Coalition divided on grazing policy


THE first fault lines have emerged within Victoria's new Coalition government, with Liberal and National Party MPs publicly at odds over environmental policy.

Barely two weeks since winning office, the government is divided over aspects of the plan to return cattle grazing to Victorian national parks.

The Coalition has promised to overturn Labor's ban on cattle grazing in alpine national parks in the belief that strategic grazing can reduce bushfire risk by reducing fuel loads.

But the Liberals and Nationals are at odds over whether cattle should be allowed back into the prized red gum forests on the banks of the Murray River at Barmah and Gunbower.

Cattle were banned from Barmah and Gunbower when the internationally recognised forests were declared national parks last year, but National Party MP Paul Weller said the new Coalition government would allow cattle back into the areas.

''That's right, it probably won't be this year because it will be too wet for too long … it will probably be toward the end of 2011,'' he said.

''The reason we put them in is for the management of the fuel loads for fire and the cattlemen actually care for the bush greater than anyone else.''

Mr Weller's electorate of Rodney contains both Barmah and Gunbower, and when asked if the Liberal ranks of the Coalition agreed with the plan to put cattle back into those forests, Mr Weller said: ''Yep, it's Coalition policy''.

''We are in Coalition and the Coalition opposed making the parks into national parks.''

But the Coalition's new Environment and Climate Change Minister, Liberal MP Ryan Smith, had a different view.

''There are no plans to reintroduce cattle grazing to Barmah and Gunbower forests,'' he said. ''We have a policy to reinstate high-country cattle grazing to reduce fire risk, which we are committed to and any decision we make will take into account any potential environmental impact.''

Opposition scrutiny of government spokesman Martin Pakula attacked the Coalition's divided stance.

''The cracks that the Coalition could hide in opposition can't be hidden in government. Decisions have to be made,'' he said. ''Has the Environment Minister been left out of the loop? Or will the National Party once again roll over to have its tummy scratched by its Liberal Party master?''

The cattle grazing policy is threatening to spark more than internal struggles for new Premier Ted Baillieu, with the federal government indicating last week that national heritage laws would give them the final say over any plan to return cattle to the Victorian alps.

http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/coalition-divided-on-grazing-policy-20101212-18u0t.html

Well it's good that they're going to allow high country cattle grazing again....

It was a stupid idea to ban it in the first place.

Hopefully the NSW Coaltion Government will lift the ban on horse-riding in Bago State Forest when they get in next March..

"horse-riding in Bago State Forest"

I don't know about State Forests, but I hate the people that bring their horses into National Parks, and thence onto my land, illegally and against the posted signage.

Please delete wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 1:38pm:

"horse-riding in Bago State Forest" I don't know about State Forests, but I hate the people that bring their horses into National Parks, and thence onto my land, illegally and against the posted signage.

Don't you have fences Ernie?

Please delete wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 1:38pm:

"horse-riding in Bago State Forest" I don't know about State Forests, but I hate the people that bring their horses into National Parks, and thence onto my land, illegally and against the posted signage.

Why don`t you & the Dept of Sparks & Wild Fires do something about the feral animals and noxious plants you are breeding in our National Parks?

What feral animals and noxious weeds? None in my area.

And horses SPREAD weeds.

"Don't you have fences Ernie?"

The park does, but my land doesn't.

There are signs on the track into the park, and I have posted signs, but apparently horse people and motor cyclists can't read.

Please delete wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 1:52pm:

What feral animals and noxious weeds? None in my area. And horses SPREAD weeds.

Wild horses spread weeds....I doubt a grain or hay feed horse does much more to spread weeds than cattle or sheep do...

Please delete wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 1:53pm:

"Don't you have fences Ernie?" The park does, but my land doesn't. There are signs on the track into the park, and I have posted signs, but apparently horse people and motor cyclists can't read.

Copper wire about 5ft high strung across track should overcome any literacy problems  ;)

The Coalition has ALWAYS had a divide between climate change realists and climate change deniers

It was never more evident than seen in the VERY narrow victory by Tony Abbott over Malcolm Turnbill in the leadership ballot

buzzanddidj wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 1:56pm:

The Coalition has ALWAYS had a divide between climate change realists and climate change deniers It was never more evident than seen in the VERY narrow victory by Tony Abbott over Malcolm Turnbill in the leadership ballot

Shouldn't that be "The Coalition has ALWAYS had a divide between climate change realists and climate change alarmists"???

buzzanddidj wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 1:56pm:

The Coalition has ALWAYS had a divide between climate change realists and climate change deniers It was never more evident than seen in the VERY narrow victory by Tony Abbott over Malcolm Turnbill in the leadership ballot

So we think idependently   Unlike the sheep in the LABOR PARTY

;D

gizmo_2655 wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 1:54pm:

Please delete wrote on Dec 13th, 2010 at 1:52pm: What feral animals and noxious weeds? None in my area. And horses SPREAD weeds. Wild horses spread weeds....I doubt a grain or hay feed horse does much more to spread weeds than cattle or sheep do...

