The Mountain Cattlemen and supporters were very disappointed to learn on rural radio today that the Trial in Wonnangatta Valley has been cancelled. They say the way it was announced by the Minister was disrespectful.
President of the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria Charlie Lovick said that the MCAV wrote to the Minister Lisa Neville on the day she was appointed.
“We asked her to not make a hasty decision because the trials are vastly different from normal Alpine Grazing under rangeland conditions” he said.
“To learn of her decision on radio was very disrespectful” he said.
“We told the Minister many benefits have emerged from last year’s trial including belated scientific interest and observation of the Pale Golden Moth orchid which should have been investigated years ago.
“Other benefits include: opening up impassable hiking and riding tracks into the valley which have had the first maintenance for years, two planned burns have been carried by the Department and two very rough four wheel drive tracks leading to the valley have been tidied up.
“In just one year the valley is short, green and looks magnificent. With the trials not going ahead in a very short time it will revert to its previous condition as a weed and feral infested jungle and fire trap.
“The issue of Alpine Grazing is totally political and any rational discussion about grazing assisting with good land management has gone out the window.
“The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) continues to make fabricated claims about the Wonnangatta Trial which demonstrates its knowledge of the Victorian High Country is very limited and skewed by philosophy.”
“The MCAV, the GunaiKurnai Corporation and the Government previously signed an agreement to work on joint management plans for Wonnangatta. Included in the concept was to be the involvement of the young people from both groups. It is difficult to see how that can now proceed. This is a huge opportunity lost for two experienced groups with intergenerational knowledge working together for the betterment of the land.” Mr Lovick concluded.
The Cattlemen and many supporters will discuss the issue at the annual Get Together to be held at Mitta Mitta in January 2015.
More info Charlie Lovick President MCAV 0429 775 570