The state’s peak environment group is calling on the NSW Government to stop
making backroom deals that sell out our precious natural places and wildlife for
the benefit of vested interests, such as the arrangement to open national parks to
shooters reported today.
“Time and again we see the Government playing politics with the protection of
NSW’s environment rather than standing firm against developers, the Shooters’
Party and others who seek to exploit it,” executive director Cate Faehrmann said
today.
“Opening up NSW’s national parks to amateur hunters, risks the welfare of
animals, the average park user and the environment so a minority group can
indulge in recreational blood sports.
“There has been strong, widespread community opposition against the Shooters’
Party’s bill yet the Government continues to negotiate with the Shooters’ Party to
allow hunting in National Parks.
“The community has joined with environment and animal welfare groups in asking
both the NSW Government and Opposition to show strong leadership and reject any
proposal for hunting in our National Parks or the creation of private game reserves.
“While some of our National Parks may be out of sight, we urge the NSW
Government to keep their protection top of mind and not allow hunting in any of
our National Parks,” she said.
