A new regulation under current environmental law will prohibit the reintroduction of cattle grazing to the Alpine National Park in Victoria without due assessment of the potential environmental damage.

 

Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke announced the Federal Government had introduced a new regulation under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.

 

It specifies that grazing of domestic stock including cattle would have a significant impact on the heritage values of the Australian Alps Heritage Area and that any future new grazing activities proposed in the Australian Alps Heritage Area, including the Alpine National Park, will need to be assessed under the EPBC Act.

 

Mr Burke said he was also continuing to consult with state and territory governments on a proposed new regulation which would give extra protection to National Parks across Australia.