March 21, 2011
Almost 1000 people have signed a petition opposing a move by the Greens to remove cattle from the Alpine National Park.
The petition launched by the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria (MCAV) is set to be tabled in Federal Parliament this week by The Nationals Member for Gippsland Darren Chester.
Mr Chester said he would strongly argue the case for cattle to remain in the Alpine National Park during this week’s Parliamentary sitting.
“The quick response to the petition which was launched less than two weeks ago demonstrates the strong support for cattle grazing in the high country,” Mr Chester said.
“At the state election the Coalition received a clear mandate from voters to return cattle to the high country as part of a bushfire fuel reduction measure and the trial has been conducted in a responsible manner.
“By supporting the Greens, the Gillard Labor Government is disregarding mountain cattlemen who are the real practical environmentalists, successfully managing the land for over 160 years.”
Member for Gippsland East Tim Bull said rather than stopping the trial the Federal Government should be assisting in exploring all options for bushfire mitigation to protect rural and regional communities.
“The current trial is investigating cattle grazing as a means of reducing fuel to help control the severity of future bushfires,” Mr Bull said.
“Governments have a responsibility to explore bushfire control measures so that informed decisions are made in regards to managing public land and reducing the risk of bushfires to communities.”
Anyone wanting to show their support for the mountain cattlemen can still download the petition via Mr Chester’s website or sign in person at the offices of:
Darren Chester – 36 Macarthur Street, Sale.
Tim Bull – Main Street, Bairnsdale.
Peter Ryan – 54B Cunninghame Street, Sale.
Peter Hall – 181 Franklin Street, Traralgon.
Russell Northe – 66 George Street, Morwell.