FEDERAL ELECTION MARCH 2013 NO 252 PROSPECTING IN PARKS PROTECTING NATIVE VEGETATION CLIMATE CHANGE AND BUSHWALKING ALPS LAND SWAP LARGE OLD TREES VICTORIA’S LIGHTSTATIONS CHILDREN AND NATURE Features... LEFT: Centre pivot irrigation often results in the loss of paddock trees and other vegetation. Read how the State Government is planning to make it easier for landowners and others to clear native vegetation. BELOW: Discover the delightful new children’s book Lyrebird – a true story, by Jackie Kerin, illustrated by Peter Gouldthorpe. You can buy copies from VNPA at a page special member discount. Ideal gift! 12 KELSALL YASMIN PHOTO: ‘Heavens to Betsy!’ The bird examined her from head to toe A curious young bird blocked her way. with his black button eyes. Edith examined Edith stood as still as a statue. ‘You’re the bird. A lyrebird. And bold as brass. ‘Aren’t no ordinary chook,’ she murmured. you supposed to be a shy bird?’ He began to scratch for grubs beside the path. Edith was puzzled. ‘Whatever happened to your tail?’ She took out her notebook and pencil. FEBRUARY Lyrebird! (a young male — a plain-tail!) page 342 PARK WATCH • MARCH 2013 NO 252 By the time she’d fi nished her sketch, he’d vanished. 5 Be part of nature PRESIDENT Russell Costello DIRECTOR Matt Ruchel CONTENTS Level 3, 60 Leicester Street 4 From the President Carlton, VIC 3053 ABN 34 217 717 593 4 From the Editor Telephone: (03) 9347 5188 Facsimile: (03) 9347 5199 5 Parks, the best investment E-mail:
[email protected] Web: www.vnpa.org.au 6-7 Engaging with the Earth-Story VNPA’S VISION 8 The federal election: what about the We share a vision of Victoria as a place with a diverse, secure and healthy natural environment cared for and appreciated by all.