UnitedFuture delivers for hunters
25 September 2008
UnitedFuture leader Peter Dunne today announced a major victory for the recreational hunting community through the creation of an Establishment Committee to oversee the formation of a Big Game Hunting Council (BGHC).
“UnitedFuture has worked extremely hard under the confidence and supply agreement we have with the Labour Government to have the interests of hunters better recognised,” said Mr Dunne.
“I am thrilled for the long-neglected hunting community that we have managed to achieve the foundation of a truly effective and far-reaching advocacy organisation.
“The BGHC will be a permanent organisation tasked with representing the interests of the hunting community through the coordination of recreational, commercial and guided hunting.
“The BGHC will also sponsor the recognition of big game animals as a major recreational, food and trophy resource while advocating for the interests of its membership directly to the Minister of Conservation and the public generally.”
UnitedFuture can also announce the establishment of a Wild Animal Control Advisory Committee (WACAC).
“The WACAC, while not an advocate body, will be a government-funded committee that will underpin the importance of recreational hunting within government policy.
"It will provide the Minister of Conservation and relevant agencies with advice on the management of wild animals including best practice approaches around the country that increase the overall hunting effort and the effectiveness of hunting as a wild animal control tool.
“UnitedFuture has long held the belief that big game animals are not just the pests the Government will have us think they are.
"Rather they are valued introduced species that deserve a responsible management regime to maximise their recreational benefits without neglecting the environmental challenges that come along with them.
“The BGHC and WACAC will provide both hunters and the Government the means to collaborate on the best way to manage these animals,” said Mr Dunne.