Nature's Voice edition 9
Welcome to the third edition of Nature's Voice for 2011. Nature's Voice arrives as an easy-to-read email and aims to keep you on top of important nature conservation issues throughout Victoria. You can also read Nature's Voice online as an ebook. And if you haven't already signed up to receive Nature's Voice please take the opportunity to do so now by joining our |
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Edition 9, July-August 2011
Let's help our nature!
Parts of Victoria, the most cleared state in Australia, are nearing dangerously low levels of native habitat.
But a recent study into the state's remnant native bushland contains key recommendations that could help us protect and rebuild a healthier and more sustainable natural environment.
Let's help nature Great opportunity for the Baillieu Government
Alps, the bad news and the good news
The State Government is once again trying to reinstate cattle grazing in Victoria's Alpine National Park.
Under a cloak of secrecy, it is attempting to redesign its flawed alpine cattle grazing trials, hoping to avoid Federal Government intervention.
More signatures needed!
We are still collecting signatures against alpine cattle grazing - see www.petition.vnpa.org.au for more forms, or sign online. You can also phone us (9347 5188) if you would like to be sent more petition forms by post.
VEAC marine investigation announced
The Victorian Government has released draft terms of reference for an investigation into the state's existing marine protected network and any ongoing biodiversity threats and challenges it may face.
The effectiveness of management is also being assessed.
Join us at Hindmarsh
A big opportunity to help revegetate Victoria is coming up at the 14th annual Project Hindmarsh Landcare weekend on August 20-21.
The weekend is also a great chance to make new friends and enjoy country hospitality in and around the regional town of Nhill.
Urban reserves the key to saving grasslands
Victoria's native grasslands are a special part of our natural heritage, but those found in Melbourne's outer western and northern suburbs are coming under increasing pressure from rapid urban development.
Right now, 70% of the city's native grasslands are zoned for development, including many irreplaceable sites of high conservation significance.
Help needed to monitor Striped Legless Lizards
Our species monitoring program NatureWatch is starting two new Striped Legless Lizard projects this year, and needs your help!
This is a fantastic way for volunteers to contribute to our knowledge of this nationally vulnerable species.
Fire and biodiversity under the spotlight
We have joined forces with the Royal Society of Victoria to hold a fire and biodiversity symposium in October this year.
The symposium will bring together some of Victoria's most renowned biologists and fire ecologists, and promises to help resolve many outstanding questions about how we manage our natural environment.
Burning forests for electricity?
The Federal Government's new carbon pricing scheme is expected to end any plans in this country to burn native forest wood 'waste' for electricity.
However, with the export woodchip industry still in the doldrums there remains a threat that our native forests could be turned into wood pellets and burned in overseas power generators.
Carbon fund a winner for biodiversity
The almost $1 billion biodiversity fund announced as part of Australia's new climate package will result in less carbon in the atmosphere, more habitat for wildlife, and new jobs in the rural sector.
Protecting and increasing native habitat takes carbon out of the atmosphere and stores it in the trunks, branches and roots of native vegetation.
Reef Watch coastal forum a winner
Marine nuts of all persuasions braved cold weather conditions last month to take part in a marine weekend forum at Warrnambool.
Organised by the VNPA's Reef Watch program and Deakin Univerity, the forum focused on marine conservation issues facing south-west Victoria, including Blue Whale research and habitat monitoring of subtital areas.
World risks global marine extinctions
Science leaders meeting in England have warned the world that it needs to create a global network of marine protected areas or face losing entire marine ecosystems within a generation.
They say that unless action is taken now there is a high risk that human activity will cause globally significant extinctions within our oceans.
Groundswell of activity in underwater world
A tide of political upheaval is threatening to weaken years of marine protection in Australia with the Victorian Government fast-tracking a massive port expansion and the NSW Government placing a moratorium on new marine national parks.
On the federal front plans to create one large multiple-use marine park in South Australia could eventually influence protection offered for sea waters off the Kimberley, Top End, and East Coast of Western Australia.
