MOUNTAIN Cattlemen Cass McCormack was re-elected unopposed as president of the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria (MCAV) last month.
Ms McCormack, who is now in her second term as president, said it had been a steep but rewarding 12 months.
“Like all jobs, it takes a while to find your feet, especially when you consider the knowledge and experience of other MCAV Board members,” she said.
“But with 12 months now under my belt I am even more confident that I can lead this great team to effect real change in the way our High Country landscape is managed."
In the last year Ms McCormack helped the MCAV provide advice to Victoria’s Bushfire Management Strategy, provided a detailed submission on the MCAVs brumby management position and has developed and commissioned a resource for VCE students on alternative landscape management practices.
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“The reality is we are fighting a battle that just keeps getting larger,” Ms McCormack said.
“The High Country landscape is in far worse condition that it was 20 years ago, and we firmly believe that things will continue to worsen unless something is done.
“I’m not talking about commissioning another study or paying for a desk-bound expert to provide an opinion – I’m talking about getting out there and having a real impact on the dangerous levels of bushfire fuel building up.”
Ms McCormack, in her opening speech as president, said she was tired of hearing warnings about the bushfire threat when no one was interested in mitigating the situation.
“We are talking to people with closed ears, and it is incredibly frustrating,” she said.
“Instead of warning the public about the dangers of a bad bushfire season just around the corner, how about we do something about it.”
Cass is focused on making a positive change both within her organisation and farther afield.
“As president, I have a long list of goals I want to achieve, some more likely than others,” Cass said.
“I intend to continue raising management issues, which includes the strategic use of Alpine grazing, at both a state and federal level on behalf of the MCAV.
“I will advocate for a louder voice in the education system at all ages, encouraging the government to put forward alternative methods of land management.”
Other goals for the MCAV in 2024 include:
• Increased advocacy for public land users
• Increased support of other alternative management groups such as the Howitt Society
• Additional documentation of historical trials and scientific experiments conducted in the High Country
• Return of Alpine grazing licenses
Cass will again be aided by Gippsland Mountain Cattlemen Ben Treasure, who returned to his role as vice president, with Tania Coleman and Cameron Rash taking on the positions of MCAV treasurer and secretary respectively.
For more information on the MCAV or to become a member head to www.mcav.com.au
