PAGE 1 HUNTING AND GAME MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN HUNTING AND GAME MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN

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2 CONTENTS Minister s foreword 2 Hunting and Game Management Plan 4 Strategic Objectives and s 8 Strategic Objective 1 Promote responsible and humane hunting 10 Strategic Objective 2 Realise the economic and social benefits of hunting and game management in Victoria 16 Strategic Objective 3 Improve opportunities for hunting across Victoria 22 Strategic Objective 4 Improve wildlife, conservation and land management outcomes 26

3 MINISTER S FOREWORD PAGE 3 SECURING A FUTURE FOR VICTORIA S GAME HUNTING INDUSTRY I am proud to release the Victorian Government s Hunting and Game Management Plan. The Government is committed to encouraging more people to interact with the natural environment and to take advantage of the outstanding opportunities for hunting, fishing and other outdoor activities Victoria has to offer. The Victorian Government recognises the importance of hunting and game management to Victoria s cultural heritage. Game hunting has been regulated for over 150 years and hunters have a long and proud history in conserving wildlife habitats and contributing to the State s biosecurity efforts in controlling pest animals. Today there are more than 46,000 licenced game hunters in Victoria, and many more hunters involved in pest management activities. Hunting and game management enhances the economic and social fabric of the State, with hunting generating an estimated $439 million in economic activity and hunters being a vibrant addition to many rural and regional communities. The Hunting and Game Management Plan reflects the Victorian Government s vision of better game management outcomes that provide healthy habitats, improve access to sustainably managed game resources, and contribute to a thriving hunting industry. To deliver on this vision, the Plan includes a range of targeted and practical actions that: promote responsible and humane hunting realise the economic and social benefits of hunting and game management improve opportunities for hunting improve wildlife, conservation and land management outcomes. I thank the former Victorian Hunting Advisory Committee for its role in developing the Plan. The Committee, ably chaired by the Hon. Roger Hallam, led a series of stakeholder workshops in 2013 with hunting, conservation, animal welfare, public land, and industry representatives. I also thank those representatives who participated in the consultation process I am confident of a more comprehensive Plan as a result of your contributions. The Plan will be delivered by a range of government departments and agencies including the Department of Environment and Primary Industries, Parks Victoria, and the Game Management Authority. These departments and agencies will work in cooperation with hunting organisations, hunting businesses, conservation organisations, and private landowners to ensure the success of the Plan. The Victorian Government is committed to the policy directions outlined in the Plan, and I look forward to working with communities, stakeholders and government departments to ensure it is fully implemented. The Hon. Peter Walsh MLA Minister for Agriculture and Food Security

4 PAGE 4 INTRODUCTION The Victorian Government supports sustainable and responsible hunting and game management in the State. Our vision is for better game management outcomes that provide healthy habitats, improve access to sustainably managed game resources, and contribute to a thriving hunting industry. Victoria has arguably world-class game hunting opportunities. Our open seasons for game deer, duck and quail provide for excellent hunting while also ensuring the sustainable management of species. The Victorian Government encourages all hunters to take advantage of these opportunities and support our regional towns and hunting industry. Hunting has a proud and rich cultural heritage in Victoria, particularly in rural and regional Victoria. Hunting and game management encourages people to connect with the natural environment and to conserve habitats. The Hunting and Game Management Plan provides the Victorian Government s strategic policy direction for the future. It seeks to maximise the benefits of hunting and game management and to actively manage challenges across the landscape. MANAGEMENT Hunting and game management has a rich cultural heritage. Aboriginal communities across Australia, including in Victoria, have hunted wildlife for at least years. They depended on the management and sustainable use of wildlife for food, clothing, shelter, and cultural and spiritual needs. Hunting and game management has also occurred across the world for centuries. Many early settlers to Australia drew on a proud European hunting culture, and this tradition supported their survival and enabled exploration and development of the continent. In Victoria, game hunting has occurred for over 150 years and has been regulated since the early 1860s. Research has shown that regulated hunting is sustainable and has not put at risk the conservation status of any species, game or non-game. Hunters contribute time and resources to the conservation of wildlife habitats across the landscape. Victoria s network of State Game Reserves and many of the State s wetlands owe their existence to hunters who recognised the degradation and loss of wetland habitat, and lobbied for their conservation. Generations of migrants have continued to bring their rich hunting heritage to Australia. As a result, Victorian hunters come from a diverse range of social, economic and geographic backgrounds from farmers and primary producers for whom hunting is an important component of farm management, to game hunters who laud the State s natural environment. While hunting is no longer required for survival, a strong historical tie binds many Victorians to hunting as a form of sustainable wildlife use including as a cherished food source.

