Update on NSW Hunting Proposal

For this update on the NSW Hunting proposals, I am endebted to my wildlife-carer friend, Mark Selmes, who is a long-suffering Forest Dweller from Mt Rae, between Taralga and Gunning, in the Upper Lachlan Shire. Regular readers will remember some of Mark's photos of Kangaroos, Wallaroos and Red-necked Wallabies.

Robert Borsak MLC, the author of this
appalling "rationalisation" of controlling wildlife.
Robert knows about "controlling wildlife".

Just in case anybody doubted the true agenda of the Fishers and Shooters Party, here is part of it in their own words.

Remember their last attempt called for them to be allowed to 'manage' black swans , ducks, quail, galahs. Corellas, cockatoos, red and grey roos and red neck wallabies. Recreational hunting?

• Conservation hunting? 
• an extension of current feral control measures?
• You decide.

Robert Borsak MLC
Your elected representative
knows about "controlling wildlife" - first hand.
He is the author of the following statement.

MEDIA RELEASE
CONSERVATION HUNTERS WIN ACCESS TO NATIONAL PARKS

Conservation Hunters will have access to NSW National Parks, and the
State will introduce a new adaptive model of duck and quail management
before the end of the year, after Premier Barry O‟Farrell today
acknowledged his support for bills introduced by the Shooters and
Fishers Party.

In negotiations with the Coalition Government, the SFP has also won
support for a number of major concessions for workers who will be
affected by the privatisation of the State‟s electricity generators.

The SFP member of the Upper House said he welcomed the O‟Farrell
Government‟s qualified support for its legislation.
The control of feral animals in National Parks is an important and
expensive consideration for NSW, and the benefits of enlisting volunteer
Conservation Hunters has been demonstrated over many years in State Forests.

“Conservation Hunters save the people of NSW millions of dollars and
their impact on pest and feral animal populations has been proven,” Mr
Borsak said.

He said the duck and quail would be run under a new model.
“What we‟re talking about is not your traditional open and shut duck
season. We‟re talking about a new model for sustainable, progressive
utilisation based on species, populations, periodic need for mitigation
and so on.”

The legislation will also introduce protections for hunters to prevent
harassment from protesters.

“These are all positive changes for NSW, which has seen our precious
National Parks suffer under the idealistic "protection" of the Greens.
Australia‟s once vibrant hunting heritage has been smothered and primary
producers have been devastated by ducks in plague proportions. We will
at last begin to bring some sense and balance back,” he said.

Further information:Robert Borsak (02) 9230 3059,
Robert.Borsak@parliament.nsw.gov.au

Who's the Bunny, Barry?
Wilcox cartoon courtesy of SMH.

Personally, I support the NPWS Rangers who are using legal industrial action to oppose the push by the Shooters and Hunters Party. 

 There is an on-line petition that you can sign, if you wish to support the NPWS Rangers.

Hunting in National Parks - Press links

DJW Comment: From a Public Policy point of view, this announcement has been a disaster for Barry O'Farrell.

It makes him look as deceitful and unreliable as the Press Hacks like to depict Julia Gillard.
For a Conservative leader, that is REALLY BAD GOING.

• "It’s not surprising – though it’s said to have come as a shock even to Premier O’Farrell – that there’s been an immediate massive and vocal public backlash against the government’s deal with the Shooters and Fishers. And it’s one which, according to Kevin Evans, chief executive of the National Parks Association of NSW, has “swallowed up” the issue – power privatisation – that prompted the deal in the first place."

  (Source Orange News Now 1 June 2012)

Wilcox cartoon - courtesy of SMH website

My personal assessment is that it reeks of something which the Nationals (who have always hated National Parks) have cooked up with the Shooters Party, to suit their joint interests. And Barry, nice chap that he is, has no idea of what he has been talked into.

He has just accepted what Andrew Stoner has told him will "work". Barry O'Farrell spent his early career (from early 1980s to 1995 as a Liberal Party "back-room boy" and so my assessment is that he has been outwitted by a more ruthless politician (someone supposedly on Barry's own side). That's the National Party for you.

