Funding Boost To Keep Game Hunting Safe And Sustainable

The Andrews Labor Government is boosting funding to the Game Management Authority to ensure hunting remains safe, responsible and sustainable this hunting season, and in future seasons.

The Game Management Authority (GMA) is an independent statutory authority responsible for the regulation of game hunting in Victoria. It promotes sustainability and responsibility in game hunting and delivers programs to improve responsible hunting across the state in conjunction with its partner agencies.

The $6 million boost over four years will deliver:

  • a 30 per cent increase in GMA staff to improve enforcement and stakeholder engagement
  • new equipment for new and existing compliance officers
  • increased research capacity
  • education campaigns
  • A new Game Licensing System

This funding will help the GMA enforce the strict conditions placed on duck hunting in Victoria, to ensure that it is done in a safe and sustainable way.

The Labor Government has also committed to the implementation of a new Adaptive Harvest Model to improve the way populations of duck and other bird numbers are assessed.

This will strengthen the scientific basis of future decision making and compliments the Government’s Sustainable Hunting Action Plan.

For more information on game hunting in Victoria, please visit www.gma.vic.gov.au

As stated by Minister for Agriculture Jaclyn Symes

“This additional funding is part of our Government’s commitment to ensure that game hunting is conducted in a safe, responsible and sustainable way.”

“Game hunting is a legal recreational activity that generates jobs and economic benefits for rural and regional Victoria.”

“The GMA and partner agencies, including Victoria Police, DELWP, DJPR, Victorian Fisheries Authority and Parks Victoria, will continue to work together to ensure people act in a sustainable and responsible manner and comply with hunting and public safety laws.”

/Public Release. View in full here.