And birds and native herbivores don't ?????

Whilst not a member of the Liberal Party and without political bias myself, I have voted for them in the past.

I think most people feel like I do on the subject.

There is a possibility human involvement has caused some climate change, as well as the fact that natural phenomenon is assisting it.

However a carbon tax will do nothing to change it.

Australia contributes next to nothing. People won't change the way they live just because of a carbon tax.
Therefore that is not the answer.

The answer is to stop the real danger countries like the People's Republic of China.

China didn't use to be as big a problem as they are now. It is this recent development which is causing problems.

We are lucky that Africa remains dirt poor.

Quote:

Well it's good that they're going to allow high country cattle grazing again....

"they're" .... as in Baillieu ?

Baillieu has been told, in no uncertain terms, that the beef industry ban  from the Alpine National Park is maintained under FEDERAL legislation
It is out of his jurisdiction




GRAZING in Victoria's Alpine National Park could put the federal and Victorian governments at loggerheads.

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has warned the Victorian Government he will have the final say on the re-introduction of cattle to the park.

Victoria's new Coalition Government has promised cattlemen they will regain access to the park, after being locked out by the former Labor Government in 2005.

Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria spokesman Chris Commins said members were itching to go back into the park.

"We'd be ready at a moment's notice," Mr Commins said. "We're waiting on the State Government."

But Victorian National Parks Association spokesman Phil Ingamells said the State Government was required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to gain Federal Government approval before allowing cattle back in.

The EPBC Act prohibits activities "with a significant impact on a National Heritage Place".

The Victorian Alpine National Park is one of eleven national parks and nature reserves registered on the National Heritage List in 2008.

Mr Burke said the Federal Government was committed to protecting and properly managing places on the National Heritage List.

"Any activity likely to have a significant impact on a place protected under national environment law, such as a National Heritage place, must be submitted to the Federal Environment Department to see whether federal assessment is needed," Mr Burke said

http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2010/12/08/269861_latest-news.html

buzzanddidj wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 2:11pm:

Quote: Well it's good that they're going to allow high country cattle grazing again.... "they're" .... as in Baillieu ? Baillieu has been told, in no uncertain terms, that the beef industry ban  from the Alpine National Park is maintained under FEDERAL legislation It is out of his jurisdiction GRAZING in Victoria's Alpine National Park could put the federal and Victorian governments at loggerheads. Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has warned the Victorian Government he will have the final say on the re-introduction of cattle to the park. Victoria's new Coalition Government has promised cattlemen they will regain access to the park, after being locked out by the former Labor Government in 2005. Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria spokesman Chris Commins said members were itching to go back into the park. "We'd be ready at a moment's notice," Mr Commins said. "We're waiting on the State Government." But Victorian National Parks Association spokesman Phil Ingamells said the State Government was required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to gain Federal Government approval before allowing cattle back in. The EPBC Act prohibits activities "with a significant impact on a National Heritage Place". The Victorian Alpine National Park is one of eleven national parks and nature reserves registered on the National Heritage List in 2008. Mr Burke said the Federal Government was committed to protecting and properly managing places on the National Heritage List. "Any activity likely to have a significant impact on a place protected under national environment law, such as a National Heritage place, must be submitted to the Federal Environment Department to see whether federal assessment is needed," Mr Burke said http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2010/12/08/269861_latest-news.html

Well no problem then, the Vic govs request should pass with no worries, since cattle grazing has a positive, not negative, impact on the environment...

"Wild horses spread weeds....I doubt a grain or hay feed horse does much more to spread weeds than cattle or sheep do... "

By my understanding, 180 degrees wrong.

Wild horses eat wild grasses and defecate wild grass seeds. Domesticated horses eat feed in a barn situation, and then travel 20 kms into a park and crap out the seeds. If you want alfalfa in your national parks, domesticated horses will do it for you.

Herbivores eat and crap where they are standing - unless you are going to move them 20 kms in a day, they aren't the problem.

But my point is about people who can't obey the rules, and ride onto other peoples land, even though they're told (by sign) not to.

