Muster exits Barmah

The actual mustering of cattle was ended by Parks Victoria in 2007 and horses were prevented from entering Barmah National Park in recent years, but the Barmah Forest Cattlemen’s Association has been hosting horse-based events on annual camping weekends.

The association was advised last week that Parks Victoria had restricted the area which the association could use under permit.

Association vice-president Brad Caldwell said the event, which attracts between 800 and 1000 people, could not be held on the smaller area allotted to them, so the event would have to be relocated.

He said the association was advised on Tuesday last week, with the event scheduled to run on April 29 and 30 and May 1.

Parks Victoria said a part of the cattle yards area remained available for use under a permit system.

The area available was reduced to accommodate the nearby First Nations Dharnya Centre in a community use and education area.

Mr Caldwell said the cattlemen were gutted by being put in a position to have to move the event to a new venue.

“Being kicked out of our area that the Barmah cattlemen have over 150 years of history, is disgraceful.”

He said the situation was brought about by a minority who wanted to get rid of all horses within the forest and to expunge the cattlemen’s history in the forest.

Parks Victoria acting regional director for northern Victoria, Adam Nitschke, said the decision to reduce the size of the area available for this year’s Barmah Muster was made by Parks Victoria as part of the joint management plan of the Barmah National Park, launched last year.

“Parks Victoria acknowledge that this change may impact the event, however the Barmah Cattlemen’s Association has decided to find an alternative venue,” Mr Nitschke said.

Parks Victoria said the Dharnya Centre was a major asset for presenting and interpreting Yorta Yorta Country and culture, and the park’s values as a visitor centre providing tours, educational services and research.