Protestors send a loud and clear message on Friday in Bega about the NSW Government’s proposal to allow recreational hunting in national parks.
FRIDAY’S anti-hunting rally in Bega has been hailed a success by organiser Richard Barcham.
Mr Barcham, of Candelo, says the event was the start of campaign against allowing recreational hunting in NSW national parks.
In 2012, the State Government announced that 79 national parks and reserves in NSW would be open for amateur hunting of feral animals after Premier Barry O’Farrell made a deal with the Shooters and Fishers Party in order to help pass his electricity legislation (BDN, 8/3).
On Friday, more than 200 protestors joined together in Bega for the “No Hunting in National Parks” rally.
Guest speakers included Public Service Association Far South Coast delegate and Protected Area Workers Association of NSW representative George Malolakis, and Kim Tayson, vice-president of the National Park Association Far South Coast.
Mr Barcham said people travelled from all over the South East to attend the event, including from Batemans Bay and Bombala.
A representative of the Kosciuszko Huts Society travelled to Bega for the rally.
According to Mr Barcham, the rally was a positive step forward.
“We were absolutely pleased and have received tremendous feedback,” he said.
“We would [now] like to inspire other communities to do the same.”
Mr Barcham said the government’s proposal to allow recreational hunting in national parks is a “mistake”.
He said it was time for NSW residents to speak up against the proposal.
“The Parliamentary process has failed, and we invite other communities to come on board.
“A small minority has a disparity of control in Parliament and the citizens have to stand up.”