Success in State Forests
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.