5 PAGE 5 Today, the sustainable use of wildlife is internationally recognised as an integral tool for the management and conservation of biodiversity. 1 Sustainable and responsible hunting creates incentives to conserve habitats and the wildlife that inhabit them. The hunting community in Victoria and around the world continues to be actively engaged in practical conservation projects that benefit not only game species, but all wildlife that form part of healthy and productive ecosystems. Australia is a signatory to a number of international conventions that relate to sustainable hunting, including the Convention on Biological Diversity and Convention on Wetlands (also known as the Ramsar Convention). These international conventions are underpinned by objective scientific evidence and commit Australia to the sustainable use of natural resources. Australia gives effect to these conventions in the design and implementation of policies and programs Australia s approach to kangaroo management for example, is recognised internationally as an outstanding large scale sustainable wildlife use program. 2 In Victoria, hunting and game management is controlled through legislation and regulations that are consistent with national and international obligations. These include the Wildlife Act 1975, the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012, and the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting made under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act In addition to enforcing compliance with laws and regulations, the Victorian Government also plays an active role in providing information to hunters on hunting opportunities and educating them on their legal obligations in order to maximise compliance. THE CONTRIBUTION OF MANAGEMENT Hunting and game management activities generate a diverse range of benefits. Many countries, including New Zealand, the United States, United Kingdom, Finland, and South Africa, provide for sustainable and regulated hunting tourism with associated economic and biodiversity benefits. In Victoria, hunting generated around $439 million of direct and indirect economic activity in Victoria in It is a vital component of many rural and regional economies. For example, it is estimated that $76 million is spent annually in the Gippsland region and $27.9 million in the Loddon Mallee North region. Hunting supports thousands of jobs and businesses directly related to the manufacture and sale of hunting and outdoor products and services. This includes businesses relating to firearms and ammunition, safety equipment, fuel, accommodation (caravan parks, hotels and motels), camping and hunting equipment, and cafes and other food businesses. Hunting also supports a number of specialist businesses, including private game bird farms, private hunting tour operators, and taxidermy. The growing number of interstate and international hunters coming to Victoria provides an opportunity to promote Victoria s world-class game hunting opportunities and deliver further economic benefits, particularly in regional areas. 1 Brainerd, S. (2007) European Charter on Hunting and Biodiversity, Convention on the Conservation of European Wildlife and Natural Habitats. 2 Victoria and the Northern Territory are the only jurisdictions not to have a scientifically based kangaroo harvest program. 3 Department of Environment and Primary Industries (2014) Estimating the economic impact of hunting in Victoria in 2013.

6 PAGE 6 The Victorian hunting community has also played a valuable role in the control of pest animals for generations, promoting conservation of habitats and healthy wildlife populations. As part of the Government s integrated approach, it works in cooperation with commercial and non-commercial hunters to control pest animals across the Victorian landscape. For hunters and their families, hunting incorporates the ethical pursuit and harvest of game and pest animals and the enjoyment of Victoria s natural environment. They appreciate the opportunity to spend time camping with friends and family, learning about and observing nature and the behaviour of wildlife. Hunters take responsibility for the wildlife they hunt and enjoy being able to provide food for their family and to share it with others, including non-hunters. Hunting is an activity often passed down from generation to generation with family members teaching not only how to hunt and learn bush craft skills, but also valuable life lessons. Among other things, hunting teaches the interdependence of life, the importance of stewardship of land and wildlife, cooperation with other land users, and observation and survival skills. It is a physical activity that promotes a healthy lifestyle and demands physical fitness and discipline. CURRENT AND EMERGING CHALLENGES There are a number of current and emerging challenges for hunting and game management in Victoria. The popularity of game hunting in Victoria has grown significantly over the past two decades for example the number of deer hunting licences has more than doubled in the past ten years. There are currently 46,000 licensed game hunters in Victoria, the largest number of licensed game hunters in Australia. 4 The increasing number of game hunters, along with increasing pest hunting activity, highlights the importance of clear, accurate and accessible information and education. This includes how, when and where hunting can occur. The challenge is to provide accurate information in a timely way to enable hunters to comply with their requirements and to ensure all Victorians are able to enjoy the State s parks and reserves. There is a diverse range of attitudes to hunting. Not all people agree with hunting and people have a right to voice their opposition however this must be done in a safe and lawful manner. Challenges also arise from the condition of reserves and limitations on access to designated hunting areas, which causes considerable frustration in the hunting community. For example, access to some State Game Reserves has become limited by lease and licence agreements, unclear signage and/or obstructed roads and access points. 4 Many hunters also hold licences for more than one game species (deer: 29,200, duck: 26,300; quail: 29,200).