Bastion Point update
Environmentally unacceptable development at Victoria's Bastion Point has been put on hold while the State Government conducts an internal review of current proposals.
The VNPA has been a strong supporter of the Save Bastion Point Campaign and integral to developing a sustainable alternative to the current proposal, which would see massive overdevelopment of the point, including a 130 metre breakwater.
Federal Government must stick to Murray buybacks
Victorian environment groups have called on the Federal Government to stick to its election promise to save the Murray-Darling river system by buying back water entitlements from willing sellers.
Buyback programs have been far more effective than any other program in returning water to the Murray.
Yellingbo study on cards for VEAC
The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council may be asked to investigate public land around the Yellingbo Conservation Reserve.
This area has threatened flora and fauna, including the state's two fauna emblems - Leadbeater's Possum and the Helmeted Honeyeater.
Mine expansion threatens Anglesea heathlands
Some of Victoria's rarest native bushland could be lost if mining giant Alcoa is given the green light to expand coal mining operations at Anglesea.
The Victorian National Parks Association has joined local environment groups in calling on the mining giant to rethink plans to mine up to 300ha of rare Anglesea heathlands and instead focus on finding renewable energy sources to power its Pt Henry aluminium smelter.
Tasmanian forests deal
With Tasmania inching closer to ending years of forest conflict by compensating timber workers and protecting around 550,000 hectares of high conservation value forests it's time to ask why can't Victoria do the same?
Habitat restoration project fit for a regent
The Regent Honeyeater Project in the Lurg Hills near Benalla has reported two sightings of Regent Honeyeaters.
The project's Ray Thomas says Ironbark blossom has attracted hordes of honeyeaters, and that it was really just a matter of time before someone spotted a Regent Honeyeater.
Buffs warm to VNPA trivia night
Which national park did Skippy live in? What product was Tasmania's Coles Bay the first place to ban? Can you name one of Victoria's marine national parks?
If you know the answers, maybe you should have been at the VNPA's Trivia Night in June.
Housing threatens Brolga sanctuary
A wildlife sanctuary near Geelong that has captive-bred Brolgas and other endangered species for decades faces an uncertain future.
Serendip Sanctuary fears recent changes to local zoning laws could see up to 380 houses built on its doorstep, and result in hundreds of domestic cats and dogs threatening the sanctuary's wildlife.
Parks under threat
Many thanks to all who have supported our recent parks under threat appeal.
You can still contribute by filling in the coupon on page 7 or donating online.
Von Guérard winners pick Tower Hill
Thanks to all those who entered our June Park Watch competition, and congratulations to members D. Lee, M. Evans, L. Cranage and J. Peake, who won tickets to the outstanding Nature Revealed exhibition at NGV Fed Square (closes 7 August).
As most respondents stated, the park revegetated using a von Guérard painting as a guide was Tower Hill.
Whales celebrated
Almost 100 Australian communities celebrated National Whale Day this year.
Held on July 1 the day celebrates the unique relationship Australians have with whales and dolphins, and draws attention to the serious threats they continue to face.
Sawlogs secretly shipped to China
Thousands of tonnes of high-quality sawlogs from Victoria's bushfire-devastated forests are being secretly shipped to China, against state government policy, says The Wilderness Society.
It wants the State Government to order VicForests to stop supplying logs for export and has called for an immediate halt to 'so-called' bushfire salvage logging.
Landcare week
Landcare is encouraging people to care for their local environment by getting involved with local community groups. Landcare Week aims to help groups build capacity, raise awareness and attract volunteers.
Stan Douglas tribute
The VNPA pays tribute to the committed volunteer work of Stan Douglas, a key member of the Victorian Malleefowl Research Group and the Friends of Werribee Gorge, who died suddenly on 27 May. We extend sincere sympathy to his family and friends.
2011 wildflower shows
As we move away from the middle of winter it's time to get excited about spring's upcoming wilflower shows!
Bushwalking and activities
See our events page for walks, excursions, new leaders briefing, film night and corrections to the program.