HUNTERS would be lured to the Swan Hill region as part of a controversial new idea to market Victoria as an international tourism destination for trophy hunting.
According to a report commissioned by the State Government, the economic boost of hunting in Victoria last year was more than $400 million — and there was scope for future growth.
“There are more than 46,000 game licence holders in Victoria now and they are contributing to local economies across the state as they buy hunting and camping equipment, food, fuel, and other supplies related to their pursuits,” Agriculture Minister and Member for Swan Hill Peter Walsh said.
“We also see opportunities for the sector to develop high-value, niche tourism experiences that could attract interstate and international visitors.”
Game shooters mostly hunt deer, duck, quail and feral pests across regional Victoria and there are several popular spots, including wetlands, in the Swan Hill region.
According to the report, hunters spent $26.2 million in the Loddon Mallee North region, which includes the municipalities of Buloke, Campaspe, Gannawarra, Mildura and Swan Hill last year alone.
However, campaign director of the Coalition Against Duck Shooting Laurie Levy has poured cold water over the idea, saying money would be better spent protecting and promoting the state’s wetlands and protected species.
“We need to promote passive tourism,” he said.
“We have wetlands of international importance… we could be one of the main destinations for birdwatchers.
“I don’t think many Victorians would want a whole lot of tourists with guns coming in from overseas.”
His views were echoed by RSPCA Victoria chief Maria Mercurio.
“Minister Walsh has been upfront about the target audience for hunting tourism, stating it would attract ‘high net worth individuals’,” she said.
“By targeting rich, foreign hunters — trophy hunters — they would be targeting people who have the means and the inclination to pay whatever it takes to hunt what they want.
“Every year endangered bird species are maimed and killed through duck shooting, and this year has been no exception.
“Which other endangered species will end up in the firing line if the government declares open season in our parks and forests?”
Mr Levy slammed the economic findings of the report, released by Mr Walsh on Monday — the last day of the 2014 duck hunting season — as “government spin”.
“It keeps going up. A few years ago it was $50 million… now it’s up to $400 million,” he said.
Mr Walsh said the government planned to invest $17.6 million in game management over the next four years and the new Game Management Authority would come into effect on July 1.
“The Victorian Game Management Action Plan is also close to completion following significant stakeholder consultation, and this plan will help guide future policy and investment priorities, as well as promote responsible hunting practices,” he said.
