Check out the latest environment news feed from the Keep It Wild Australia Community Group. Join us to share your stories using #keepitwildaust. Whether it’s a financial contribution to a wilderness organisation, signing a petition, taking personal action or sharing messages with friends and family, your time, actions and generosity will make a difference.
Just sharing this to try and help stop spread of disease into the Lerderderg through large scale construction project near the gorge.I hike a lot so are well aware of Cinnamon Fungus and its impact on our environment. Cinnamon Fungus is listed in the top 100 of the world’s most invasive species and is Victoria’s most significant plant pathogen. ![]()
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The invasive Cinnamon Fungus has been recorded at a number of sites within the Lerderderg State Park. The fungus seriously affects native vegetation and causes the death of susceptible species. There is no known cure.![]()
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The spread of disease is accelerated though the transport of infected soil and gravel by road-making machinery and other vehicles. (building transmission towers, access roads, easements, and work sites).![]()
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Sign the petition 'Impact on Significant Habitat' to say NO to the Towers and save our forests from the spread of this disease.![]()
www.darleypowerfight.com.au/templates-and-petitions/![]()
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#darleypowerfight #burythecables #stopausnetstowers #greenandunseen
**Hi All, this one is a bit of a personal one for me. **![]()
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A foreign owned company, AusNet, have a proposal to build 85m high voltage transmission lines right in front of the Lerderderg Gorge in Victoria's West. ![]()
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As poor fortune would have it, this is right in my view. I have superimposed the towers.![]()
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The entire community is really upset about the impact this will have on visitors to the gorge and the surrounding areas.![]()
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Can I ask you all do do me a huge favour and sign the petition? Totally understand if you don't want to but it will really help in forcing AusNet to select an alternate corridor. ![]()
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You can sign the petition here. It's the Tourism – Lerderderg Gorge one.![]()
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www.darleypowerfight.com.au/templates-and-petitions/
Bugger me. These politicians need to get out from behind their desks and realise what they are destroying.The Greens moved to condemn the privatisation of chunks of Tasmania's National Parks and World Heritage Area, but we were blocked by Labor, the Liberals and Jacqui Lambie. Our wilderness belongs to all of us and must not be privatised!
Sharing this as the mag will have part 2 of the luxury lodges = wilderness lost article. Will be an interesting read.Hi Wild Community.![]()
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I’m just coming up for air for a few minutes before I dive back in to finish off Wild #179, Autumn 2020. It’s our 40th birthday year, and while Issue #180 is our actual b’day, this is an awesome issue to kick the year off. It’s just a few days from heading to the printers, and I’ve had a long string of 3AM finishes getting to this point, most of which have lately been spent working away on our second instalment of ‘Luxury Lodges = Wilderness Lost’. Privatisation is arguably the key threat facing our national parks; largely the issue has manifested in proliferating lodge developments around the country. It’s an important story, one I urge you to read.![]()
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The rest of the issue is amazing, too, with pics and writing to blow you away. Lachlan Gardiner heads into Nepal’s wildest reaches for a month with mountaineering legend Tim Macartney-Snape. Megan Holbeck catches up with Australia’s Lucy Barnard, who is literally walking to the ends of the earth. Huw Kingston paddles Australia’s highest and lowest rivers, the Snowy and the Warburton. Our photo essay for the issue is stunning, as Tasmanian photographer Steve Pearce shares the results of his quest to document giant trees. Equally stunning is Craig Pearce’s lyrical writing as he searches for insight in far western NSW’s Mutawintji NP. And speaking of searching, resident #adventurecouple Ryan Hansen and Martine Fogg search for ways to tie the knot, and end up in NZ’s Arthur Range.![]()
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Throw in our Track Notes explaining how to do the Three Capes for virtually nothing, plus a string of opinion and conservation pieces (including, as part of our 40th year celebrations, the rebirth of Wild’s long running Green Pages), and you’ve got an issue not to be missed.![]()
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To make sure you get it, though, subscribe before the print run numbers are finalised. Head to wild.com.au/subscribe![]()
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Time to get back to it. Thanks,![]()
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James
I think the state and federal governments should stop trying to extract every tourism cent out of critically injured landscapes and set the course to their repair. It’s bad enough that the current EPBC act fails to protect ecosystems collapse, worse still the SA govt has allowed bypass of even this to developers projects worth over $1 mil. And I reckon all the states are looking at this and pleased with the precedent. Proper governance & care of our national parks/WHAs needs to prioritise natural values.
Australian scientists warn urgent action needed to save 19 'collapsing' ecosystems
www.theguardian.com
A ‘confronting and sobering’ report details degradation of coral reefs, outback deserts, tropical savanna, Murray-Darling waterways, mangroves and forests
I’ve heard there are expressions of interests out for commercial developments in the following National Parks.![]()
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Frenchman’s Cap TAS![]()
Cradle Mountain TAS![]()
West Coast TAS![]()
South Coast Track TAS![]()
Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing VIC![]()
Light to light Walk NSW![]()
Uluru to the Olgas NT![]()
Kings Canyon NT![]()
Blue Mountains NSW![]()
Wilderness Coast Walk VIC![]()
Walls of Jerusalem TAS![]()
Kangaroo Island SA![]()
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Are there any more you know of that can be added to this list?
