Alpine Cattle Inquiry Welcome
The Victorian National Parks Association is welcoming the announcement by the Environment Minister, John Thwaites, of a taskforce on cattle grazing in Victorias Alpine National Park is very welcome.
Spokesman Phil Ingamells says Over 60 years of scientific studies have shown that cows are damaging waterways and ancient peat beds, spreading weeds and threatening the survival of a many rare plants and animals.
Throughout Victoria farmers routinely fence off creeks and streams, yet cattle are free to trample them in Victorias Alpine National Park.
The alps have suffered through 150 years of cattle grazing, many years of drought and one of the worst fires in memory. It is time to give the alpine environment a fair go.
The mountain cattlemen may care for the High Country, but their cows dont science proves that and its costing taxpayers a bomb to manage the damage caused.
We must find ways to honour the cultural heritage of the alps without further damaging the unique natural heritage of an area that has National and possibly World Heritage significance.
Its time for the cows to go home, says Mr Ingamells.
Victorian National Parks Association
(03) 9341 6504
Mob: 0418 357 813