The Victorian Greens have successfully halted plans for recreational deer hunting in the newly established Mount Buangor National Park. This decision follows the passage of an amendment to national parks legislation in the Upper House, which aims to safeguard both the environment and community safety.
Initially, the Labor Party proposed allowing hunting in several new national parks, including Mount Buangor, Pyrenees, and Wombat-Lerderderg. This arrangement would have permitted hunters to operate near existing school camps and outdoor recreation businesses, raising significant safety concerns for local children and families. The proposed hunting areas could have impacted over thirty local jobs tied to outdoor education and tourism.
In response to these potential risks, the Greens advocated for an amendment that completely prohibits deer hunting within Mount Buangor National Park. Their efforts received backing from several organizations, including the Victorian National Parks Association, Outdoors Victoria, and the Australian Camps Association, as well as strong support from the local community.
Ellen Sandell, Leader of the Victorian Greens, emphasized the dangers posed by introducing hunters into the park. She stated, “Bringing hunters into Mount Buangor specifically would pose an unacceptable threat to existing bush users, school kids, and more than 30 jobs in outdoor education and tourism.”
The Greens advocate for professional deer-control measures to manage deer populations effectively. They argue that amateur hunting has proven ineffective in addressing the growing number of deer, which can lead to ecological issues and risks for visitors.
In her comments, Sandell expressed satisfaction with the outcome, stating, “We’re glad that the Greens have been able to use our power in Parliament to make this common-sense change to keep kids and the community safe from deer hunters and protect our beautiful natural areas.” She also highlighted the long-standing efforts of Victorians to safeguard these forests, indicating that they should never have been jeopardized by Labor’s initial proposal.
The passage of this amendment marks a significant victory for conservation efforts in Victoria. The ban on deer hunting reinforces the commitment to preserving natural habitats and ensuring that national parks remain accessible and safe for all visitors. With this legislative change, the focus shifts to maintaining the integrity of Mount Buangor National Park, allowing future generations to enjoy its natural beauty without the threat of hunting activities.
