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Two billabongs near Mildura have seen duck hunting permanently banned in the interest of public safety. Duck hunting at Brickworks and Cowanna Billabongs in Merbein Common is permanently closed due to residential properties being close to the waterways that are also becoming increasingly popular with visitors. Thedecision to permanently close the billabongs to duck hunting was made after site inspections, a risk assessment and stakeholder consultation, including discussions with hunting organisations, several government agencies, Merbein residents adjoining the billabongs and the Friends of Merbein Common. “Merbein Common is an increasingly popular recreational area for bushwalking, cycling, bird watching, camping, and canoeing/kayaking," Parks Victoria district manager Ian Curwood said. Regulations were also recently made to ban the carriage and use of bows and firearms at the billabongs. Signage will be in place at Brickworks and Cowanna Billabongs prior to the start of the 2019 duck hunting season. The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning is investigating potential new hunting options in the Mildura area. Have you signed up to the Bendigo Advertiser's daily newsletter and breaking news emails? You can register below and make sure you are up to date with everything that's happening in central Victoria.

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