainable hunting.
The $5.33 million funding allocation in the 2016-17 Victorian Budget will be spent on education, awareness campaigns and communication to support hunters and secure the recreation for future generations.
Minister Pulford said “responsible hunting benefits farmers and is a recreational past-time for thousands”.
“It’s vital that we continue working hard to ensure that people who want to hunt, can do so in a safe, responsible and sustainable way,” she said.
The funding will support government agencies working with hunters to improve the promotion of responsible hunting, provide better hunting opportunities and ensure our game species remain sustainable.
A portion of the fund will be spent developing of a Sustainable Hunting Action Plan, to be delivered later this year; improving information on and access to State Game Reserves; and supporting firearm safety courses.
SSAA Victoria and Australian Deer Association (ADA) will also receive funding to co-ordinate its members’ participation in controlled culls of invasive deer species on public and some private land.
“Hunting has been a way of life, a necessary activity and a legitimate pastime for centuries and it’s pleasing that the Victorian Government is supporting its future,” SSAA Victoria Chief Executive Officer Jack Wegman said.
“SSAA Victoria is proud of the professional, close working relationship it has with ADA, Field and Game Australia and the State Government these funds will assist in the delivery effective deer management projects.”