Cash Incentive For Hunting Foxes

Bob Cameron - Minister for Agriculture
Media Statement - 19 April 2006

Victorian shooters involved in fox hunting on private land will be eligible for a cash prize, Agriculture Minister Bob Cameron announced today.

Mr Cameron said the prize was part of a Bracks Government initiative to promote integrated pest animal control and would further support cooperation between hunters and farmers.

The prize was announced at the Avenel property of Colin Tingay and his wife Heather – who are both actively involved in local pest animal management issues.

The State Government has been working closely with Field and Game Australia (FGA) and the Sporting Shooters Association of Australia (Victoria) (SSAA) to develop the concept.

"Any financial members of either FGA or SSAA (Victoria) who work with landholders to hunt foxes will be eligible to enter a ballot to win $2,500," Mr Cameron said.

"Both organisations are rolling out new accreditation for members who shoot on private land, which is in addition to membership and the rigorous firearm licensing laws.

"The State Government will also work with FGA and SSAA (Victoria) in identified areas to link landholders and hunters to achieve integrated fox control that incorporates shooting."

Last month Mr Cameron announced a $10,000 prize that will be awarded to a group of landholders judged to have implemented an effective integrated fox management program. Entries for both awards close on 29 September, 2006.

"These prizes will reward landholders for planning and undertaking integrated fox management programs and encourage closer relationships between farmers and members of the hunting organisations," he said.

Mr Cameron said the landholder and hunter prizes were also supported by a new 1080 Bait Hotline and six new 1080 bait trailers operated by the Department of Primary Industries (DPI).

"The 1080 Bait Hotline – 1300 10 1080 – gives landholders a more efficient way to receive advice on the use of 1080 and the available bait products," he said.

"DPI also has the added flexibility of using the new trailers to transport larger amounts of bait to groups of landholders undertaking an organised baiting program."

Nomination forms for landholder groups undertaking integrated fox management are available on DPI's website http://www.dpi.vic.gov.au. Ballot entry details for members of FGA or SSAA will be available online from 1 May at http://www.fga.net.au and http://www.ssaavic.com.au.