THE South Coast is “a jewel in the crown of nature”, but has its reputation damaged by events such as HuntFest says Greens MP David Shoebridge.
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Mr Shoebridge is behind a photographic exhibition created as a “positive response” to Narooma’s HuntFest showcase of outdoor activities including camping, 4WD adventures – and hunting.
Animals in the Wild is being held at Bodalla across the long weekend as an alternative destination for lovers of the great outdoors who perhaps have a differing perspective.
“I travel the state, which is full of natural beauty, and this area is not renowned for hunting and blood sports,” Mr Shoebridge said.
“In fact, the NSW Government promotion of the South Coast and Sapphire Coast makes no mention of it being a destination for hunting and killing.
“HuntFest has very limited popularity among locals with a majority in opposition to the event and the [Eurobodalla] council’s approval of it.
“Locals don’t want Narooma projected as a hunting destination.”
Around 2300 adult visitors were estimated to have attended the 2014 HuntFest, with organisers claiming it boosted local coffers to the tune of $900,000.
However, Mr Shoebridge said HuntFest’s popularity and “marginally positive impact” on local business is limited to the one weekend.
“The long-term damage to its image as a peaceful place to enjoy nature should be a real concern,” he said.
Included among the Animals in the Wild exhibition categories is one to show the “reality of hunting” – potentially disturbing images, which was one of the original complaints surrounding HuntFest.
“Having public land subject to hunting and killing – we can’t shy away from that concept,” Mr Shoebridge said.
“And yes some images may be confronting and deeply disturbing.
“But what we don’t do is celebrate it like HuntFest does.”
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