OPPONENTS of Narooma’s HuntFest have found several high-profile supporters in renowned Fairfax journalist Peter FitzSimons and former Deputy Prime Minster Tim Fischer.
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FitzSimons spoke to the BDN this week as HuntFest organisers look to add the sale of firearms to the already popular photo competition and outdoor product stalls.
The Eurobodalla Shire Council in 2013 granted a five-year licence to the South Coast Hunters Club to conduct its HuntFest event at NATA Reserve allowing for the display of firearms.
The club has since applied for an amendment to that approval, seeking an unrestricted arms fair permit – allowing for the sale of firearms and ammunition – as well as requesting to operate a mobile air rifle range.
Public submissions on the amendment close on Wednesday, October 8.
Mr FitzSimons said he was very much an admirer of former Prime Minister John Howard for his moves in 1996 “trying to rid Australia of gun culture”.
“What is this, Alabama?” he said in relation to the Narooma event.
“They call it a hunting festival.
“Let’s call it what it is – a festival of killing defenceless animals.
“You bloody heroes.
“Those who would celebrate killing defenceless animals celebrate gun culture.”
Mr FitzSimons said it was up to “all of us to speak up and speak out against those who would bring guns into our lives”.
“We don’t need them [guns], we don’t want them, and I fully support those in the Eurobodalla trying to put a stop to this hunting festival.”
Mr Fischer also responded to calls from the National Parks Association Far South Coast branch in its campaign to prevent the display and sale of guns at Huntfest.
“You are 15 times more likely to be shot dead per thousand people in the USA than Australia, due in part to the sensible comprehensive and harmonised firearms approach in Australia since 1996,” Mr Fischer said.
“Whilst the Australian laws are not perfect, they have made a huge difference - massive watering down of these laws makes no sense whatsoever.”
The Far South Coast branch of the NPA is calling on the NSW Government to conduct an inquiry into the promotion of gun use through arms fairs and to ensure all councils mandate formal community consultation.
Branch president Doug Reckord said NPA members share with many South Coast residents concern the promotion of guns is being allowed to go forward in an adhoc fashion without any comprehensive examination of how an expansion of arms fair events could impact on public safety.
He said the issue was bigger than HuntFest and bigger than the Eurobodalla, with growing concern across Australia about guns in our communities.
“Recent shocking events involving firearms, both here in Australia and overseas, heighten community concern about gun safety,” Mr Reckord said.
“Events where guns and the use of guns are being promoted should not be permitted without proper debate, expert analysis and extensive public consultation.”
Public submissions on the HuntFest licence amendment close on October 8.
Submissions can be made via email to council@eurocoast.nsw.gov.au or by post addressed to: The General Manager, PO Box 99, Moruya, NSW, 2537.
Quote reference number E12.6277 when you make a submission.
ORGANISERS of Narooma’s HuntFest have laid everything on the table and are looking to apply for an unrestricted arms fair permit.
South Coast Hunters lodged an application with Eurobodalla Shire Council to amend its event licence, so it can apply for the permit, which would allow it to sell firearms and ammunition at the 2015 event.
It is also seeking to include a mobile air rifle range run by the Sporting Shooters Association, popular at events around the country, including Gunnedah’s AgQuip.
Under changes adopted by Eurobodalla Shire Council last month, the council will seek community feedback on the proposal before it is considered by councillors.
South Coast Hunters president Dan Field said council’s decision to consult with the community if HuntFest organisers applied to change the existing operating license “pushed us into a situation where we figured we’d just go for everything and see what the community has to say”.
He said this year’s event only included a display of firearms, whereas under the changes they could be sold at the event, if the appropriate permits were obtained.
“People have got to understand you just can’t buy a firearm, you need to have a class of firearm that you want, at this stage we’ll display A and B firearms, and you need a licence and permit to acquire to obtain a firearm,” he said.
“A permit to acquire can take up to 28 days to be approved.
“People will not be coming just to buy firearms - it’s more about the show.”
Mr Field said the club had not yet discussed whether it wanted to sell ammunition at the event, which was also heavily regulated, but it applied for the unrestricted permit anyway.
Eurobodalla Shire Council advised residents’ submissions should address the amendment only.
Information relating to the public exhibition is on the council’s website, and at the Moruya customer service centre and libraries in Batemans Bay, Moruya and Narooma.