Shire holds firm on duck hunting position

THE Surf Coast Shire council has reaffirmed its position on recreational duck hunting, resolving to continue advocating for the closure of some of the municipality’s wetlands to the activity.

In April, the council passed a motion to write to the state’s Environment Minister to request the permanent closure of Brown Swamp, and the permanent closure of Lake Gherang and Lake Modeware within 250m of residential properties, to duck hunting.

The move, which the council has now undertaken, was motivated by concerns for the health and safety of residents living near the affected waterways.

At the council’s following meeting, held in May, it received two petitions responding to the motion.

Both contained about 300 signatures, with one supporting the council’s decision to call for the wetland closures, and the other, organised by Geelong Field & Game, urging the council to reverse its decision.

The council responded to both petitions at its June 25 meeting, acknowledging the range of views that had been shared with the shire on the regulation of duck shooting and ultimately voting 8-1 to reaffirm its resolution to advocate for the closures.

Cr Heather Wellington said there were always competing priorities between neighbours and people using either public or private land.

“Duck shooters will argue that their wellbeing is supported by being out in the great outdoors and shooting animals,” she said.

“Neighbours will argue that shotgun blasts at daybreak and dusk over the duck shooting season are unreasonable and potentially creating a dangerous nuisance.”

She said while there were opportunities for duck hunters to participate in the activity away from developed areas, most residents were unable to “move their dream homes”.

“For me, duck hunters’ passion for their pastime can’t outweigh the rights of residents to safety and relative peace in their homes.

“I believe the parents who live near these lakes when they say the experience has been terrifying for their children.”

Cr Paul Barker, the only councillor to oppose the motion, said duck shooting had been happening in the area for “more than 100 years” and reiterated his opinion that it was the responsibility of homeowners to conduct “due diligence” before buying a property.

Geelong Field & Game secretary Mitchell Parsons said the organisation was “immensely disappointed” with the shire’s decision to “continue to stand as an opponent to a legal method of take”.

“This position does not come as a surprise to our branch or its members,” Mr Parsons said.

“We urge all of our members to take note of the upcoming council elections later this year and ensure that you are putting pressure on candidates.

“Geelong Field & Game will continue its advocacy working in this area and we look forward to engaging with all candidates to educate and inform them.”