THIS IS A PETITION YOU CAN SIGN ONLINE. ![]()
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You have probably all heard of this one. The NSW government wants to make the Light-to-light walk a "great walk of Australia". It's a badge given to walks like the "exclusive" Tasmanian Overland Track, the "luxurious" Bay of Fires Lodge Walk, and Queensland's Spicers Scenic Rim Trail "glamping" experience.![]()
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You can read more about this here and sign the campaign groups online petition.
Stop Commercial Development in Ben Boyd National Park
www.keepitwild.com.au
Light to Light Great Walk plan for Ben Boyd National Park The NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment (DPIE) and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) have proposed a plan to use...
This is absolutely disgusting.REPEAL OF REGULATIONS VOTED DOWN![]()
A very dark day for South Australian conservation David Speirs MP, Steven Marshall, Vickie Chapman MP.![]()
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Mark Parnell MLC:![]()
"National Parks represent the very best of our natural environment. That’s why we love them so much and take special care to look after the plants and animals that make up these wonderful places.![]()
"Last night, our National Parks were delivered a cruel blow when the Marshall Liberal Government, supported by SA-Best Frank Pangallo MLC] and Advance SA [John Darley MLC] (all former Xenophon MPs), voted to allow unlimited private tourism development inside Flinders Chase National Park on Kangaroo Island. Under the new rules, any tourism development valued at over $1million inside the National Park, no longer needs planning consent, will not be subject to any consultation and is protected from community challenge. Any vegetation in the National Park that the developer wants to clear for buildings, roads, tracks, fire-breaks etc will no longer be assessed by the Native Vegetation Council, but will be approved by a public servant answerable to the Planning Minister.![]()
"The Government has made it clear. They want to open up our Parks to private developers and they are prepared to throw out proper planning and environmental assessment in the process. Under the slogan of “reimagining” our Parks, the Liberals and their supporters envisage a future where our Public Parks become Private Playgrounds."
THIS IS A PETITION YOU CAN SIGN ONLINE. ![]()
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The Victorian government recently announced a $15M preliminary investment in ‘upgrading’ the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) in the Victorian Alps. The media release was somewhat ambiguous as it did not spell out the master plan which is to spend $34M of our money on luxury, serviced accommodation, run by licensed tour operators to rival other states and regions and attract cashed-up international tourists.![]()
Please view my letter of objection to understand my main concerns. I am not expecting everyone to agree with me, but if you do, add your name to the letter (it’s a Word Doc) and send it to those concerned. I have included contact details and email addresses in the document. Feel free to write your own letter if you prefer.![]()
I have also created an online petition via change.org to make things a little easier. chng.it/cJwchF2H5F
Hi everyone. Please feel free to invite your family and friends to join this group. The larger our numbers and the better organised we are, the greatest chance we will have to make a difference. ![]()
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If you know of any other groups campaigning against commercial developments in our national parks, invite them to share content here too. I’m all about being efficient and like to find everything in one place. I was told a few weeks ago, don’t get angry, get organised so this is me, doing that.![]()
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Cheers Darren Edwards
For years, Kakadu's natural environment has been degrading and popular tourist sites have been closed with little warning.![]()
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Kakadu — billed as a jewel in Australia's tourism crown — is falling into disrepair, and traditional owners say the federal body that runs the park is to blame.![]()
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Things are so bad some traditional owners are threatening to close down parts of Kakadu.
Just sharing an update about Malbena Island in Tassies Walls of Jerusalem Marional Park. ![]()
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www.facebook.com/243693259600110/posts/717678518868246/?substory_index=0Malbena update. The investors will be waiting on the outcome of the current Supreme Court appeal. After that, they’ll have to decide whether to keep paying consultants to put some paperwork together that downplays the impact of choppers, exclusive possession and private huts in the wilderness. The Commonwealth will than advertise the application for public comment. That’s the “process”. Imagine if they put their resources into something worthwhile?
Just received a request for proposals from the West Coast Council Tasmania. Here’s a quick summary. ![]()
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The West Coast is one of the great walking areas in Australia with Frenchman’s Cap, parts of the Overland Track, the Next Iconic Walk and some of Tasmania’s best short walks within the Local Government Area. The Next Iconic Walk is in the final stages of a feasibility study.![]()
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The West Coast has the strategic aim of increasing participation in sport and recreation opportunities and of increasing its appeal as a tourism destination. Sport and recreation is supported by a Sport and Recreation Plan adopted by Council which emphasizes the importance of recreation using the West Coasts natural outdoor environment.![]()
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To support these aims the West Coast Council is seeking proposals to develop a Strategic Plan/Strategy to guide the future development of walks and associated infrastructure on the West Coast.![]()
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Before I link to the site, here’s my take on it. ![]()
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Visitor experience gaps = commercial lodge/hut development. Don’t take my word for it but I’ve already read about strategies to commercialise the following areas amd this seems like they are starting the ball rolling. ![]()
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Cradle Mountain![]()
Frenchman’s Cap ![]()
The South Coast Walk ![]()
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www.westcoast.tas.gov.au/news/latest-news/west-coast-walks-strategy-request-for-proposals
West Coast Walks Strategy - Request for Proposals
www.westcoast.tas.gov.au
If you have even mild flu symptoms arrange a Covid-19 test by speaking to your GP or calling the Public Health Hotline 1800 671 738.
