A STUDY commissioned by the state government has found that hunting is worth $439 million to the Victorian economy, with hunters spending about $76 million in Gippsland in 2013.
The study found the activity of 46,000 licenced game hunters supports 3500 Victorian jobs, with the state government set to invest $17.6 million in improving game management and hunting opportunities.
Eastern Victoria MLC Danny O’Brien said hunting in Gippsland generated an estimated $76 million in expenditure along with direct full-time employment for 267 people.
The report identified more than 50 towns across the state where hunting expenditure was estimated to be more than $1 million last year, with Traralgon recording the highest expenditure at $13.2 million.
Wellington Shire recorded the highest regional expenditure for any local government area with $25.8 million followed by Latrobe City with $18.5 million and Baw Baw with $16.8 million. East Gippsland recorded $10.9 million in expenditure.
“This expenditure was driven mostly by hunting of deer and pest animals but the report also included duck and quail hunting,” Mr O’Brien said.
“Hunting is a growing sport with significant economic benefits to our region and there are opportunities for the sector to develop niche tourism experiences which could attract more interstate and international visitors to Gippsland.”
According to the report, $28 million was spent on pest hunting in Gippsland in 2013, $27.9 million on deer hunting, $16.4 million on duck and $3.7 million on quail.
The Game Management Authority, an election commitment of the government, will come into effect on July 1, with the Victorian Game Management Action Plan to help guide future policy and investment priorities, as well as promote responsible hunting practices.
Sentosa Safaris owner Johan Jansen welcomed the move to establish the authority.
“It’s a fantastic outcome,” he said. “I think the government should be congratulated on the initiative.”
Mr Jansen said he wasn’t surprised Gippsland proved popular with hunters, with the High Country attracting many visitors.
“I have been here 27 years and we do attract overseas people, primarily because we have hog deer here,” he said.
“It’s a safe sport and something that suits Victoria. It’s a renewable source,” he said.
“You’ve got the deer there and you do actually control them. Ultimately people like hunting, people like the sport and it puts money into the economy.”
Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh said the state government supported a responsibly managed game hunting sector.
“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,” he said.
“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.
“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.”
Australian Deer Association Victoria branch president Col Brumley said the report was further proof of the importance of game hunting to Victoria.
“We have always known that recreational hunting plays an important role in Victorian society socially, culturally and environmentally,” he said.
“This report also shows that hunting is very important for the state economically.”
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