Hunting war words fire after duck stance call

ANTI-DUCK hunting activists have taken aim at Loddon Mayor Dan Straub after council last week backed the recreational activity and agreed to make a submission to a Victorian Parliament inquiry.

Cr Straub had the support of Crs Neil Beattie and Gavan Holt in his bid for council to tell the Legislative Council probe that duck hunting had a positive economic and mental health impact on the shire.

The council call came on opening day of the shortened 2023 hunting season and quickly saw activists criticise council.

Come and join us during our winter trading times.

We will keep you warm with a range of specials and classic pub meals.

Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting spokesman Tim Haddad has claimed a conflict of interest for Cr Straub as a former president Victorian Duck Hunters’ Association and a candidate in the 2019 federal election for the Shooters and Fishers Party.

“To say we’re concerned with Loddon council’s recent vote to support native bird shooting would be an understatement,” he says in an opinion piece published in to- day’s edition of the Loddon Herald. Social media also came alive with comments on council’s decision.

Cr Beattie seconded Cr Straub’s motion at last week’s meeting saying: “The economic benefit (of duck hunting season) I have seen over the years is enormous.”

“It’s a great social occasion ... not all about shooting ducks. These occasions provide balance we cannot afford to lose.”

Cr Beattie said there was no difference between shooting rabbits and ducks.

Cr Linda Jungwirth said: “I am not certain what is the role of council to advocate for duck hunting.

“I am not outright opposed to duck hunting but I don’t know enough about it,” she said. “Duck hunting is complex. I don’t know the difference between the economic value of duck hunting season and nature -based tourism.”

Cr Straub said there was support in local communities and among residents for duck hunting to continue, quoting a Lod- don Herald reader poll early this year showing 85 per cent backed a hunt season.

“I believe that the collaboration of many different types of nature-based ecotourism, including duck hunting, can exist within in Loddon,” he said.

“That’s how we in the duck hunting community look at it,” Cr Straub said.

“It’s not just something we go and do here and there - it’s a way of life.”

Cr Straub remained in the mayor’s chair while moving and debating the motion.

“Earlier today I asked the council for a discussion around the appropriateness of me vacating the chair to deliver this motion,” Cr Straub said.

“There was a general consensus that there was no requirement for me to vacate. I just wanted to make sure there was an understanding of proceedings with me delivering this notice of motion.”

Cr Wendy Murphy did not speak during debate and no vote was given to the motion.

A fine pub with 100 years of trading – supplying you with friendly service, cold beer, spirits & wine, great meals, restaurant, accommodation & bottle shop.

84 Godfrey Street, BOORT 03 5400 9650 railwayhotelboort