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Melina Bath tours high country, noting weeds and fuel loads, calling for stronger land management and increased on-ground environmental action

Melina Bath toured Victoria’s High Country, noting weeds and fuel loads, raising concerns about land management, fire risk and biodiversity, and calling for stronger resourcing and environmental action.

By news@gippsland - 18th June 2026 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation and Public Land Management, Melina Bath, has experienced firsthand Victoria’s iconic High Country and the growing land management challenges facing the region during a horseback ride from Mt Stirling to Craig’s Hut with Mountain Valley Trail Rides.

Melina Bath visited Victoria’s High Country with local guides, observing weed infestations and hazardous fuel loads. She raised concerns about land management, biodiversity and fire risk and called for better resourcing and protection of public land

High country threats

Hosted by the McCormack family and members of the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria, Ms Bath joined locals who know the High Country best to inspect conditions across the region. "The High Country is one of Victoria’s most treasured landscapes, deeply connected to our heritage, traditions and way of life. Riding through this country with the people who live, work and care for it every day highlights not only its beauty, but also the serious challenges facing land management on the ground."

During the visit, Ms Bath observed widespread blackberry infestations and significant hazardous fuel loads across Mt Stirling, highlighting the growing threats posed by weeds, pests and poor land management to native vegetation, biodiversity and community safety.

"It is vital as Shadow Minister to see these issues firsthand and understand the impact they are having on local communities, native wildlife and the environment. These conditions are a clear sign Labor’s policies are falling short, with nowhere near enough active on-ground management across this vast region," Ms Bath said.

High country access

Ms Bath also welcomed the strong presence of hikers, campers and hunters responsibly enjoying access to public land throughout the High Country. "It was encouraging to see so many people enjoying the High Country responsibly. Access to public land is important and must be protected for future generations."

Ms Bath reaffirmed The Nationals’ commitment to practical land management and supporting High Country communities. "The Nationals understand the importance of the High Country and the need for practical, balanced land management," she said.

"We will continue working with local communities to ensure this unique landscape is properly managed, protected and accessible, with more resources and more boots on the ground where they are needed most," Ms Bath said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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