Man guilty of public safety offence at Johnsons Swamp

A man from St Albans has been found guilty in Bendigo Magistrates’ Court for a public safety offence committed at Johnsons Swamp near Kerang during the 2024 duck hunting season.

A man from St Albans has been found guilty in Bendigo Magistrates’ Court for a public safety offence committed at Johnsons Swamp near Kerang during the 2024 duck hunting season.

The man was convicted, fined $3,000 and ordered to pay an additional $5,000 in court costs for entering a specified hunting area without a Game Licence.

GMA Director of Compliance and Intelligence Zac Powell said “Public safety laws exist to protect everyone in the community.”

“People who oppose duck hunting must protest safely and lawfully. Any breaches to public safety laws are treated seriously,” Mr Powell said.

“There are significant penalties for people who enter a specified hunting area without a valid Game Licence.”

Hunters and the public are urged to report illegal hunting and illegal protestor activity to the GMA through its website at gma.vic.gov.au or by calling 136 186, or by contacting Victoria Police for urgent matters.

The GMA assesses all reports of illegal behaviour and works closely with its partner agencies, including Victoria Police, to conduct enforcement and compliance operations across Victoria.

For more information visit public safety on wetlands.

Contact: Nick Foster | 0417 293 365 | nick.foster@gma.vic.gov.au