Drop rubbish, string rope between trees so they can tie the horses up and so on and so on.

gizmo_2655 wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 2:15pm:

buzzanddidj wrote on Dec 13th, 2010 at 2:11pm: Quote: Well it's good that they're going to allow high country cattle grazing again.... "they're" .... as in Baillieu ? Baillieu has been told, in no uncertain terms, that the beef industry ban  from the Alpine National Park is maintained under FEDERAL legislation It is out of his jurisdiction GRAZING in Victoria's Alpine National Park could put the federal and Victorian governments at loggerheads. Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has warned the Victorian Government he will have the final say on the re-introduction of cattle to the park. Victoria's new Coalition Government has promised cattlemen they will regain access to the park, after being locked out by the former Labor Government in 2005. Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria spokesman Chris Commins said members were itching to go back into the park. "We'd be ready at a moment's notice," Mr Commins said. "We're waiting on the State Government." But Victorian National Parks Association spokesman Phil Ingamells said the State Government was required under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act to gain Federal Government approval before allowing cattle back in. The EPBC Act prohibits activities "with a significant impact on a National Heritage Place". The Victorian Alpine National Park is one of eleven national parks and nature reserves registered on the National Heritage List in 2008. Mr Burke said the Federal Government was committed to protecting and properly managing places on the National Heritage List. "Any activity likely to have a significant impact on a place protected under national environment law, such as a National Heritage place, must be submitted to the Federal Environment Department to see whether federal assessment is needed," Mr Burke said http://www.weeklytimesnow.com.au/article/2010/12/08/269861_latest-news.html Well no problem then, the Vic govs request should pass with no worries, since cattle grazing has a positive, not negative, impact on the environment...

Cattle are NON-native CLOVEN footed animals
Unlike Australia's PADDED footed INDIGENOUS fauna - they do ENORMOUS damage to native grasses

And the "fire prevention" ?

When they can develope a species of cattle that eats dry bark, leaves and fallen branches - as opposed to lush green grass - they might have a point

This policy is about winning seats back in the country - that have been lost to Labor

Please delete wrote on Dec 13^th, 2010 at 1:52pm:

What feral animals and noxious weeds? None in my area. And horses SPREAD weeds.

National Parks are notorious breeding grounds for wild pigs, feral cats, foxes, and noxious weeds.  Private property owners are held responsible for noxious weed control, but National Parks do stuff all.

What absolute lunacy to allow cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park.

Grazing does NOTHING to stop bushfires since the grazing is done above the tree line.

What grazing does do is damage the high country. If any of you have visited it before the cattle ban you would have seen streams trampled into a quagmire by cattle hooves and large amounts of cow dung soaking in the water. Not to mention rare Australian Alpine flora being destroyed.

Less than 1% of Australia is classified as Alpine. Surely we should be protecting it from the damage caused by cattle.

The_Barnacle wrote on Dec 14^th, 2010 at 9:17pm:

Grazing does NOTHING to stop bushfires since the grazing is done above the tree line.

How do the cattle get above the tree line to graze?

The_Barnacle wrote on Dec 14^th, 2010 at 9:17pm:

What absolute lunacy to allow cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park. Grazing does NOTHING to stop bushfires since the grazing is done above the tree line. What grazing does do is damage the high country. If any of you have visited it before the cattle ban you would have seen streams trampled into a quagmire by cattle hooves and large amounts of cow dung soaking in the water. Not to mention rare Australian Alpine flora being destroyed. Less than 1% of Australia is classified as Alpine. Surely we should be protecting it from the damage caused by cattle.

Do cows eat the shoots of seedling native plants ... so stunting regrowth, similar to rabbits?

Miss Anne Dryst wrote on Dec 15^th, 2010 at 4:02am:

The_Barnacle wrote on Dec 14th, 2010 at 9:17pm: Grazing does NOTHING to stop bushfires since the grazing is done above the tree line. How do the cattle get above the tree line to graze?

The ALTITUDE tree-line, you NONG

buzzanddidj wrote on Dec 15^th, 2010 at 10:45am:

Miss Anne Dryst wrote on Dec 15th, 2010 at 4:02am: The_Barnacle wrote on Dec 14th, 2010 at 9:17pm: Grazing does NOTHING to stop bushfires since the grazing is done above the tree line. How do the cattle get above the tree line to graze? The ALTITUDE tree-line, you NONG

LMAO, that is too funny.
Buzz, I fear that your answer is still too complicated for Anne/Mellie.

The "tree line" is the altitude on a mountain at which trees no longer grow. In Victoria it is above about 1800m. Above this level only native grasses and shrubs grow. This is where the cattle used to be taken for their summer grazing.