[Greens-Media] Shooters to be let loose in 3, 900 square km of public forests

[David Shoebridge]

*David Shoebridge Greens MP*
* MEDIA RELEASE
16 May 2011*
* Shooters to be let loose in 3,900 square km of public forests*

The Coalition government has caved into demands from the pro-shooting Games
Council to propose hunting in more than 3900 square kilometres of public
forests.  The government is doing this without calling for public comment.
The proposal is to allow hunting in 142 State Forests for more than a
decade.

SMH page 6
http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/hunting-could-soon-be-allowed-in-142-state-forests-20110515-1eod1.html

Greens MP David Shoebridge said:

"The Government is simply ignoring other users of our State Forests in this
proposal.

"Campers, bushwalkers and picnickers don't want to be confronted with
hunters carrying firearms and leading packs of pig dogs when they are
enjoying our state forests.

"This is the first time that the forests are being opened for ten years at a
time and it is clearly intended to appease the Shooters Party who the
Coalition want on side to force their legislation through the upper house.

"Despite the law requiring the Minister to consider other users of the
forests and public safety, the government has not asked for submissions from
the general public.  Instead it is relying only on information given to it
by the pro-hunting Games Council.

"The Coalition must withdraw this proposal and undertake full public
consultation before handing over 142 State Forests to the hunting and
shooting lobby." Mr Shoebridge said.

For more information contact: 0433 753 376 / 0408 113 952