7 PAGE 7 All animals can from time to time cause damage that requires management this includes game animals. Deer, for example, can cause damage to crops, fences and other infrastructure, as well as compete with livestock for feed on private properties. The management of deer can pose challenges for policy makers in ensuring deer are retained as a valuable game hunting resource while enabling landowners to efficiently control animals that cause damage on their properties. Technological changes are also impacting how hunters undertake their activity. Improvements in vehicle design (four wheel drives and quad bikes), along with GPS and satellite technology, enables hunters to enter previously inaccessible areas. The quality of firearms, binoculars and lights (e.g. black lights) improve opportunities for hunters as well as their likely success. Changing technology also poses challenges for compliance activities with scanners being used to avoid detection and electronic media enabling rapid dissemination of information. Hunters, like other outdoor enthusiasts, such as fishers and four-wheel drivers, face the prospect of non-compliant hunting activity threatening the reputation of the responsible majority. The challenge is to ensure strong and transparent compliance policies and procedures, along with improved hunting information and education, to facilitate responsible and sustainable hunting practices. DELIVERING THE HUNTING AND GAME MANAGEMENT ACTION PLAN The Hunting and Game Management Plan provides the Victorian Government s strategic policy direction for the future. The Plan will be delivered by a range of government departments and agencies, including the Departments of Environment and Primary Industries (DEPI), Justice, State Development, Business and Innovation, Parks Victoria, Victoria Police and the Game Management Authority. DEPI and Parks Victoria have a critical role in the management of public land and conservation of wildlife habitats. The Game Management Authority (GMA) is the State s regulator of game hunting activities and provides a one-stop-shop for information on game hunting in Victoria. Implementation of the Plan will also rely on the cooperation of hunting organisations, hunting businesses, and private landholders. A partnership approach across the community is critical to the success of the Plan. Education is also critical to ensure safety of hunting activity. Hunting is considered to be a relatively safe activity and one that can co-exist with a range of other land uses and activities. The consequences of the unsafe use of hunting firearms however, can be disastrous. Educating and training hunters in safe firearm handling is a challenge of paramount importance and is an area where hunting organisations play a critical role.

8 PAGE 8 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE AND HUMANE HUNTING 1.1 We will provide better access to hunting information and education. 1.2 We will engage and partner with the hunting community to promote responsible and humane hunting. 1.3 We will introduce a best practice compliance and enforcement approach for hunting and game management. 1.4 We will update the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting, and other relevant codes, and promote these Codes more broadly. 1.5 We will improve guidance for hunters on the safe transport and storage of firearms. 1.6 We will explore options to strengthen training and education of new hunters. 1.7 We will update the Waterfowl Identification Test and related supporting materials. 1.8 We will review the ongoing need for the Registration of Interest to Hunt Pest Animals on Crown Land. 1.9 We will develop partnerships with hunting retail businesses We will promote responsible hunting by attending relevant events and exhibitions. REALISE THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF MANAGEMENT IN VICTORIA 2.1 We will provide timely announcements to industry and the public of seasonal hunting conditions. 2.2 We will explore opportunities to remove restrictions on the use or processing of wild harvested game meat and products. 2.3 We will advocate for the removal of barriers that prevent international hunters coming to Victoria. 2.4 We will support the growth of hunting tourism in Victoria. 2.5 We will enhance game hunting tourism on private land. 2.6 We will support sustainable development of the hunting tour operator industry in Victoria. 2.7 We will commission a study to determine the contribution of hunting to the Victorian economy.

9 PAGE 9 IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUNTING ACROSS VICTORIA 3.1 We will provide current and easily accessible information about permitted locations for hunting, including appropriate signage. 3.2 We will improve access to State Game Reserves and other public land where hunting is permitted. 3.3 We will remove unnecessary restrictions to hunt pest animals on State Game Reserves and other land where game hunting is permitted. 3.4 We will review opportunities for helicopters to land on available helipad facilities located on public land to facilitate access to hunting opportunities. 3.5 We will engage with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owner organisations to build capability and participation. IMPROVE WILDLIFE, CONSERVATION AND LAND MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES 4.1 We will encourage public land managers to make appropriate use of hunting organisations in designing and implementing pest animal control programs. 4.2 We will improve habitat management of State Game Reserves. 4.3 We will develop a state-wide deer management strategy. 4.4 We will continue to monitor, conduct research and analyse the environmental, social and economic impacts of game hunting and game management. 4.5 We will introduce a pilot of the Waterfowl Conservation and Harvesting Model. 4.6 We will improve the quality of data that is collected and monitored about hunting activities. 4.7 We will support the ongoing development of the Australian National Hunting Archive.

