Thursday, November 20, 2008

Saving The Red Gums along The Murray

Along the Murray and its tributaries are the world’s largest stands of river red gum. This merging of forests and wetlands is one of the most unique and highly threatened landscapes in Australia.

The independent Victorian Environment Assessment Council was asked by the Victorian government 3 years ago to make recommendations on how to protect the remaining river red gum ecosystems along the Murray.

VEAC has now recommended over 100,000 hectares of New National Parks, improved environmental water flows and the historic first for Victoria of Indigenous Co-management for places like Barmah Forest.
The recommendations also include and end to cattle grazing on public land, reduction of logging by 70% and a reduction in areas available for duck-hunting.
Locals and tourists alike will still be able to camp, fish, four wheel drive etc. Campfires will also be allowed – except during high fire danger period.
Premier Brumby has only a few months left to officially respond to the recommendations – we’re expecting he will do so before Christmas.

Click here to listen to the interview with Jess Abraham, Victorian Community Campaigner for the Wilderness Society.

After listening to the interview, please contact Victorian Premier Brumby:
By mail:
Office of the Premier
1 Treasury Place
Melbourne
Australia 3000

By telephone and fax:
Ph (61 3) 9651 5000
Fax (61 3) 9651 5054

Please note to receive a formal response all queries need to be made in writing.

By email:
premier@dpc.vic.gov.au

For more information, visit http://www.saveredgums.org/

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