SSAA Victoria representatives have been working hard behind the scenes to see some common sense applied to hunting restrictions during the current COVID-19 restrictions.
While the objectives of the COVID-19 restrictions are understood, the unfortunate fact is that pest species do not stop impacting on farmers just because of a human virus. Many Victorian farmers have done it tough for years with drought and bushfires. The last thing they need is for their livelihoods to now be totally destroyed by a burgeoning pest problem.
Many SSAA Victorian members control pest species on private property for farmers as part of property pest management programs. These members are volunteers and do not have professional endorsements on their firearms licences. As a result, they were considered to be ineligible to leave home to travel to properties to help farmers.
Significant work behind the scenes with the Department of Agriculture has now seen a clarification of restrictions. Under the Stay at home directions, paid and unpaid work can continue to be done. Appropriate physical distancing and hygiene measures should be implemented.
The department has now identified that farm pest control activities, carried out by volunteers on behalf of a farmer on private property, fall under that exemption. SSAA Victoria congratulates both the department and Minister Symes for this common-sense approach.
Please note, recreational hunting is still NOT allowed.
Members also need to consider whether it is essential that they provide their services. They also need to consider how far they should reasonably travel to carry out the volunteer work.
It is strongly recommended that any member who plans to carry out such unpaid work obtain a letter from the farmer. It should state that they need the pest control work done and that they have invited you to do it.
The Association will continue to work on other hunting and firearms issues that have arisen out of the current COVID-19 restrictions and seek more positive results for members.
http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/emergencies/coronavirus/farm-business-faqs
DHHS: Coronavirus FAQs – Can I leave my house to do volunteering work?