10 PAGE 10 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 1 PROMOTE RESPONSIBLE AND HUMANE HUNTING 1.1 We will provide better access to hunting information and education. Achieving the Victorian Government s sustainability and safety outcomes for hunting relies on providing accurate and full information to those wishing to hunt in Victoria. As the new regulator of hunting activities in Victoria, the GMA will be the authoritative source for hunting and game management related information. The GMA s website will provide clear and comprehensive information to encourage responsible and safe hunting practices and provide clarity on the rights and responsibilities of hunters. The GMA s website will also ensure current and accurate information is always readily available. The government will: provide a one-stop-shop for all information about hunting in Victoria on the GMA website, which draws on information provided by Parks Victoria, Victoria Police, DEPI and other relevant agencies -- information on the GMA website will include rules and regulations, the process to apply for relevant licences and permits, where and when hunting is permitted, methods of responsible and humane hunting, pest control programs, and other educational material broaden the content of the Victorian Hunting Guide expand distribution of the Victorian Hunting Guide and other information, through Victoria Police, to all people renewing their firearms licence where the genuine need relates to the hunting of game or pest animals include information on the location of available shooting ranges, for their contribution to hunter shooting training, on the GMA website.

11 PAGE We will engage and partner with the hunting community to promote responsible and humane hunting. Ensuring the hunting community participates in safe and responsible hunting is central to the long-term sustainability of hunting and the welfare of game animals. Engaging and partnering with the hunting community to promote responsible hunting through the development of a responsible hunting campaign will reinforce a self-regulation approach and promote a zero tolerance culture to irresponsible behaviour. Many hunting community organisations, such as the Firearms Safety Foundation, provide responsible hunting information and deliver training programs to their members. There is significant existing knowledge and capacity within these organisations that can be leveraged to promote responsible hunting in a sustainable and costeffective manner. The government will: engage with hunting organisations to develop responsible hunting campaigns support and promote expanded distribution of existing hunting information guides and training programs developed cooperatively between government and relevant hunting and shooting community organisations.

12 PAGE We will introduce a best practice compliance and enforcement approach for hunting and game management. 1.4 We will update the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting, and other relevant codes, and promote these Codes more broadly. Compliance and enforcement activities are essential to promote responsible hunting and game management. The government is committed to addressing the recommendations in the 2012 Victorian Auditor-General s Office report, Effectiveness of Compliance Activities, to improve the planning of compliance work, targeting activities and resources at the highest risks, and selecting the right mix of compliance tools to manage the risks. The GMA will: review the current compliance and enforcement approach for hunting and game management to determine appropriate resourcing requirements during the year, and promote consistency of approaches to enforcement activities between partner agencies such as DEPI, Victoria Police and Parks Victoria develop a compliance policy to guide the regulator in performing its responsibilities and to communicate, to hunters and the local community, the regulator s principles and approach to enhancing compliance enter into agreements with Parks Victoria and DEPI for reciprocal compliance and with Victoria Police to continue to lead protestor compliance (with the GMA providing assistance by training Victoria Police officers). The Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting is made under the provision of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act The Code of Practice sets out minimum standards, obligations and recommendations with respect to the care and use of animals. The purpose of the code is to prevent cruelty and encourage the considerate treatment of animals that are hunted or used for hunting. Other codes include the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals on Private Game Reserves Licensed to Hunt Game Birds. Given that the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting was issued in 2005, it is timely to review it. The government will: review the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting, seeking stakeholder and broader community feedback during the review process explore options to better promote the Code of Practice for the Welfare of Animals in Hunting and other animal welfare codes more broadly among hunters and the community.

13 PAGE We will improve guidance for hunters on the safe transport and storage of firearms. 1.6 We will explore options to strengthen training and education of new hunters. At present, there is uncertainty across the hunting community around the rules and regulations for the transport and storage of firearms. This uncertainty is particularly high when hunters are transporting firearms to and from hunting activities outside their usual place of residence. To resolve current levels of uncertainty, Victoria Police will develop a practical guide to the current firearms regulations applied in a pest management and hunting environment. This guide will provide clear information and specific examples about how firearms (and associated products including ammunition) should be transported and secured within Victoria. This guidance will be provided on the GMA website and distributed with new firearm licences and with the Victorian Hunting Guide. This will provide valuable guidance for both current Victorian hunters and for interstate firearms licence holders who bring firearms into Victoria for hunting purposes. The practical guide will also assist enforcement officers to interpret and apply existing firearms regulations. At present, in order for prospective hunters to obtain a game licence in Victoria, they are required to file an application and pay the required fee. No testing or study is required. The exceptions to this are for prospective hunters wishing to hunt waterfowl and/or Sambar deer with hounds. In order to promote safety and responsible hunting practices, other jurisdictions (including across Canada) have introduced hunting education courses that prospective hunters must complete and pass before obtaining a game licence. The government will: explore opportunities to improve the technical capacity of the current game licensing system, e.g. web-based licensing in order to improve the quality of services such as online education, payment and printing of licences establish a forum to discuss, consult on and develop a curriculum and service delivery model for a Victoria hunting education program for new hunters.

