ALPINE GRAZING

HISTORY:
Grazing of sheep and cattle once took place in many different parts of the Australian Alps
At lower elevations pastures (grasses) were also grazed but, in summer, when these areas became dry
and sparse, the high plains offered cooler temperatures and higher rainfall supporting lush native
grasses and herbs.
Records show that graziers were taking sheep and cattle into and across the mountains in the early
1820s
In the first half of the 1900s it was a common practice to burn to encourage new growth of grass
shoots which later became an important part of grazing in many parts of the high country.
Governments in Victoria and New South Wales introduced a system of annual licences, giving graziers
the right to graze an area of alpine pasture.
In the 1940s, withdrawals occurred in response to the degraded condition of some of the most
sensitive areas. As a result, grazing by sheep and horses and burning off was stopped.
In 1979, and again in 1983, the Council recommended that grazing continue over most of the
Victorian Alps but be withdrawn from particularly high, sensitive areas.
In 1989, Parliament passed legislation to establish the Alpine National Park and to exclude grazing from
particular areas within it but to allow it to continue in the remainder.
Fires in the Alpine National Park in 1998 and 2003 further fuelled the debate about the impact of
grazing. The fires had significant impact on the alpine environments exposing them to risk of erosion,
reduced water quality and weed invasion.
Sensitive areas such as alpine bogs were particularly susceptible to damage. As a result, grazing
restrictions were placed on a number of areas for two years.
In May 2005, the then Victorian Premier, Steve Bracks, announced that cattle grazing licences in the
Alpine National Park would not be renewed. However in 2010 cattle were returned to the park as part
of a project aimed at reducing fire risk on crown land.
In response to this project, in 2011 it was announced that the Victorian Government must refer any
plans to return cattle grazing to the Alpine National Park to the Federal Government.
It is the Federal Governments role to consider and approve for it is responsible for any action - such as
grazing. This is stated under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act (EPBC Act),
and an action such as this must be referred to Federal Environment Minister.
Cattle were removed from the Alpine National Park.
 ARGUMENTS AGAINST GRAZING IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

Interest group: Non Government Organisation (NGOs) - Victoria National Parks Association:
https://vnpa.org.au/
Overview:
Interactions with the environment: Conservation and restoration of the alpine environment so it
can be enjoyed for recreation
The Victorian National Parks Association has been at the forefront of nature conservation
campaigns for more than 65 years, with outstanding results.
Position/view on issue:
End cattle grazing
Causing massive environmental impact
Environmental impacts/concerns
Cattle are free ranging and selectively graze most tall herbs, grasses and shrubs. This changes the
natural make-up of plant communities
Cattle cause damage to fragile wetland and moss bed communities. Many wetlands in the Alps are
now degraded and eroded.
Cattle compact the soil and increase the chances of erosion.
The presence of, and disturbance by cattle can help to spread weeds.

Methods used to influence decision makers:

Direct Action:
Protest and rallies
https://themountainjournal.wordpress.com/2014/02/21/take-action-to-keep-cattle-out-of-the-
alpine-national-park/
Rally on the steps of parliament - Dressed up as cows http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-03-
22/cows-stage-protest-over-alpine-grazing/2647016

Use of media:
Advertisements and signs
https://themountainjournal.files.wordpress.com/2011/03/hp-box-grazing.jpg

News paper articles against grazing in the Alps + letter to the editors.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/anger-as-cattle-grazing-trial-is-approved-for-
victorias-alpine-national-park/news-story/075e24063ca5e07d401c6e4bc7d682b9

Gathering own evidence/scientific reports:

Use of expert scientist on the impacts of grazing in the ALPs
http://www.theage.com.au/news/National/Head-em-up-move-em-
out/2005/05/24/1116700712745.html
So called independent studies done on the effectiveness of grazing on reducing fire returns
negative results
http://theconversation.com/the-alpine-grazing-debate-was-never-about-science-40219
 ARMUMENTS FOR GRAZING IN THE HIGH COUNTRY

Interest group: The Mountain Cattleman Association of Victoria http://www.mcav.com.au/

Overview:
Interactions with environment- Grazing of the Vic High Plains during the warmer months for
grazing
Position/view on issue: Continue the practice of seasonal cattle grazing
The Mountain Cattlemens Association of Victoria (MCAV) represents a hardy group of people
whose families and predecessors have grazed their cattle and maintained the Victorian High
Country dating back to 1834.

Views:
Cattle grazing is an Australian tradition and has been occurring for many years
It reduces excess undergrowth thus decreasing the risks of fire

Methods:
Direct Action:
Protest on horse back through Melbourne CBD
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2005-06-09/mountain-cattlemen-garner-support-for-protest/1589156

Use of prominent people:

Radio interview famous actor from The Man from Snowy River - Tom Burlinson
http://www.abc.net.au/pm/content/2005/s1388795.htm

Lobbying of decision makers:

Continual meetings with Vic Government
http://www.abc.net.au/news/2011-03-22/cows-stage-protest-over-alpine-grazing/2647016

Use of media:
Signs and advertisement Alpine Grazing Reduces Blazing
http://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2014-12-10/alpine-grazing-trial-scrapped-by-new-labor-
government/5957002
News paper articles against grazing in the Alps + letter to the editors.
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/national-affairs/anger-as-cattle-grazing-trial-is-approved-for-victorias-
alpine-national-park/news-story/075e24063ca5e07d401c6e4bc7d682b9
Participating in news reports and A current affairs programs (using fire/scare tactics)
http://www.abc.net.au/7.30/content/2013/s3921363.htm
 Processes used resolve the conflict

Use of Legislation: Creation of laws.

Cattle were removed as the the Federal Government believed that the Victorian Government needed
approval for grazing as it is likely to have a significant negative impact on a matter of national
environmental significance. This is stated under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation
Act (EPBC Act).

Formation of a consultative group

In May 2004 the Victorian Minister for Environment established the Alpine Grazing Task force to
investigate the impacts of cattle grazing and examine options for the future of cattle grazing in the Alpine
National Park. The Taskforce undertook extensive consultation, heard many expert presentations and
visited numerous sites within the Park.