VEAC Closing Access to the Murray

"The way of life for country Victorians is again under siege, with a river red gum draft report released drawing sharp criticism from Nationals Environment spokesman, Peter Walsh.

Mr Walsh said the release of the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) River Red Gum Forests draft report was another blow to country Victorians and their lifestyle, while passing the benefits to Melbourne."

The report states:

'The benefits of the proposed recommendations would accrue mostly to people outside the investigation area, especially in Melbourne, while the costs would be largely borne within the investigation area particularly in areas near where public land timber harvesting and grazing are focused: the towns of Cohuna, Koondrook, Nathalia and Picola are likely to be most sensitive to these effects.'ul>

The draft report recommends the creation of an enormous area of national parks which will lead to the banning of cattle grazing o­n public land; massive cuts to the red gum timber industry; strict limitations o­n recreational shooting and camping; and control of public land being handed to a majority Aboriginal Board of Management.

As usual most people will not be able to deal with the 60 page draft report but you can get your copy from http://www.veac.vic.gov.au/riverredgumdraft.htm

The executive summary states as follows:

"Recreation and tourism
The sustainable promotion and maintenance of recreation and tourism is an important factor for the River Red Gum Forests Investigation area. VEAC is proposing an increased diversity of camping experiences with more regulated camping in some areas to ensure the sustainability of this immensely popular activity. In addition a ban is proposed o­n solid fuel fires and firewood collection o­n all public land during the high fire danger period and all year in national parks and nature conservation reserves. The development of a River Murray Strategy will provide a long-term framework for sustainable recreation, tourism, commerce and similar uses along the length of the River Murray in Victoria."

Submissions o­n the Draft Proposals Paper
Specific proposals are made in this Draft Proposals Paper for public land across the River Red Gum Forests Investigation area, and all stakeholders are encouraged to make submissions to VEAC during the public comment period. These submissions are a key part of the consultation process and will be considered in detail when VEAC is developing its Final Report for submission to the Minister for Water, Environment and Climate Change. The closing date for written submissions is Friday, 21 September 2007.

All four wheel drive clubs across the state and country are urged to make submissions to VEAC and to express their views to the Minister for the Environment. This report flies in the face of the Government Policy as it relates to four wheel driving and it is important to our and others recreation.

You can download your submission form, 2 pages, from the Association web site www.fwdvictoria.org.au/VEACSubmissionForm.pdf

RURAL RESPONSE TEAM
The status of activities

The Rural Response team has been again coordinating work as a result of the east Gippsland floods. Many readers will be aware of the flood effect to Licola, Lakes Entrance, Newry and Hayfield area's.

Last weekend Land Rover Owners Club under Clive Blakely leadership worked at Raymond Island assisting at 15 flooded houses. They achieved a "sensational result" according to Wellington Recovery Centre staff. The Centre spokesman further said that "the word has spread" regarding their efforts.

Last weekend the Nissan 4WD Club under John Tomlinson worked at Newry and assisted with clean up, undertook temporary fence repairs etc and as a result of their efforts the Wellington Recovery Centre has asked other 4WD Clubs to assist in the Newry area in the coming weeks.

The Pajero Club is planning to send a work party to Newry o­n weekend of 28/29 July 2007. The Wellington Recovery centre will be giving them a suggested work plan in next week. Part of the plan will be to assist the less able members of that community. The Pajero Club invites members of other 4WD Clubs to join them at Newry. Contact Alison McLaughlin or Doug Hammerton o­n 0409 381 699

The South Gippsland Club led by Gary Edwards is in close contact with Rob Gilder at Licola. Road access to Licola is still closed to all vehicles due to the destruction of the road and bridges. Re-opening will be some weeks off. As soon as access is available for 4WDs, Rob Gilder wants the 4WD Clubs to go to and assist that area. The South Gippsland Club is likely to be the first club into Licola, and is likely to be followed by the Pajero and Suzuki Clubs. Other Clubs are invited to assist when access is available.

There was a terrific commentary o­n ABC Landline last weekend and readers are asked to contact their club to get some leadership to assist this program or call Doug or Alison o­n the numbers above or email Doug o­n dhammerton@optusnet.com.au for further information. Four Wheel Drive Members again actively involved in the environment and the local rural communities.