14 PAGE We will update the Waterfowl Identification Test and related supporting materials. 1.8 We will review the ongoing need for the Registration of Interest to Hunt Pest Animals on Crown Land. All adult hunters wishing to hunt game birds in Victoria must pass the Waterfowl Identification Test to demonstrate adequate waterfowl identification skills. This assists in reducing the number of protected non-game species shot by duck hunters each year. The government will: update the Waterfowl Identification Test and related supporting materials, such as the Ducks in Sight video, to ensure they are relevant to current situations explore options to expand the breadth of the test to further promote responsible hunting ensure that the Waterfowl Identification Test number is printed on all Victorian game licences to reduce the administration costs to Victorian hunters wanting to hunt in other jurisdictions. Victorian hunters are able to apply to DEPI for a Registration of Interest to Hunt Pest Animals on Crown Land as the genuine need for a firearm. DEPI does not require any evidence before issuing of the Registration of Interest. Additionally, hunters who have used a Registration of Interest as their genuine reason, instead of becoming a member of a hunting organisation or applying for a game license, do not receive any follow up hunting information or communication. The government will review the Registration of Interest to ensure hunters using this as their genuine reason receive the same information and hunting guidance as hunters who have used other genuine reasons. This will encourage responsible hunting and more knowledge of, and compliance with, hunting rules and regulations. In reviewing the Registration of Interest, the government will: assess the ongoing need for the Registration of Interest as a genuine reason for a firearm ensure appropriate consent for release of information between Victoria Police and GMA for contact details of hunters who apply for a Registration of Interest distribute hunting information and educational material, including the Victorian Hunting Guide, to all hunters using the Registration of Interest as their genuine reason for a firearm explore options to issue the Registration of Interest for the same validity period as a firearms licence.

15 PAGE We will develop partnerships with hunting retail businesses We will promote responsible hunting by attending relevant events and exhibitions. Each year, hunters in Victoria contribute to local economies and jobs in regional Victoria through spending on safety equipment, fuel, accommodation, camping and hunting gear, and food. Well-informed retail businesses can encourage greater sharing of hunting information, including current rules and regulations and permitted places for hunting, acting as a valuable source of information to promote responsible hunting. Hunting retail businesses also provide an information gathering channel for government to assist in identifying risks and collecting data, such as the number of hunters each season. The government will: develop partnerships with hunting retail businesses, in particular firearms and ammunition retailers, to ensure that staff are able to provide accurate information to hunters expand the distribution of hunting information and educational material through hunting retail businesses establish an annual forum with hunting retail businesses. Game officers currently attend key hunting organisation events and relevant exhibitions to provide compliance information and education. Officers will continue to attend at least 10 relevant Victorian outdoor and recreational activity events and exhibitions each year to provide information and education about responsible hunting. Other agencies that play an important role in the regulation or provision of hunting services, such as Parks Victoria, Victoria Police, and DEPI, will also attend major events. Relevant events include annual Hound Registration days and Duck Fever nights held at regional locations in the month prior to the start of duck season. Game officers will also continue to attend various local hunting group meetings on request. Attending these events will encourage and promote safe and humane hunting practices while broadening the community s understanding of hunting.

16 PAGE 16 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 2 REALISE THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL BENEFITS OF MANAGEMENT IN VICTORIA 2.1 We will provide timely announcements to industry and the public of seasonal hunting conditions. 2.2 We will explore opportunities to remove restrictions on the use or processing of wild harvested game meat and products. The length, open and close seasons, opening times and bag limits for hunting conditions are set out in the Wildlife (Game) Regulations The Victorian Government makes annual announcements about any variations in these seasonal conditions as appropriate. In providing timely announcements: the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security will publish and announce detailed seasonal conditions for duck, quail and deer hunting as soon as practical the Victorian Government will investigate options to bring forward announcements of seasonal conditions, while still maintaining the integrity of the evidence-based decision the GMA will adopt new technology and use new communication channels, such as Twitter, to provide information on bag limits, open and closed seasons, opening times for duck, quail and deer and other seasonal conditions. The use of wild harvested meat and other products is regulated under the Wildlife Act 1975 and the Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012 as well as the Meat Industry Act 1993, National Parks Act 1975 and other legislation. The Australian Standard for the Hygienic Production of Wild Game Meat for Human Consumption provides minimum standards to ensure wild game meat for human consumption complies with food safety requirements and is wholesome (passed for human consumption). Currently, there are various restrictions and conditions regulating use of this meat, particularly wild harvested meat, which is prohibited from commercial use, even when killed under an approved licence. These restrictions contribute to the current situation where wild harvested meat is often left to waste and/or abandoned on public and private lands, attracting other pest animals. The restrictions also limit the ability of authorised Traditional Owners to derive economic benefits from traditional practices. The government will: review the Wildlife Act 1975, Wildlife (Game) Regulations 2012, Meat Industry Act 1993, National Parks Act 1975 and other legislation, codes and standards relevant to wild harvested game meat and products to identify areas where barriers to the commercial use or processing of wild harvested game meat and products can be eliminated.

