**RALLY: No hunting in NSW National Parks!**

[FatCanyoner]

G'day folks,
There's been quite a lot of discussion on the site over the last week about the NSW Government's plan to allow hunting in certain National Parks. (See the debate here: http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=36&t=10020 as well as a experiences from places where hunting is allowed: http://bushwalk.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=10048).

If you are from NSW and concerned about the issue you might want to get along to this protest next Thursday that is being organised by a large number of conservation and bushwalking groups. The following info come from the National Parks Association of NSW (go to http://npansw.org.au/ if you want to read more). I'll be attending.

**RALLY: No hunting in NSW National Parks!**

11am Thurs 14 June, Parliament House, Sydney

The bill to allow volunteer hunters in National Parks is likely to be introduced to parliament next Thursday 14 June. We need a large crowd- join us outside Parliament House in Sydney at 11am next Thursday 14 June to show the Government that we will not stand for hunting in our National Parks.
The Premier of NSW has broken his pre-election promise to keep recreational shooting out of our National Parks. He has announced that the government will be opening up 34 National Parks, 31 Nature Reserves and 14 State Conservation Areas across the state to volunteer hunters.
During his first week in government, the Premier made a strong promise to environment groups and the people of NSW that he would not allow shooting in National Parks. Now he has done a deal with the Shooters and Fishers Party so that they will support his electricity privatisation bill.
National Parks are for the protection of nature and for the enjoyment of the NSW public. This decision by the government compromises the values of national parks and raises public safety concerns. Contrary to government claims, this is not an effective or cost-efficient way of controlling feral animals.

[Moondog55]

1## I live in Vic so i won't be going
2## I STRONGLY SUPPORT hunting in parks

[Dale]

Thanks for the heads up Fatcanyoner. I'll be there.

[christophermoore]

A man was shot yesterday, a timely reminder of the accidents that can happen.

Personally I'm not so worried about the safety of hunting, I'm more bothered that the tranquility of National Parks would be disturbed by the sound of gunshots.

I'm a keen spearfisherman, and I'm not asking to go fishing in a Marine Reserve. People want to be able to snorkel somewhere they know the fish won't be attacked. It's the same principle - National Parks are off limts to hunters for the benefit of other park users.

[FatCanyoner]

I'm a keen spearfisherman, and I'm not asking to go fishing in a Marine Reserve. People want to be able to snorkel somewhere they know the fish won't be attacked. It's the same principle - National Parks are off limts to hunters for the benefit of other park users.

I think this is one of the best summaries of the issue I have seen. There is a time and a place for everything, but National Parks are not the place for recreational hunting.

1## I live in Vic so i won't be going
2## I STRONGLY SUPPORT hunting in parks

Moondog, if you read my post you'll see I wrote: "If you are from NSW and concerned about the issue you might want to get along to this protest". I thought that made it clear enough who this post was aimed at. Nobody is forcing anyone to hold a certain view or do a certain thing, this is simply information for many people on this forum who do share these concerns.

[Mutley]

Feral and non native animals are apparently a huge problem in national parks. I am very concerned about rabbits, foxes and dogs. But will the shooters guarantee their eradication ? We have had shooting in state forests for years and there are still plenty of feral animals out there. So maybe there is a more efficient way to eradicate them.

And by the way, do we extend the same logic to deer, horses and cattle ? These hard hoofed animals surely cause more damage than a feral dog ??

Maybe there is a hidden agenda.

[Dale]

Wandered down to Parliament House today and there was a decent size turn out. Lots of National Park Rangers in uniforms venting their displeasure. 'Twas good to see !

Not happy !

[Kinsayder]

Good work to those who attended!

[FatCanyoner]

There was a great turnout at the rally. About 500 people. Even mother natured turned up, with a rare break in the rain and some sunshine while we were there!
Supposedly the environment minister has already received more than 3,000 letters about this issue, which is huge (the old adage in politics that for every letter you get there are 100 people with the same concern), so our message is definitely being heard. I've got an appointment to meet with my local (Liberal) MP in the morning, so I look forward to making sure he knows just how seriously concerned the community is.
Keep up the good work folks!
Tim

[Pteropus]

There is another rally by the National Parks Association NSW in Barry O'Farrell's electorate on July 1.

http://www.npansw.org.au/index.php/news ... html#Rally
Rally in the Premier's Electorate, 1 July 2012
Constituents of Barry O’Farrell’s Ku-ring-gai electorate will be rallying in Wahroonga on July 1st to express their great disappointment in the Premier’s decision to allow volunteer hunting in NSW national parks.

WHEN: Sunday 1 July 2012, 10.45am – 12.15pm

WHERE: Wahroonga Park, Millewa Ave, Wahroonga (short walk from Wahroonga Railway Station)

WHO: This rally is supported by National Parks Association of NSW, STEP Inc, Nature Conservation Council of NSW,WIRES, Unions NSW, Public Service Association of NSW, Australian Workers’ Union NSW.