[Greens-Media] First National Park concession to hunters exposed

[Peter Stahel]

First National Park concession to hunters exposed

Greens MP and environment spokesperson Cate Faehrmann says the first National Park concession to hunters in NSW has been exposed. 

"The Yathong State Forest was to be declared National Park on 1st January 2012, but will now remain unprotected for a further three years, due to the government's National Parks and Wildlife Legislation Amendment (Reservations) Bill 2011.

"What the government didn't tell us, and what the Shooters & Fishers who are supporting the bill didn't tell us, is that Yathong is one of the state's most popular hunting grounds," said Ms Faehrmann.

"The Greens were always suspicious about the 3 year delay, especially given meek excuses about bad weather holding up a previous harvest. The first National Parks concession to hunters has been exposed.

"This area should be a National Park now, not a hunting ground for another three years. I won't be surprised if we see a further delay down the track now that I understand the value of this area to recreational hunters.

"It's disgraceful that the government is delaying conservation and allowing hunting to continue in an area that should have the highest level of conservation protection. 

"The Shooters know very well Yathong is a hunting area. The government knows it as well. But not a mention in any of the speeches or explanations of this bill. This is highly suspicious and it's simply a farce for it to be described as a 'conservation win'", said Ms Faehrmann.

Media contact: Peter Stahel 0433 005 727