Regional Victorians

There have been several recent news releases outlining nature based tourism developments in the state next door. In a release titled "Back to the Bush", NSW Tourism Minister Adam Marshall confirms "from scuba diving to bushwalking, nature based tourism is exploding in popularity all over the world". "We know that an increasing number of international tourists from places like China, India and Germany are looking for a unique and scenic experience away from the crowded skyline

You may have seen our TV ads conveying our message. The duck shooting "debate" is often centred around animal welfare or the alleged "rights" of shooters to enjoy their recreational past time. But there is a third significant stakeholder whose collective voice is going unnoticed. It's those of us who own property, run businesses and raise families in these communities. For at least three months out of twelve, our daily lives are disrupted. Our basic human rights to live and w

Let's talk about healthy people and economies. Swimming is the most popular activity in Australia enjoyed by 14.4 percent of the population; (circa 3,000,000) men, women and children. Cycling second, at 10.8 percent. Bushwalking/hiking at 5 percent, is also in the top 10 (Roy Morgan 2014). But wait for it. Australia hosted around 30 million domestic nature based tourists in 2014, a number which had consistently increased at 5 percent each year (overnight visitors). Nature bas

With visitor numbers over 36,000 last year & school visits increasing, "Winton Wetlands is developing into a major tourist attraction and environmental regeneration project" seeing visitors and revenue, flowing in to a wetlands area about two hours from Melbourne. Here, they shoot with cameras. The recently published Winton Wetlands 16/17 Annual Report, reflects an increase in visitors, in line with the global trend of rapid increase in nature tourism. It outlines how groups

The Andrew's government yesterday announced a welcome new plan to protect our animals and modernise Victoria, "recognising the sentience of animals" and "reflecting strong evidence that animals experience pleasure, comfort, fear and pain." The Minister says it is important "the welfare of all animals is protected". The plan's Vision and Purpose are admirable. The test of our Ministers' commitment however, will be in what happens now. For Victoria to have a "good reputation fo

Its about the Victoria our grandchildren will grow up in. More figures show a global trend towards peaceful nature appreciation. Birding brings big bucks. With small rural Victorian towns struggling economically (SGS Economics & Planning), yet affording us stunning waterways which would rival Kakadu, the solution is clear. Its time to protect and leverage our nature assets across the state. UNEP (United Nations Environment Program), has found that ecotourism is growing six ti

Click the post to see both pictures. Which is more popular? Which is safer, more ethical, humane and sustainable? If you answered the picture on the left, you passed the intelligence test and you are one of 99.96% of Victorians. Less than half of a percent of the population shoot waterbirds, an activity which has been proven to be inhumane and unable to be policed or controlled at the multitudes of waterways around our state. Many of these waterways are not only home to a gro

Nature Based Tourism has become increasingly popular in the last five years according to the latest Tourism and Transport Forum reports. All visitor categories recorded stronger growth for visitors seeking an experience of the natural Australian environment than in overall visitor numbers (see figure 1). In 2016, 5.2 million International visitors (over two thirds of the total International visitors), over 20 million domestic overnight visitors and 23.6 million day visitors

The Andrews' state government must face up to the plight of our critically declining waterbirds, precious ecosystems and rural economies. Watch this short video to see why things must change fast. On National Threatened Species Day, it's opportune to realise some truths with urgency. The massive number of our native waterbirds shot each year including unique and endangered species and at RAMSAR wetlands, is a huge blot on Victorias' conservation abilities. Further, we are dec

More than 3.2 billion international tourists travel the world each day. "Australia's natural beauty rich and rare, remains a major drawcard for overseas visitors." (The Australian July 2017). This "wide brown land" of ours has a huge number of endemic birds compared to other countries, the most biodiverse waters, the most reptiles, truly unique giant birds and marsupials found nowhere else on earth. "The combination of our unique wildlife and environments now attracts circa 7

Rural Victorians are applauding the government's decision to support a new wetlands tourism project at Lake Tyrrell. The tiny town is now predicted to see visitor numbers increase from 42,000 to 192,000 per year by 2025, bringing a massive revenue boost to the area. Given the state of Victorias rural economies, it's great to see the government hopefully getting on board with the growing and highly lucrative trend of nature tourism. The recent Auditor General’s Report followed