-------Original Message------- From: [email protected] Date: 05/31/05 12:36:28 To: [email protected] Subject: [HC] Important notice to this interested in our High Countries History CIRCULAR TO ALL THOSE INTERESTED IN PUBLIC LAND ISSUES The Cattlemen would appreciate supporters coming down in their bush gear to support the rally. They have had very strong support from a cross section of public land user groups, please pass this message and press release on to every one interested in public lands issues. Regards Graeme Stoney The Hon Graeme Stoney MLC Member for Central Highlands Province Liberal Spokesperson for Forestry Upper House Opposition Whip Ph: 5775 1929 Fx: 5775 2923 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." ends Contacts: Media & interviews, including Tom Burlinson, call 0417 503 000 Chris Stoney (direct), 0417 503 528 Source: Cattlemen Headline: Media Release: Cattlemen * Email automatically generated for Profile "Alpine Grazing" **************************************************************************** ** This email is intended for the use of the addressee only. If you receive this email in error, please delete it immediately. This email may contain information which is confidential and/or legally privileged. You must not use or disclose the contents of this email, or add the sender's email address to any database, list or mailing list unless you are expressly authorised to do so. The statements or views expressed in this email are those of the individual sender and are not those of Australian Associated Press Pty Ltd (AAP). These statements are not binding on AAP, except where the sender expressly and with authority, states them to be. AAP is unable to review the contents of all the email on its system. To the extent permitted by law, AAP disclaims all liability for any loss or damage caused by the contents of this email. **************************************************************************** **