Dear all,
For your interest (not strictly birds but relevant to the discussion about the
mining threat to the Black-throated Finch). Here is the Press Release from
Tony Burke (via Vic National Parks Assn and Samantha Vine at Birds Australia).
The Hon. Tony Burke MP
Minister for Sustainability, Environment, Water, Population and Communities
Friday 21 October, 2011
PROTECTION FOR AUSTRALIAN ALPS FROM CATTLE GRAZING
A new regulation under national environmental law will stop the Baillieu
Government from reintroducing cattle to the Alpine National Park in Victoria
without proper assessment of the potential for environmental damage.
Environment Minister Tony Burke today announced that the Gillard Government had
introduced a new regulation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity
Conservation (EPBC) Act 1999 to protect the Australian Alps National Parks and
Reserves.
It specifies that grazing of domestic stock including cattle would have a
significant on the heritage values of the Australian Alps Heritage Area and
that any future new grazing activities proposed in the Australian Alps Heritage
Area, including the Alpine National Park, will need to be assessed under the
EPBC Act.
It means the Gillard Government now has clear power to stop the Baillieu
Government introducing cattle into the national heritage listed Alpine National
Park without proper scrutiny.
"The Baillieu Government was wrong to reintroduce cattle to the Alpine National
Park and has set a dangerous precedent for the management of national parks
across Australia," Mr Burke said.
"The reintroduction of cattle to the Alpine National Park is the first time in
generations anyone has tried to take backward steps in a National Park and I am
opposed to it.
"The Baillieu Government has been deliberately downgrading protection in a
national park.
"This gives them the opportunity to put a silly policy on the shelf as a
reminder of what not to do.
"This whole debacle has been another reminder that when the Liberals win the
environment loses."
The Alpine National Park is part of the Australian Alps National Parks and
Reserves which are listed on the National Heritage list partly because of their
rare alpine and sub-alpine ecosystems.
Mr Burke said he was also continuing to consult with state and territory
governments on a proposed new regulation which would give extra protection to
National Parks across Australia.
The Government is considering state and territory comments on the proposed
regulation for additional protection and there will be some further
consultation.
Contact: Jessica Harris 0409 188 743
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