17 PAGE We will advocate for the removal of barriers that prevent international hunters coming to Victoria. Monitoring the importation of firearms is a critical issue for Victoria and Australia. There are opportunities to improve the process and cut red tape for responsible international hunters, and returning Australian hunters, to bring registered firearms into Victoria. The Victorian Government has previously worked with the Commonwealth on this issue and commits to continue to do so, recognising its importance to the industry. The Victorian Government will work to simplify the rules and regulatory arrangements that apply to international hunters, including through: continuing the Non-resident of Australia Game Licence category, which removes the need for international visitors to pass various tests before engaging in hunting, provided that they hunt under the supervision of a Game Licence holder continuing to participate in national Ministerial Council forums and raising relevant issues, such as reducing red tape to bring registered and legal firearms into Australia, including those owned by Australian hunters returning from overseas the Minister for Agriculture and Food Security writing to the Commonwealth Minister for Immigration and Border Protection seeking a review of current arrangements for the export of hunting trophies from Australia by international hunters.

18 PAGE We will support the growth of hunting tourism in Victoria. New Zealand, Scotland, the United States, South Africa, and various Canadian provinces (British Columbia, Ontario and others) have all worked to create vibrant hunting tourism industries. These international examples highlight opportunities to promote hunting tourism in Victoria to deliver growth and economic benefits, particularly in regional areas. In Victoria, Regional Tourism Boards are the peak tourism organisation for their region. They are responsible for the holistic development of tourism and advocacy for their region. Functions include setting the strategic direction of the region, acting as a conduit between industry in the region and government bodies, regional marketing, industry development, identifying investment priorities and managing sustainability. An Inquiry into Heritage Tourism and Ecotourism in Victoria (the Inquiry) commenced in 2012 to examine the potential for ecotourism in Victoria. The government will work to enhance game hunting as a tourismgenerating activity by: providing detailed information about game hunting in Victoria on the Visit Victoria website, either through a single webpage or as a part of an existing webpage facilitating meetings with Regional Tourism Boards and the GMA regarding hunting and game management opportunities and consulting and working with these Boards in the promotion of hunting opportunities at a local level developing an international supply chain analysis for the hunting industry and formulating appropriate strategies. These actions will address the potential risk of there being too little information available to interstate and international visitors to indicate that game hunting is a legitimate and safe activity available in Victoria.

19 PAGE We will enhance game hunting tourism on private land. At present, there are few incentives for private land owners to provide for game hunting opportunities or to manage game and their habitats. Land owners who do make their lands available to hunters can benefit greatly by establishing friendships, receiving assistance to control pest animals, receiving assistance with other tasks around the property, or receiving some form of financial payment in return for access. by landowners could include restoring, enhancing or creating wetland habitat for ducks, actively managing grazing and cropping to provide for Stubble Quail or providing cover and watering points for Hog Deer on private grazing lands. The government will work with landowners and other stakeholders to develop resources and factsheets for hunting tourism on private land. The resources would include Property-Based Wildlife Management Plans, which may consider: developing extension services for land owners to educate them on how to responsibly keep and improve the habitat for the benefit of game and wildlife, including preventing animals from escaping developing a checklist for land owners to facilitate responsible hunting on their property, including checking for valid game and firearms licenses and having appropriate hunting facilities and infrastructure facilitating agreements between land owners and hunters for access to hunting opportunities introducing flexibility around harvest periods to facilitate hunting tourism according to strict management plans.

20 PAGE We will support sustainable development of the hunting tour operator industry in Victoria. Hunting tour operators can provide new, interstate and particularly international hunters with specialist local knowledge about available hunting opportunities. Hunting tour operators can also promote compliance with Victorian hunting regulations, offering guided access to available hunting areas. Development of a hunting tour operator industry offers the potential to increase hunting related tourism and deliver economic benefits for regional Victoria. The government will work with current and prospective hunting tour operators, along with hunting organisations, to promote the industry and simplify the regulatory processes by: exploring efficient and effective options for codifying hunting tour operator industry standards and exploring options to develop industry-led accreditation of hunting tour operators facilitating deer hunting tour operators to operate on public land and areas open to other hunters while complying with existing Parks Victoria licence conditions providing information on the GMA website for interstate and international visitors regarding licensed hunting tour operators so that prospective hunters can readily access this information reviewing the potential for mutual recognition of licences issued by specific land managers so that approved activities can be conducted on multiple sites with one licence and the payment of one fee.

