Alpine grazing trial produces nothing new

Friday, 14 October 2011

Media release

Results released today of last year's controversial alpine cattle grazing trial only prove what a waste of time and money the so-called scientific experiments have been, the Victorian National Parks Association said today.

"The results obtained from last summer's alpine grazing trial have told us nothing new," said VNPA parks protection officer Phil Ingamells.

"Few people in Victoria would be unaware that cattle damage is most visible in wet areas. And it would seem to be obvious cattle don't like to go into steep areas occupied by unpalatable shrubs," he said.

"More remarkably, the Department of Sustainability and Environment seems to have had to engage a consultant to tell them that their choice of remote sites for the grazing trial made access difficult for researchers.

"The results of last summer's grazing trial show what a waste of time and money the badly-planned, so-called scientific experiment was.

"These so-called results must be a considerable embarrassment to the State Government.

"We call on the government to tell the Victorian community when it will fulfill its promise to refer the design for the remaining years of the trial to the Federal Government for assessment.

"In the meantime, it would be sensible if the government changed direction, and put its valuable resources into carrying out research the Bushfires Royal Commission actually asked for.

"It would also be good to put resources into managing the many real threats our Alpine National Park faces. Namely feral horses, deer and weed invasions."

For comment

- Phil Ingamells - 0427 705 133, email philipi@vnpa.org.au.