From time to time we get requests to spread the word about various environmental issues which members of FOGGs or members of the public (via our webpage) ask our group to promote. While most of these requests are reasonable and most of our members would probably agree with ‘the cause’, as committee we have to be careful what we take on board. Our priority is always the issues which affect our Grampians National Park. These may be issues affecting other Parks or may be ones unique to the Grampians.
Our current committee, who are all volunteers, try to organise activities for our members enjoyment and when the need arises write letters to politicians and newspapers on issues which may affect Grampians National Park. Our committee, like many others, are particularly worried about the attitude of both our federal and State governments towards the environment and especially the State watering down most of the legislation which currently protects our environment. FOGGs are a member of the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), who have paid staff and who do lobby on various environment issues; we get their newsletter and have supported some of their efforts in the past. For anyone who feels strongly about these issues I suggest visiting the VNPA website, they have a lot of background information on these issues and email addresses of the politicians to write to, they sometimes have ready made letters people can send off to politicians. Three websites that provide information and helpful hints are: www.vnpa.org.au (Victorian National Parks Association), www.environment-victoria.org.au (under “Victoria is in a state of emergency”), and www.placesyoulove.org (from an alliance of Australian environment groups).
Another website which is a good source of what is happening with environmental laws is the Environment Defenders Office in their own words they are ‘an independent, not-for-profit, community legal service, specialising in public interest environmental law.’ This website is most useful for obtaining background information on a variety of issues. www.edovic.org.au
FOGGs are also affiliated with and part of, the Victorian Environment Friends Network and environmental issues often come up in their newsletter which is available from their website. http://home.vicnet.net.au/~friends
I strongly urge people to visit these web sites (especially VNPA) and write (or email) to politicians on these wider environmental issues.
Our FOGGs committee members have limited resources, funds and expertise so we try to focus on the aims of FOGGs which are:
- Promote the conservation, protection and restoration of the Grampians NP.
- Increase the communities involvement, knowledge and enjoyment of the Grampians NP.
- Assist with projects selected by FOGG and Grampians NP.
- Provide a community voice in support of the Grampians NP.
So, on our clean up day we did sign a letter calling for the introduction of a deposit on drink containers, similar to what has been happening with much success in South Australia, but decided to leave agitation about only buying printer paper from sustainable sources to the judgement of individual members.
We will try to include in each of our newsletters a small paragraph outlining the current issues VNPA are working on and any actions they are asking from members of the public.
So here are just a few issues from the current VNPA journal and other sources:
- Changes to native vegetation clearing controls, windfarm controls and on prospecting in state and national parks.
- Cattle grazing in the Alpine national park.
- To sign the Ethical Paper Pledge or to find out more, please visit www.ethicalpaper.com.au
Wendy Bedggood, Secretary