A VICTORIAN Coalition Government would establish an authority to co-ordinate conservation and game management efforts.

Shadow Minister for Regional and Rural Development and Nationals leader Peter Ryan made the announcement at Macleod Morass in Bairnsdale today.

Mr Ryan said the new Game Management Authority would ensure more revenue generated from game and firearm licence fees was used to improve natural bushland, park and forest conservation, game management and pest control.

"The Coalition’s Game Management Authority will co-ordinate disparate departmental funding to ensure it is used to improve habitat and game management," Mr Ryan said.

"Hunting and shooting groups play an integral role in the management of native bushland and wetlands and they have a long history of conservation.

"Groups such as Field and Game Australia have invested heavily in restoring wetlands and are at the forefront of efforts to conserve habitat for waterfowl.

"They have also driven efforts to educate Victorian shooters on the responsible use of firearms.

"The new authority will build on these efforts by co-ordinating government funding to improve education, conservation efforts and game and feral animal management.

"About 27,000 people are registered to hunt deer in Victoria while 22,000 hold game licences. The vast majority are acutely aware of the need to protect biodiversity and preserve habitat for native wildlife," Mr Ryan said.

Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Nationals deputy leader Peter Walsh said the Game Management Authority would investigate opportunities within the recreational hunting and shooting industries that had been ignored by John Brumby.

"Under Labor opportunities to market kangaroo products and promote regional Victoria as a destination for recreational hunters and shooters have been lost,” Mr Walsh said.

"This authority will provide the leadership necessary to capitalise on such opportunities."