One wonders who it was who drew up the specific lists of the Parks. Charcoal Tank Nature Reserve, just west from West Wyalong has had a 20 year bird banding study conducted there, and at no stage has any of the numerous bird banders ever seen any Pigs there. Several cats. No Pigs. Why on earth has that small Nature Reserve been listed for hunting?

O'Farrell rules out deals with Shooters

April 13, 2011 (last year, just after the Election - held on 25 March 2011).

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/ofarrell-rules-out-deals-with-shooters-20110413-1ddfw.html#ixzz1wdibPCVg

O'Farrell over a barrel as the Shooters take aim

Robert Borsak, your elected representative, with an
Elephant he boasted of killing, on Safari in Africa.

Sean Nicholls

April 13, 2011

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/conservation/ofarrell-over-a-barrel-as-the-shooters-take-aim-20110412-1dcpm.html#ixzz1weE3g0pf

Judge for yourself:
This is what the Shooters Party told the SMH in April last year, they wanted.

Shooters Party "Wish list" April 2011

Power deal opens parks to shooters

May 31, 2012

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/power-deal-opens-parks-to-shooters-20120530-1zjje.html#ixzz1wdlQy2cG

NSW National Parks and reserves
where hunting has been approved

What I first wrote on this topic, on my Blog.

http://peonyden.blogspot.com.au/2012/05/hunting-in-national-parks-will-you-be.html

Rangers slap work bans on National Park hunting 

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2012-06-01/rangers-slap-work-bans-on-national-park-hunting/4046336

In the line of fire

BY CLARE COLLEY

01 Jun, 2012 04:00 AM

http://www.centralwesterndaily.com.au/news/local/news/general/in-the-line-of-fire/2576134.aspx 

.

An Unofficial new Logo for NPWS?

Newsmaker: Shooting for the big time

June 2, 2012

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/newsmaker-shooting-for-the-big-time-20120601-1zn1o.html#ixzz1wcAxR210

Advice warns of dangers of shooting in parks

June 2, 2012

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/advice-warns-of-dangers-of-shooting-in-parks-20120601-1zn63.html#ixzz1wcBBfZK0

Farmers hope hunting plan will curb feral animal problem

Rachel Olding, Emma Oberg

June 2, 2012

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/environment/animals/farmers-hope-hunting-plan-will-curb-feral-animal-problem-20120601-1zn68.html#ixzz1wcBMZFbQ

O'Farrell has shot himself in the foot

June 2, 2012

Opinion

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/opinion/politics/ofarrell-has-shot-himself-in-the-foot-20120601-1zmw6.html#ixzz1wcBZAjU2

NSW rangers angry over hunting in parks

• From: AAP
• June 01, 2012 8:42AM

http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/breaking-news/nsw-rangers-angry-over-hunting-in-parks/story-e6frf7jx-1226378826428

PARK rangers are refusing to help the NSW Government allow hunters into national parks.

The NSW Public Service Association (PSA) said it has asked its members not to help with any activity involved with establishing the hunting of feral animals.

Rangers will also withhold information and expert advice from Environment Minister Robyn Parker and other members of the Government.

PSA general secretary John Cahill said the new law will put the safety of parks staff at risk.

"Our park rangers should not have to work in fear for their own safety," Mr Cahill said in a statement.

No Hunting in our National Parks

http://nohunting.wildwalks.com/

No Hunting in our National Parks

CYNICAL GOVERNMENT DEAL BOOSTS HUNTING IN NATURE PARKS

Posted on June 1, 2012 by Derek Maitland

http://www.orangenewsnow.com.au/cynical-government-deal-boosts-hunting-in-nature-parks/

"To anyone who has any environmental concern and a desire to enjoy and protect our national parks, the O’Farrell state government has committed one of its most cynical acts since it came to power. 

"It beggars belief, in fact – an added 79 national parks, nature reserves and conservation areas throughout NSW turned over to hunters with bows, shotguns and dogs in return for support by the most right-wing power brokers in State Parliament, the tiny Shooters and Fishers Party and Fred Nile’s Christian Democrats, for its sale of the state’s electricity generators.

"The deal, securing vital “balance of power” Senate votes which allow the revised legislation to go through both houses of parliament, brings our own Mount Canobolas and its state forest into the new gunsights, along with other formerly protected areas in the Central West and west.

