Landmark decision protects Alpine National Park from grazing

Last week's decision by the Federal Government to pass regulations that will protect the Alpine National Park from damaging cattle grazing will restore good management to one of Australia's most loved and important national parks. Our executive director Matt Ruchel welcomed the landmark decision as "a victory for common sense". "It is a major milestone that the Federal Government has taken on the role of guardian of our nationally significant natural treasures," he said. "It has become, effectively, the wicket keeper, able to pick up the ball when state governments misplay their role as guardians of the conservation estate." VNPA park protection officer Phil Ingamells said it's now time for the Victorian Government to move on to better things.

The Federal Government's decision to intervene in alpine cattle grazing reflects decades of evidence that shows domestic cattle have done great harm to alpine wetlands.

"It was clear from the start that the so-called scientific grazing program was never about science but all about politics," he said.

"It is time for the Victorian Government to concentrate on improving the health of the Alpine National Park, focusing on real threats such as feral horses, deer, and pest plant invaders.

"The Federal Government's intervention reflects decades of scientific evidence that clearly shows domestic stock have done great harm to the park's wetlands and to many threatened plants and animals.

"The intervention must ensure that damaging alpine cattle grazing never again threatens the Alpine National Park.

"The role of the Federal Government in ensuring good management of our national parks should be welcomed by all Australians.

"We now look forward to seeing all national parks protected from other threats such as mining, land clearing and inappropriate development by recognising their importance under national environmental laws.

"This is a great opportunity to make our national parks truly national, and give them the protection they deserve."

 

Alps cattle grazing ‘results’ prove farcical

The alpine grazing 'scientific trial' results released by the Department of Sustainability and Environment add nothing to our knowledge of alpine grazing.

The report (released at 5pm on Friday 14 October to avoid media scrutiny) says cattle damage is most evident in wet areas, and that cattle prefer open grasslands to steep shrubby areas.

Most remarkably (and inexplicably), the team doing the survey work only went into the trial areas after the cattle had been removed. Much of the 'evidence' cited in the report is anecdotal comments from cattlemen and Parks Victoria rangers.

And the consultants (URS Australia) chided the government for choosing such inaccessible sites to conduct the research.

We are still waiting for the Victorian Government to let us know when they will refer their proposed new trial design for Commonwealth approval.