Thread: MOUNTAINMEN RALLY IN MELBOURNE

This arrived thru my email today from the VHCHA
"Victorian High Country Huts Assoc"


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


Anyone else want to come along?
I might bump into some hairy legged tree huggers!! [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]
Damm why did I wash the RR after the Yarra Forest run, it would of blended in well

Regards
Gavin

lets go [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]


i'll put the wheels on as well [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/laugh.gif[/img]

drive across the stairs 8O 8O