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Rivers & Red Gum Environment Alliance Alternate Plan Launched
Recently (25 July 2008), the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) released its final recommendations report for the River Red Gum Forests Investigation.
We must stress that these are still only recommendations and have not been accepted by the Brumby government at this time. The government must respond within 6 months and will consult with community and major stakeholders before making their final decision. The government has the final say as to whether they will accept, reject or modify VEAC’s recommendations.
Last Thursday, the Rivers & Red Gum Environment Alliance (RRGEA), a coalition of groups including Field & Game Australia Inc. (FGA) representing 107,000 people, launched their alternative management plan ‘Conservation and Community Plan’ at Parliament House in Melbourne.
Dr Jennifer Marohasy, a director of the Australian Environment Foundation, launched the 122 page Plan. Dr Marohasy said “The Conservation and Community Plan is a well researched and referenced document that provides a credible alternative for government to consider; particularly as it provides a strong focus on bio-diversity conservation and community well being.” To view Dr Marohasy’s presentation Click here...
Members of the alliance, including FGA Chief Executive Officer Rod Drew, also gave a presentation of their alternate recommendations to Country Labor members of parliament.
VEAC Final Recommendations
VEAC’s final report displays a strong anti duck hunting bias and this is reflected in the recommendations that could see hunting banned on a number of state game reserves, forest wetlands and 1500 km of river and creek frontage.
VEAC have ignored the fact that hunters have undertaken voluntary conservation works for decades and their licence fees contributed to the purchase of many wetlands in the investigation area.
RRGEA 'Conservation and Community Plan' Recommendations
On the 18th October 2007, 25 organisations including FGA came together and formed the Rivers & Red Gum Environment Alliance.
The Alliance was established as a result of community concerns about the integrity of the River Red Gum Forests Investigation undertaken by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC).
The ‘Conservation and Community Plan’ was developed after extensive consultation with hunting organizations, graziers, forest users, indigenous peoples, local government and other community groups. The Plan, prepared by expert forestry consultants with input from red gum ecologists, was reviewed by qualified biologists.
To view the executive summary of the RRGEA recommendations Click here…
A full copy of the plan is available for download at the bottom of the page.
To view a comparison report of the VEAC River Red Gum Investigation Final Report and the Rivers and Red Gum Environment Alliance Conservation & Community Plan Click here...
WHAT FGA IS DOING…
FGA along with many Victorians are extremely disappointed with VEAC’s recommendations which have only changed marginally from their draft proposals paper released in 2007. The many thousands of people represented by the RRGEA feel let down because VEAC didnt listen during the consultation process. FGA and the alliance will be lobbying government ministers, advisors and parliamentary members during the coming months to have the VEAC recommendations thrown out and the RRGEA plan adopted.
WE NEED YOUR HELP...
We would like to thank everyone who has assisted the Alliance and FGA with donations and support to date. The battle to save our hunting, camping and traditions in the bush is just beginning and we need your help again.
We urge all Victorian members to visit their local State MP and/or write to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Gavin Jennings and Premier John Brumby. Tell them how the VEAC recommendations, if implimented, will effect you and your families lifestyle and heritage and speak from your heart.
Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Innovation
Mr Gavin Jennings
PO Box 500
East Melbourne Vic 3002
Premier of Victoria
Hon. John Brumby
Level 1, 1 Treasury Place
East Melbourne Vic 3002 | 
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