Following extensive lobbying to the Minister for Agriculture to lift state forest restrictions and open them back up to hunting, Mark Banasiak can confirm it will happen on Friday, 8 May.
SFF Upper House Member, Mr Banasiak, has received advice from the Minister and his Department that hunters who hold an R-Licence, will have the duration of their licences extended by four weeks. The extension is because recreational hunting areas in state forests were closed due to COVID-19.
The advice also included news that the booking system would reopen, allowing hunters back into state forests from Friday as part of the easing of restrictions.
“This is a fantastic start to allow people to get out there and be healthy and active, and get back to doing what they love, hunting.
“There are still some issues that I am seeking clarity on, in terms of travel restrictions. I am hoping to get answers on that soon.
“While we welcome the return of hunting and recognise this is a good start, we would still like to see the reduction in restrictions around fishing.
“If it’s now allowable for us to visit a non-relative and be cooped up in their house then surely two mates in a boat having fish in the outdoors is ok too,” said Mr Banasiak.
