Is anyone aware of proposed changes to National Parks and State Parks on the
Murray River and some of it’s tributaries such as the
Goulburn, which will forever change the way we use the river and its surrounds for
recreation?
VEAC are currently seeking public submissions on a report on River Red Gum Forest preservation, and are proposing massive changes to current State Forests to create a new National
Park.
In the process they will make
camping and fishing much more restrictive than the current freedom that we enjoy.
Currently, many of us
camp as we have done for years at favourite sandbars. We fish and launch tinnies with our families, kids, friends and occasionally family pets.
Misleading or untruthful statements about economic benefits of
camping, fishing and hunting are key to some of their arguments. They assert that ” a recent study in South Australia puts the economic value of Duck Hunting at about $48.00 per trip with 95% confidence limits of about $30 and $120 these are consistent with the economic values estimated for other recreational pursuits such as Fishing.”
They estimate the number of duck hunters affected to be 3950, and the economic loss associated with lost game
reserves to be $82,000 – about $20 per duck hunter. Where on earth do they get their figures?
When was the last time any of us had a weekend away fishing,
camping or shooting that cost less than $120 in fuel, food, lures and gear often bought locally or on the way to the area? I wish I could
camp for cod opening and buy enough lures to replace the ones I leave on the snags for $48.
VEAC are misleading the public with details regarding availability of
camping, and assert that we will still be able to fish. They neglect to mention that the only place they will allow you to launch your tinny between Murchison & the Murray on the
Goulburn River will be the concrete ramp in Shepparton. 200km of river and one
boat ramp! They propose that they will close unmaintained tracks and ramps.
They are limiting vehicle access and closing other unmaintained tracks. Horses will be restricted to day time only and overnight
camping restricted to “selected” areas. Horses aren't my thing but they may be yours.
Your favourite cod opening or
water skiing sand bar is not likely to be on that list, and if it is you can fight all the others whose sandbars have been closed to campers for a spot.
You won’t be able to have a fire either… probably a good thing because with the numbers of us jostling for a spot there won’t be any room.
I love
camping on the Murray, I only have a couple of favourite spots and sitting next to the river by a fire is one of my favourite pastimes. I know many others who agree. This is all about to change if we don’t make submissions to VEAC, who have extended the deadline for submissions until the 8th of October.
I’m all for protecting Red Gum Forest. I’d like to see a few more drop loos too – though we always latrine responsibly away from the river – and many use portaloos. I’d even pay a voluntary levy like in the
Flinders Ranges or Mungo to
camp if I could see it being invested in drop loos and track maintenance.
But the level to which the bureaucrats are proposing to restrict usage will stuff
camping with my family in a way we have enjoyed for years for ever. Yours too.
Some other ridiculous stuff that VEAC propose:
• Flushing the
Goulburn Murray system with 4000 Gigalitres of
water every 5 years or so. Sounds good doesn’t it.
o Eildon holds 3300 Gigalitres of
water, Dartmouth holds 4000 Gigalitres of
water. Neither have had anywhere near half capacity for years.
o Are they seriously going to empty two reservoirs every five years (even if we could get them to fill) to flush the Murray?
• Complete bans on solid fuel fires & dogs for much of the Murray &
Goulburn (National Parks) for ALL of the year, with time restrictions on State Parks.
• Allowing Aboriginals to use firearms and campfires in National Parks to maintain traditional activities? What’s traditional about a rifle? Would you like to be camped next to someone who because of their culture can do things in their National
Park that you cannot in your National
Park?
• Aboriginal groups are proposed to receive a percentage of moneys raised from activities conducted in the area in question. Many of these activities include Fishing comps run by footy clubs, Lions Clubs etc. How is this possible? Community groups undertaking fundraising having their takings garnished is not reconciliation. It’s aggravation.
What can you do?
Make your opinions known to VEAC. Read the report summaries and type them a note. The details are at
http://www.veac.vic.gov.au/riverredgum.htm
Contact your lobby groups such as the Victoria Association of 4wd Clubs and prompt them to act on your behalf if you are a club member. Get in touch with local politicians.
Tell everyone in your fishing club, or
camping groups,
water ski clubs etc. to do the same.
We only have a few weeks. Half an hour to read a bit and type your opinion isn't much to secure your recreational future.
Dave