Call for federal intervention to halt march of cattle back into the Alpine National Park
Wednesday, 12 January 2011 Media release The Victorian National Parks Association has written to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke, calling on him to intervene and stop the march of cattle back into the fragile Alpine National Park. The Victorian Government today secretly allowed up to 400 cattle into the national park under the guise of a so-called "research" project. "This is a clear challenge to the authority of the federal environment minister," VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel said today. "The State Government is flouting our national laws and thumbing its nose at Tony Burke. "VNPA has clear legal advice that confirms there is a strong case for federal government involvement under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act. |
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"There are a number of nationally-listed threatened species in the park that are threatened by grazing, and the entire park is listed as a national heritage place.
"Minister Burke must now use his powers under the Act to call the project in, and demand a proper assessment of the potential impacts on matters of national environmental significance," Mr Ruchel concluded.
"This decision involves a significant number of cattle over 25,000 hectares which could have a major environmental impact," said VNPA Park Protection Project Officer Philip Ingamells.
"Calling it a research project is the domestic equivalent of Japan's 'scientific' whaling.
"Studies have already shown cattle grazing is not effective in reducing either the extent or severity of fire in the high country and notably the Black Saturday Bushfire Royal Commission did not recommend the return of grazing for fire management.
"It's been a secretive and sneaky process - the cattle were sent in without any public engagement or scrutiny of the process.
"There are plenty of suitable sites outside the park where this research could take place. This so-called trial should be stopped immediately, or shifted to other locations outside the national park."
Download a copy of the letter to federal environment minister Tony Burke
For comment
- Philip Ingamells, VNPA Park Protection Project Officer - 0427 705 133.
- Matt Ruchel, VNPA Executive Director - 0418 357 813.
- Felicity Milner, Environment Defenders Office - 0427 766 855.
- For media assistance please contact Louise Matthiesson on 0417 017 844.
Legal advice confirms grazing needs federal approval Science, credibility and alpine grazing FAQ sheet - cattle grazing in the Alps
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