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Liberals Support Horseback Rally To Parliament House

The Liberal Party is encouraging all country Victorians to get behind Country Voice and its campaign against the Bracks Government’s decision to ban alpine grazing.

By Philip Davis - 2nd June 2005 - Back to News

Shadow Minister for Agriculture Philip Davis said Country Voice was formed by the mountain cattlemen and other country groups to fight the latest insult by the Bracks Government.

"Country people have had enough of being treated with contempt by the Bracks Government and the decision last week to abolish the 170 year mountain cattlemen tradition in the high country was the last straw," Mr Davis said.

"Already burdened in unbelievable red tape, unworkable child employment laws and under threat from such things as toxic waste dumps, country Victoria is now yelling enough is enough.

"I urge everyone who believes our Australian heritage should be preserved to support the rally on Thursday, 9 June on the steps of Parliament House.

"Mountain cattlemen and their horses will depart Olympic Park at 11am, making their way through the city to Parliament House.

"The cattlemen will be met at Parliament House by hundreds of farmers from throughout country Victoria and others, who have also been vilified by the city-centric Bracks Government on a number of issues."

Mr Davis said the that the Bracks Government’s grazing ban showed it has no respect for country Victoria or indeed its own promises.

In 2003 Environment Minister John Thwaites promised that alpine grazing licences would continue.

"Alpine grazing is a licensed activity and will continue as a licensed activity."

– John Thwaites, Hansard, 6 November 2003.

"Then, in yet another Bracks Government back-flip, with a mere stroke of a pen, these mountain cattlemen are being sent packing from the land they have grazed and cared for during the past 170 years.

"Country people have been put through the wringer for long enough by the Bracks Government.

"Those who have decided they will not stand for this Bracks bullying any more will be out in full force on 9 June, supporting Country Voice.

"Country Victorians will not be stampeded by the city-focused Bracks Government."

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  Eastern Victoria MP Melina Bath warns crime rose 12.7% to 640,860 under Labor, with reduced police funding and station hours leaving Victorians unsafe, calling for stronger laws and police support.
• Melina Bath condemns Labor for blocking protest bill and failing to protect police, businesses, and public safety
  Labor, backed by the Greens and minor parties, blocked Nationals and Liberals legislation to ban protest face coverings, which Melina Bath said betrayed police, small businesses, and public safety across Victoria.
• Wellington Shire Council introduces subsidised extra rubbish bins for eligible households after waste policy consultation feedback
  Wellington Shire Council has announced changes to its waste service in response to community feedback, including subsidised bins for young families and those with medical or disability needs.
• Gippsland bowel cancer advocates urge greater awareness, earlier diagnosis and stronger research support in Canberra
  Bairnsdale’s Scott Morris and Sale’s Toni MacKay joined Call on Canberra, urging greater bowel cancer awareness, earlier diagnosis and research after sharing their personal experiences with Federal MP Darren Chester.
• Gippsland Water launches annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign encouraging mindful water usage during hot weather
  Gippsland Water has launched its annual ‘Reduce Your Use’ campaign, encouraging customers to follow permanent water-saving rules and tips, conserve water during heat waves, and attend community education events.
• Danny O’Brien calls for Royal Commission into Big Build corruption, urging petition support
  Danny O’Brien is urging Gippslanders to support a petition calling for a Royal Commission into alleged Big Build corruption, claiming $15 billion in lost taxpayer funds and missed regional investment.
• Victorian budget delivers cost of living relief, transport discounts, regional investment and services support
  Victorian Budget delivers cost-of-living relief, including rego discounts, cheaper transport, and major investments in health, education, regional infrastructure, and community services.
• South Gippsland Water launches 2026 poster competition encouraging students to promote water conservation creatively
  South Gippsland Water is encouraging students to enter the 2026 National Water Week poster competition, promoting water conservation under the theme Water Heroes Make Every Drop Count.
• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
  Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades, supported by $3.8 million government funding, improve safety, accessibility, tourism, and local business, while celebrating Indigenous culture and supporting bushfire-affected communities.
• Danny O’Brien congratulates Gippsland Volunteer Emergency Services on VESEP funding support
  Danny O’Brien praised Gippsland volunteer emergency services for VESEP funding, supporting vital equipment, facility upgrades, and ongoing advocacy for a new Port Welshpool Coast Guard vessel to ensure community safety.
• Victorians left paying for Commonwealth Games promises while Scotland hosts the 2026 event instead
  Victoria's cancelled 2026 Commonwealth Games left taxpayers with a $589 million bill, delayed regional projects, and unfulfilled infrastructure promises, drawing criticism over the handling of the abandoned event.