Hunters in Victoria and the Northern Territory will have even more places to shoot soon, with their respective governments confirming an expansion of permitted hunting areas in their jurisdictions.
The Victorian government has announced it will be allowing seasonal deer hunting in Errinundra and Snowy River National Parks, while the Northern Territory is expanding Litchfield National Park and will be allowing controlled hunting in the new areas.
The Victorian government pitched its expansion as proof it was supporting the hunting and outdoor industries in the state, with its media release on the announcement saying it was “supporting outdoor recreation while helping control wild deer in parks across Victoria”.
“Between 2013 and 2019, recreation hunting supported more than 3100 jobs and contributed $356 million to the Victorian economy, $201 million of which was attributed to recreational deer hunting.
Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the news was a win for regional Victorian communities, with significant economic benefits to those areas as well.
“Expanding deer hunting means more visitors, more jobs and stronger local economies,” he said.
“By providing access to deer hunting in Errinundra and Snowy River National Parks we will reduce the impact of deer on our national parks and on native ecosystems, preserving our environment for future generations to enjoy.”
Australian Deer Association advocacy lead Sean Kilkenny expressed the organisation’s gratitude for the news, describing it as a “fantastic decision by the Allan Labor Government”.
“Public land access is cherished, and we thank the Premier and Minister for their ongoing efforts and engagement regarding public land access,” he said.
The Northern Territory Government recently concluded a $7.5m purchase of the 30,000ha property Silkwood, about 120km south of Darwin, and has confirmed that the new land — being attached to neighbouring Litchfield National Park — will be open for a range of uses included 4WDing, fishing and hunting.
Northern Territory Parks, Wildlife and Tourism Minister Marie-Clare Boothby said the expansion delivered on the CLP Government’s election promise to give Territorians more places to camp, 4WD, swim and hunt.
“As part of our year of action, certainty and security, we’re proud to mark this historic purchase. Silkwood has been on the market since last year, and there were real concerns that a private sale could limit future access,” she said.
“We have secured the current use of the property into the future, and work will now commence on what improvements will be made, including a new dedicated hunting reserve.”
The Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party was quick to praise the news, its NSW state president Robert Borsak Jr describing it as “a model of practical land management and genuine respect for the outdoor lifestyle of everyday Australians”.
“This is exactly what responsible, commonsense land policy looks like,” he said.
“It protects pristine natural areas while welcoming the full spectrum of outdoor users — not locking them out.”
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