CLP Backing Territory Hunters and Gun Owners

Leader of the Opposition Lia Finocchiaro MLA and Deputy Leader of the Opposition Gerard Maley MLA:

As part of its Plan to restore the Territory’s lifestyle, the CLP will expand hunting reserves in the Top End to help ease overcrowding.

If elected, the CLP will increase the size of Harrison Dam Hunting Reserve and work closely with stakeholders to identify a site where a new hunting reserve can be opened.

Leader of the Opposition, Lia Finocchiaro said the expansion announcement was among a range of initiatives announced to ensure Territorians can enjoy this popular past time for years to come.

“Territorians love recreational hunting and it is an important part of the Territory’s unique lifestyle.”

“It’s a popular day out for families who get to enjoy our specular natural scenery while taking part in a recreational activity that is unique to the Territory lifestyle.

“But while the popularity of hunting has increased with more than 3,400 permits issued last year, there has been no increase in hunting areas, meaning our five existing reserves are severely overcrowded.

“Overcrowding puts the safety of hunters at risk as well as the sustainability of local flora and fauna. Labor promised to open up a new hunting reserve four years ago but once again they have failed to deliver,” Mrs Finocchiaro said

As part of its Plan to make hunting even better in NT the CLP will:

• Increase the existing size of Harrison Dam Hunting Reserve
• Work with stakeholders to identify the site for a new hunting reserve
• Introduce an annual $50,000 grant program to allow local hunting organisations to access funding to help with ongoing conservation efforts
• Review the Magpie Goose Management Plan to ensure reliability of data
• Lock in Waterfowl daily bag limits (currently 7 magpie geese and 10 ducks) as well as season opening and closing dates (first weekend in September until first weekend in January) for five years to provide hunters with certainty

Deputy Leader of the Opposition, Gerard Maley, said, “The CLP will also stop the constant chopping and changing of bag limits and season length and lock current limits and dates in for the next five years so that Territorians know what they can and can’t do well ahead of time.”

The CLP will review the Firearms Act, with an initial focus on ensuring ammunition is available to communities; give interstate firearm licence holders the ability to purchase ammunition, allow registered gun clubs hold and sell ammunition, and the renewal of current NT firearms licenses.

“We will also look to strengthen the NT Trespass Act to deter illegal hunting.

“The CLP will look to open more government owned or controlled areas to hunting, pig hunting with dogs and bow hunting, on Power and Water Corporation and Land Development Corporation Land. We will also resolve access concerns to the Howard Swamp and Shoal Bay Coastal Reserve.”

A CLP Government will reduce crime, rebuild our economy and restore our lifestyle.