Issue link: http://ssaansw.uberflip.com/i/209433
SSAA NSW partner with NPWS for National Park hunting SSAA NSW will partner with the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to remove feral pests from National Parks in one of the biggest changes to public land hunting in NSW since the introduction of the Game Council. SSAA NSW Executive Director, Diana Melham said the partnership will increase hunting opportunities for more than 50,000 SSAA members in the State. "SSAA NSW have worked with the NSW Government on a plan to use volunteer hunters to remove feral pests from 12 National Parks as part of a three year trial. This is a similar program to other States where SSAA members assist National Parks and Wildlife Services and work together to remove feral pests." "We understand that some members will have reservations about this partnership. But SSAA NSW is committed to both increasing hunting opportunities for our members and making a significant contribution to conserve our public lands. This partnership allows us to meet both of those commitments." As part of the three year trial, 12 National Parks will be opened to volunteer hunters to assist with the removal of feral pests. The Parks are: Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (NSW) Inc. • Cocopara Nature Reserve near Griffith; • Yathong Nature Reserve near Cobar; • Nombinnie Nature Reserve and State Conservation Area near Cobar; • Murrumbidgee Valley National Park and State Conservation Area near Balranald; • Goonoo National Park and State Conservation Area near Dubbo; • Coolbaggie Nature Reserve near Dubbo; • Gundabooka National Park and State Conservation area near Bourke; and • Woomargama National Park near Albury. Ms Melham said that SSAA NSW had recently met with NSW Minister for Primary Industries, Katrina Hodgkinson to ensure that the proposed model for National Parks would not be introduced into State Forests. "SSAA NSW has actively pursued the re-introduction of State Forest hunting, under the same model as previously employed successfully by the Game Council, as soon as possible." 4