"In fact it raises to 259 the number of Crown Land conservation and recreation areas throughout the state that are now open to gun-toting members of 140 AHOs – Approved Hunting Organisations – registered with the NSW Game Council."

(Source Orange News Now 1 June 2012)

Dharawal National Park - Community Launch Day

My photo album from today's Community Launch for Dharawal National Park is now ready for viewing.
https://picasaweb.google.com/113268294402913437731/DharawalNPMay52012

Minster for Environment
The Hon. Robyn Parker MP

There are some crowd shots.

Sharyn Cullis (centre) and
Dr Ann Young (under hat)

 There are some photos of the bush near Minerva Pool.

Lovely pink trunks of Angophora trees

A lovely area, well worth preserving in perpetuity as a National Park.

Credit is due to the O'Farrell Government and the Minister, Robyn Parker MP.
(*** Regular readers might think I have "turned" - but "Credit where credit is due" seems appropriate.)

Thanks to Beth Boughton for driving us both to this event. It was a great day, and a good event to have been "a part of".

NSW GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES DHARAWAL NATIONAL PARK

Congratulations to Sharyn Cullis and everybody who campaigned so hard for this result.
 

Thanks are due to Bryan Doyle MLA, The Hon Robyn Parker MLA, The Hon Barry O'Farrell MLA, Premier of NSW, and of course, Catherine Cusack MLA (who led the way for Barry O'Farrell to get involved, prior to the last election).
 

Lets hope they increase NPWS funding to allow them to cope with the necessary workload increase!
Denis Wilson

 

Sunday 25 March 2012









NSW GOVERNMENT ESTABLISHES DHARAWAL NATIONAL PARK 


The NSW Government today announced the establishment of Dharawal National Park, creating a new iconic conservation area for families in Sydney’s South West and the Illawarra. 

NSW Premier and Minister for Western Sydney Barry O’Farrell and Environment Minister Robyn Parker said Dharawal National Park would be gazetted tomorrow - fulfilling a key election commitment and delivering for the community after almost two decades of campaigning.

 “The creation of the Dharawal National Park is a big win for the local community, which has fought for many years to have the area protected from mining activities,” Mr O’Farrell said.

 "The NSW Government has ensured this extraordinary natural playground is protected for future generations to explore and enjoy.

 “I am extremely proud that a NSW Liberals & Nationals Government has achieved in its first 12 months what the previous Labor Government could not deliver in 16 years.

 “We are committed to making Dharawal National Park a destination to be experienced by people of all ages – the State’s Nationals Parks are there to be enjoyed and explored, not cut off from human access.”

 Ms Parker said the new 6,500 hectare National Park had no depth restriction, meaning for the first time it was protected to the centre of the earth.

 “It will protect an iconic area close to Sydney and Wollongong, and preserve forever its extraordinary biodiversity, including endangered plants, and animals and part of Sydney’s largest surviving koala population,” Ms Parker said.

 “It will ensure the protection of significant upland swamps, rich in plant and animal life, which feed pristine water to O’Hares Creek, the headwater of the Georges River.

 “The Dharawal area also contains significant Aboriginal cultural values, with a high density of important cultural sites and priceless Aboriginal rock art.”

 Ms Parker said the Government had committed $1 million to improve visitor facilities and opportunities in the new National Park.

 “As well as announcing the establishment of the new park, I can also announce that we will shortly place on public exhibition our vision for proposed new facilities.



“These include a new lookout, with access for the disabled overlooking O’Hares Creek at Wedderburn, improved walking access to the gorgeous pools on Stokes Creek and nearby picnic facilities for local families and visitors.

 “At the Illawarra end of the new national park, at Darkes Forest, we are planning to create a loop walk to Maddens Falls and potentially a walk right down to the base of the falls.”

 People interested in commenting on future visitor facilities in the park will be able to make submissions once the public exhibition period commences in coming weeks.

 Today’s historic announcement was marked by unveiling of the new park signs at Wedderburn today by the Premier, Minister and Heathcote MP Lee Evans, Wollondilly MP Jai Rowell, Campbelltown MP Bryan Doyle, Camden MP Chris Patterson and Oatley MP Mark Coure.

 Ms Parker said a community celebration of Dharawal National Park will be held on 5 May 2012.