Author Archives: fobif

A great discovery

Posted on 7 March, 2022 by fobif

There’s not a great deal to be rejoicing about right now, but here’s one thing, a report by John Walter in the latest edition of Wombat Forestcare newsletter: ‘As a regular visitor to our forests, woodlands and grasslands, I can … Continue reading →

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Fire’s On

Posted on 7 March, 2022 by fobif

Mount Alexander Shire residents may have received a couple of DELWP leaflets in their letter boxes last week, informing them of upcoming management burns. All are fuel reduction exercises—ecology is a secondary consideration, if it’s a consideration at all. For … Continue reading →

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The cliffs of lunacy

Posted on 7 March, 2022 by fobif

Decades ago Simone Weil predicted that ‘‘We will see throughout the country the most incredible absurdities—and they will appear natural.’ She was right on any number of fronts. One of the most incredible is car advertisements on TV and online. … Continue reading →

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Strategic fuel breaks: an update

Posted on 29 November, 2021 by fobif

Work is due to start on constructing Strategic Fuel Breaks in this region by February, with priority areas being along the Vaughan-Fryerstown road, Forest Creek and Walmer State forest (see maps in our posts here and here). The Forest Creek … Continue reading →

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Duck shooting: Victoria is still the lonely hunter in eastern Australia

Posted on 1 November, 2021 by fobif

Regional Victorians opposed to Duck Shooting has written to Mount Alexander Shire urging it to take a more proactive role in getting rid of shooting at Cairn Curran. FOBIF, along with Bird Life Australia (Castlemaine district) and the Castlemaine Field … Continue reading →

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Is PV running a chain of amusement parks?

Posted on 1 November, 2021 by fobif

FOBIF has given in to temptation again, and had a shot at the consultation process on Parks Victoria’s land management strategy. Our submission concentrated on two points: The draft strategy is completely vague on how Parks Victoria will handle the … Continue reading →

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Peak season

Posted on 18 October, 2021 by fobif

A strong group tackled FOBIF’s October walk around the Fryers Ridge yesterday in fine cool weather. The walk started at the junction of the Fryers Ridge and Fryers-Taradale roads, and wound down some nameless tracks and around to gullies on … Continue reading →

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A fantasy, and a dose of reality

Posted on 18 October, 2021 by fobif

One day we might see a big headline in all the Murdoch media: ‘Biodiversity: worth fighting for!’ Until then, we’ll have to be content with a small item in the mainstream media, and things like the following: ‘Victoria’s biodiversity provides … Continue reading →

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Take a walk!

Posted on 10 October, 2021 by fobif

It’s spring. It’s time to get out and have a look around—if you can. And here’s an extra incentive to go out to explore a bit: FOBIF’s latest publication, Twenty Bushwalks in the Mount Alexander Region, is off the presses. It … Continue reading →

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Parks Victoria: good ideas, bad ideas

Posted on 10 October, 2021 by fobif

Parks Victoria has released a draft Land Management Strategy for consultation. You can find it here,  together with info on how to put in a response to the strategy. The consultation is open till November 1. The draft document has … Continue reading →

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