Federal Government kicks Baillieu’s cows out of Alpine National Park

Media Release
The Wilderness Society (Vic) Inc.
21 October 2011

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke has shown that Australia’s national parks need national protection by today stopping the return of cattle grazing to Victoria’s majestic Alpine National Park, the Wilderness Society said.

“Thankfully Minister Burke has stopped the Baillieu Government’s ill-considered decision to allow cattle to trample the fragile ecosystems of the Alpine National Park,” said Wilderness Society National Director Lyndon Schneiders. “Cattle and national parks do not mix and it is unfortunate that Federal intervention was required to make this clear to the Baillieu Government.

“Ted Baillieu’s highland folly highlights the need for national parks to fall under the control of the Federal Environment Minister, rather than left to the whim of governments such as Mr Bailleu’s.

“The Alpine National Park is an Australian icon and should be provided the highest level of protection. The Australian community expects national park protection to mean the place is protected, not a B-grade cattle yard. National parks are enjoyed by all Australians and should continue to remain that way for future generations and should never be threatened by vested interests.

“National parks need national protection, and this is a significant step in the right direction to protecting our national parks from the threats of mining, logging, clearing, grazing and other inappropriate activities.”

This historic and positive move by the Federal Environment Minister is in line with the previous state government's decision to remove cattle in 2005 after a five-decade-long campaign headed by the Victorian National Parks Association and supported by the Wilderness Society.

For further comment contact:
National Director Lyndon Schneiders: 0451 633 200
For further information contact:
Media Adviser Alex Tibbitts: 0416 420 168