I read recently that ‘Australia is Lagging Behind’ in commercialising our National Parks. Tourism Australia and the Australian Government look to the USA, South Africa and New Zealand as role models in this space. ![]()
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Maybe they need to look a little harder as maybe we are in fact ahead of these countries. Just reading an article about NZ Parks. They are concerned that popularity is having an adverse impact on environment. ![]()
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Here’s a screen shot of part of the article.
Creating new national parks isn't just about saving wildlife and safeguarding beautiful places – it’s about clean air and water, a liveable temperature and people's livelihoods.![]()
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That's why VNPA and our incredible community of nature-lovers are so determined to make sure the State Government creates 60,000 hectares of new national parks in Victoria’s central west.![]()
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A year has passed since the Andrews Government failed to meet its legal deadline to respond to expert-recommended new park refuges. ![]()
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Send an email to the Premier. Ask him to show leadership on nature conservation.![]()
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Every time we come out of lock down people flock to our state and national parks for respite and recreation. Now's the perfect time to expand our parks estate for all Victorians.
For Parks Sake! Create new central west national parks! - Victorian National Parks Association
vnpa.org.au
Ask your elected leaders to properly care for our remaining forests, wildlife and woodlands by creating new national parks in the central west.
So this is the future of remote wilderness in Australia. Don’t know how you feel about it but my heart is breaking.
The Victorian government recently announced a $15M preliminary investment in ‘upgrading’ the Falls to Hotham Alpine Crossing (FHAC) in the Victorian Alps. The media release was somewhat ambiguous as it did not spell out the master plan which is to spend $34M of our money on luxury, serviced accommodation, run by licensed tour operators to rival other states and regions and attract cashed-up international tourists.![]()
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Please view my letter of objection to understand my main concerns. I am not expecting everyone to agree with me, but if you do, add your name to the letter (it’s a Word Doc) and send it to those concerned. I have included contact details and email addresses in the document. Feel free to write your own letter if you prefer.![]()
www.trailhiking.com.au/stop-the-falls-to-hotham-crossing-development-in-victoria/![]()
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I have also created an online petition via change.org to make things a little easier. chng.it/cJwchF2H5F
Keep it Wild Australia is a group of passionate Aussies who care about the future of our natural environment.![]()
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The goal of National Parks is to protect natural beauty, biodiversity, and ecosystems, and to promote scientific research, education, and recreation. National Parks Act Preamble (Authorised Version No. 174) ‘WHEREAS it is in the public interest that certain Crown land characterized by its predominantly unspoilt landscape, and its flora, fauna or other features, should be reserved and preserved and protected permanently for the benefit of the public. ![]()
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However, the attraction of tourist dollars for land managers means that many National Parks in Australia are now the focus of economic benefits rather than conservation of these important and often fragile ecosystems. National Parks are being viewed by Government, Land Managers, and Tourism bodies as self-funding assets, meaning they are expected to generate serious revenue to support park operations, and to contribute to local economic development, major infrastructure development, local employment, and tourism.![]()
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Australia’s National Park managers are under increasing pressure from tourism and commercial operators to look for private sector funding to develop commercial and infrastructure projects within National Parks. State governments are not just accepting applications, they are actively seeking them through Expressions of Interest.![]()
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Something needs to be done to protect our Wilderness areas and National Parks for future generations to enjoy. We need to come together under one united NATIONAL voice to stop commercial developments in OUR National Parks once and for all.![]()
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Keep it Wild Australia is an initiative I started in the hope that together, we can make a difference.
Community is a threat apparently. Not to the environment but to commercial development withonnsaid environmentLooking for news? Here’s some. The State Government recommended the Tourism Industry Council Tasmania be represented on the Steering committee for the EOI process for developments in national parks as a way to manage the risk of low community support. The first project to progress through the EOI process was funded partially by a Director of the TICT. If that is not a problem, what is? as for community support? Where is it?
WHERE TO NEXT?
There are a number of active campaigns you can support around Australia. It only takes one person to make a difference, you.
“We are a plague on the Earth. It’s coming home to roost over the next 50 years or so. It’s not just climate change; it’s sheer space, places to grow food for this enormous horde. Either we limit our population growth or the natural world will do it for us, and the natural world is doing it for us right now.”
“The Earth will not continue to offer its harvest, except with faithful stewardship. We cannot say we love the land and then take steps to destroy it for use by future generations.”
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference and you have to decide what kind of a difference you want to make.”
“The ultimate test of man’s conscience may be his willingness to sacrifice something today for future generations whose words of thanks will not be heard.”
“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”
“We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earth as its other creatures do.”