Mountain Cattlemen’s “Enough’s Enough” Rally
We have been asked to support the Mountain Cattlemen in public demonstration on the 9th of July, 12noon at
the steps of
Parliament House Melbourne! Would you please distribute this email to your club members and seek their support for the Mountain Cattlemen.
Mountain Cattlemen have been active supporters of Four Wheel Drive interests, and your Association encourages your support!
Please see the attached Press Release.
Kind regards
Michael Coldham
President, Four Wheel Drive Victoria
PO Box 596
Balwyn North 3104
tel: 03 9857 5209
fax: 03 9857 5260
email: Brian.Cox@fwdvictoria.org.au
Website: www.fwdvictoria.org.au
Media Release: Cattlemen
31 May 2005
ENOUGH'S ENOUGH THE COUNTRY VOICE RALLY
CATTLEMEN TO RALLY AGAINST GOVERNMENT BETRAYAL
The Mountain Cattlemen, with the support of a number of associated country groups, will hold a rally on Thursday June 9 at noon on
the steps of
Parliament House in
Melbourne, to put forward a
united country voice against the end of alpine grazing. The horses will be departing the Olympic Park precinct at 11am, and will be met by a guard of honour at
Parliament House at 11.30am.
Last week, the State Government announced its decision to remove cattlemen from the Alpine National Park, effectively erasing 170 years of history. This is despite earlier promises that cattle grazing would remain a legitimate activity in the national park.
"This is nothing short of a kick in the guts," according to Chris Stoney, a third-generation cattleman and spokesman for Country Voice, the group representing the cattlemen.
"For two years, we have cooperated with the Government only to find that it had planned to do us over all along. It is a decision driven purely by ideology and a hunger for Green preferences at the next state election, and has nothing to do with sound and sustainable land management," Mr Stoney said.
"The compensation package promised by the Government is insulting to affected families, most of whom will receive less than half the speculated $100,000 the government would have us believe.
"After the decision was announced, the Government has undertaken a costly PR and advertising campaign to justify its actions, including hollow promises that cattlemen can move to forest leases, when that is simply not the case. The so-called 10,000 cattle to be retained in state forests is a practical nonsense for most families, as the areas are directly adjacent to National Parks with only an invisible border between the two.
"This deception reflects the Government's dismissive and arrogant attitude towards country Victorians," Mr. Stoney said.
Hundreds will arrive in
Melbourne on horseback to attend the rally, which will be addressed by political leaders and a host of celebrity supporters. The star of "The Man From Snowy River", Tom Burlinson, who is unable to attend the rally due to work commitments, has lent his support to the Country Voice campaign.
"The bush belongs to all Australians, and the High Country holds a special place in the hearts of people across the country and around the world," Mr Burlinson said.
Country Voice has invited Victorians to march with them in expressing their opposition to a decision that seriously undermines Victoria's proud rural
heritage.
"This should be a warning for all country Victorians that this Government does not have their interests at heart. We fear this is only the thin end of the wedge," Mr Stoney said.
"One by one, it is picking us off. The only way to tell this Government to pull its head in is to vote with our feet.
United, we can stop it."
Graeme Stoney
The Hon Graeme Stoney MLC
Member for Central Highlands Province
Liberal Spokesperson for Forestry
Upper House Opposition Whip