Regional Victorians

Rural Victorians are calling on the Andrews Government to recognise the value in our waterways. Home to rare and threatened species of native birds - including those unique to our country - many people would view they should be sanctuaries, not shooting ranges. It's about allowing regional residents - far more of whom live near waterways now than in the 1950's- their rights to safe and peaceful enjoyment of their properties. It's about year-round opportunities for all to en

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

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

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

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