21 PAGE We will commission a study to determine the contribution of hunting to the Victorian economy. Current estimates of expenditure on game hunting are in excess of $281 million annually in Victoria, with most of this expenditure occurring in rural areas. Game hunting supports businesses and industries, including gun shops, accommodation, camping and boating stores, rural petrol stations and general stores, as well as dog breeders and the pet industry. Data collection in the past on hunter expenditure in Australia (outside that undertaken by game hunters) has been infrequent, incomplete and inconsistent. The Victorian Government will commission a study every five years to determine the contribution of hunting to the Victorian economy. The research will provide comprehensive data and a robust assessment of the net economic benefits of all forms of hunting. Data will be used to inform investment decisions, target growth opportunities, and improve service provision and regulatory outcomes.

22 PAGE 22 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 3 IMPROVE OPPORTUNITIES FOR HUNTING ACROSS VICTORIA 3.1 We will provide current and easily accessible information about permitted locations for hunting, including appropriate signage. Providing accurate and easily accessible information about permitted hunting locations and game availability is important to promote hunting activity and enhance hunter compliance with current regulations. Currently, comprehensive information about hunting locations and allowable game hunting activity is disjointed and not easy to access. This makes it difficult for hunters and the general public to stay informed of hunting locations and game hunting opportunities that are available. Improving both physical signage on public land and online delivery of dynamic hunting information will lead to a better informed hunting community and general public. To achieve these outcomes the government will: initiate a rolling program of assessment and appropriate replacement/renewal of signage for all State Game Reserves -- the rolling program will commence with 10 priority State Game Reserves, and all will be completed within two years -- signs will ensure Victorians readily understand where and when hunting can legitimately take place continue to implement targeted improvements to hunting-related signage on other public land where hunting is permitted, including National Parks and water storages identify appropriate platforms for disseminating information about available hunting locations and game hunting opportunities, and access information required for such platforms -- tools will include the Park Notes series, websites, phone applications, an updated State Game Reserve guide, dynamic online maps and other information resources -- information within the tools will include where and when hunting is permitted and the type of game species that can legally be hunted within each location.

23 PAGE We will improve access to State Game Reserves and other public land where hunting is permitted. Hunters experience a variety of access issues to public land where hunting is currently permitted. A proportion of State Game Reserves set aside for hunting and game management now have limited access. Some reserves are land locked by other public and private land, while other reserves have access restricted by fences and locked gates. Access tracks are closed seasonally to protect tracks, to protect drivers from hazardous conditions, or to provide for management vehicle only access as a deliberate land management decision. These tracks are not available for vehicle-based hunting during the closure period. Hunters can still access these areas on foot. Parks Victoria currently has an agreement with Four Wheel Drive Victoria whereby access to a select number of management vehicle only tracks is provided where this does not threaten catchment or wilderness values, in return for a track report and drainage and maintenance works. To improve access to hunting in Victoria, the government will: improve access to State Game Reserves as part of a program of assessment and access improvement for all State Game Reserves -- the program will commence with improving access to 15 priority State Game Reserves and other public land areas, and will be completed within five years (where lease terms allow) -- this will include ensuring access points are properly signposted and maintained, and ensuring access is recognised for public roads leading into the reserves establish a Steering Committee to assess and prioritise State Game Reserves establish working groups to implement local solutions and access improvements to the 15 identified State Game Reserves and other public land areas as part of the program of access improvement. The working groups will consider individual lease or licence terms affecting access, including enabling hunters to pass through public land with firearms or crossbows improve the responsiveness of opening and closing tracks according to seasonal conditions improve collaboration with hunting organisations regarding track closures by -- including hunting organisations on track closure consultative committees - - providing controlled access to hunting organisations during closure periods when track conditions allow.

