Walsh – Hunting’s $439 million boost to Victoria

. New data reveals that hunting is worth $439 million to Victoria’s economy
. Activity of 46,000 licenced game hunters supports 3,500 Victorian jobs
. Victorian Coalition Government investing in responsible game management

Minister for Agriculture and Food Security Peter Walsh has today released new research revealing that hunting is worth $439 million to the Victorian economy.

Minister Walsh launched Victoria’s Economic Impact of Hunting report at Winghee Swamp near Bendigo on the last day of the 2014 Victorian duck hunting season.

“The Victorian Coalition Government supports a responsibly managed game hunting sector because we recognise, and this new data confirms, that game hunting and hunting of pest animals is significant within the state economy and it is important to regional communities,” Mr Walsh said.

“This is the most comprehensive survey ever of Victorian hunting and it reveals the activity had a total economic impact of $439 million in 2013 and supported almost 3,500 full time equivalent jobs directly and indirectly across Victoria.

“There are more than 46,000 game licence holders in Victoria now, and they are contributing to local economies across the state as they buy hunting and camping equipment, food, fuel, and other supplies related to their pursuits.

“40 per cent of this spending occurs in Melbourne and 60 per cent throughout regional Victoria. That might surprise some people, but 51 per cent of licenced game hunters live in Melbourne or the wider Port Phillip Bay region.

“Outside of Melbourne, the report highlights the wider Gippsland region as receiving the next highest amount of expenditure related to hunting, estimated at $76 million in 2013 driven mostly by hunting of deer and pest animals.

Mr Walsh said the Victorian Coalition Government had demonstrated clear commitment to improving game management and hunting opportunities.

“The Victorian Government will invest $17.6 into game management over the next four years and the new Game Management Authority, an election commitment from the Coalition, comes into effect on July 1,” Mr Walsh said.

“The Victorian Game Management Action Plan is also close to completion following significant stakeholder consultation, and this plan will help guide future policy and investment priorities, as well as promote responsible hunting practices.

“The Victorian Coalition Government values the significant social and cultural benefits game hunting provides to our state, and we also see opportunities for the sector to develop high-value, niche tourism experiences that could attract interstate and international visitors and, in turn, further boost regional economies,” Mr Walsh said.