24 PAGE We will remove unnecessary restrictions to hunt pest animals on State Game Reserves and other land where game hunting is permitted. 3.4 We will review opportunities for helicopters to land on available helipad facilities located on public land to facilitate access to hunting opportunities. Hunting of pest animals is currently restricted on State Game Reserves and other land where and when game hunting is permitted. Allowing licenced game hunters to shoot pest animals they incidentally encounter in the course of their hunting can contribute to land management, conservation and wildlife habitat outcomes, while also improving opportunities for hunting in Victoria. The Victorian Government will remove unnecessary restrictions on the destruction of pest animals on public and private land where game hunting is permitted. For State Game Reserves and National Parks this will only apply during open seasons. The Victorian Government is committed to improving opportunities for hunting in Victoria. This includes more remote hunting locations in the Alpine regions, which are particularly inaccessible during track closure periods. The government will review helicopter access arrangements in Alpine regions and remote areas of Victoria to enable helicopter charters to transport hunters into previously inaccessible locations. As part of the review, the government will ensure there is no negative impact on emergency services (and will consider the impact on other public land users) from any proposed changed access arrangements.

25 PAGE We will engage with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owner organisations to build capability and participation. Since European settlement in Victoria, Aboriginal people have had decreased levels of access to land and ability to undertake traditional practices, such as the hunting of native wildlife. The Victorian Government has already made progress in this area, including the release in 2012 of an Aboriginal Fishing Strategy, which seeks to achieve outcomes relating to recognition of Aboriginal customary fishing rights while maintaining sustainable fisheries management. In 2013, the government entered into a native title settlement with the Dja Dja Wurrung People of Central Victoria that recognises Traditional Owner rights, authorises the hunting of game and wildlife for traditional purposes, and which provides mechanisms for Traditional Owner involvement in the management of public land. The Victorian Government will engage with Traditional Owner organisations (including through capacity building and direct contracting) to build participation in land management and conservation. The GMA will employ a Statewide Aboriginal Game Manager to engage with Aboriginal communities and Traditional Owner organisations with an interest in hunting in Victoria.

26 PAGE 26 STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE 4 IMPROVE WILDLIFE, CONSERVATION AND LAND MANAGEMENT OUTCOMES 4.1 We will encourage public land managers to make appropriate use of hunting organisations in designing and implementing pest animal control programs. Pest animals can impact on native fauna and flora through predation, competition, habitat destruction and land degradation. As part of ongoing public land management activities, Parks Victoria conducts animal control programs designed to identify priority pest animal species and flora and fauna most under threat. Control of pest animals through a planned and coordinated effort based on a variety of control methods has proven to be the most effective method for protecting threatened flora and fauna. Hunting can play an important role as part of an integrated approach to pest management. Parks Victoria works cooperatively with hunting organisations through formal agreements, including organisations such as the Australian Deer Association (ADA), Field and Game Australia (FGA) and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (SSAA) in the design and implementation of control programs. These documents provide a framework that enables ADA, FGA and SSAA members to assist in approved Parks Victoria control programs for pest animals. Building on this existing activity, the government will: explore the potential to establish additional agreements between Parks Victoria, other public land managers and hunting organisations disseminate further information to staff of public land managers about the ability to engage hunting organisations to assist in control programs for pest animals on public land explore any potential regulatory or administrative barriers that currently prevent engagement of hunting organisations in control programs and take action to remove those barriers ensure that the deer management strategy (see action 4.3) includes a focus on the use of hunting organisations in deer control programs as part of an integrated management strategy explore options for the 10 Catchment Management Authorities of water storages to use hunters as part of their pest management strategies.

27 PAGE We will improve habitat management of State Game Reserves. 4.3 We will develop a statewide deer management strategy. State Game Reserves have been established since 1958 to preserve the habitat of game species from agricultural development. State Game Reserves offer some of the best hunting opportunities in Victoria and have been recognised for their broader conservation, education and recreation values. The Victorian Government will: develop management principles for State Game Reserves, focusing on maintaining quality habitats and watering regimes, pest control, installation and maintenance of appropriate visitor facilities and correct reserve signage and information (including information on hunting and the purpose of these reserves) -- the management principles will also suggest partnership models with community groups to improve habitat management of the reserves complete a State Game Reserve Audit Report and make this widely available -- the report will review and assess the current status, quality and availability of land resources for hunting, and will inform the rolling program of signage renewal (action 3.1) and access improvement (action 3.2) establish demonstration site State Game Reserves and engage hunting organisations to assist in delivery, drawing on the developed management principles -- the model reserves will be managed for improved outcomes for game (including predator control, nest boxes, pest control, water regimes, revegetation, managed grazing). The Victorian Government recognises that the growing population of deer in Victoria can have negative impacts on biodiversity values, agriculture and private property. In July 2013, the government took action to remove the need for private land owners to apply for a permit to control problem deer on their land. Building on this initiative, the Victorian Government will develop a statewide deer management strategy to consolidate principles for managing deer across all land tenures in Victoria. The strategy will outline principles to guide decision-making and action planning at a local level to manage deer populations. This includes partnerships with hunting organisations in targeted culling programs according to geographic region.