Unfortunately, since the National Party is now seen as having taken over the federation, much of the clout has gone.

I go back to when Heather Mitchell was president and her astute deals with the Premier Joan Kirner formulated Landcare.

It seems much has changed since Miles Bourke agreed with Jim Kelly to form the organisation.

That first memorandum of understanding read that the federation would be apolitical.

I wonder if Andrew Broad or others have seen this document?

OLIVER GUTHRIE

Ballarat

FUEL-reduction burning takes place across all public land tenures, parks included. Current fire science tells us that fuel reduction burning is least effective in times of acute fire weather, the very thing we are increasingly experiencing under climate change. 

Given that we have had more fire in the landscape across Victoria, planned and otherwise, than at any time in recorded history, it’s time to rethink fire policy.

We need far better planning laws, we need to increase our capacity for rapid aerial attack on fires, and people who choose to live in vulnerable areas must take added responsibility. 

That should include installing well-designed private fire bunkers, a forgotten urgent recommendation of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission. 

PHILIP INGAMELLS

Victorian National Parks Association

VIETNAM veterans who died in the service of their country will be remembered at a poignant commemoration in February as part of the 50th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tan and the Vietnam War. 

At noon on February 21, the Vietnam Veterans Association of Australia - Victorian Branch will coordinate state-wide, simultaneous vigils at the gravesites of Vietnam veterans buried in Victoria. 

Almost 60,000 Australians including 10,500 Victorians served in the Vietnam War and 521 Australians did not return. 

There are 98 Australian veterans who died during active service in Vietnam buried at gravesites throughout Victoria. 

The Andrews Labor government has committed $1 million over two years to support the association. 

BOB ELWORTHY

President, VVAA Victorian Branch  

CAMP fires at Lake Lonsdale Reserve are banned until May 1.

This restriction will assist to reduce fire risks which have increased due to the presence of fairy grass at the lake.

Previous attempts have been made to reduce the amount of fairy grass that seeds on the lake, however, with the dry conditions this has been difficult to manage.

The banning of camp fires will remove a major ignition source at the Lake Lonsdale reserve.

To advise visitors of the camp fire restrictions, GWMWater is installing signs at all entry points to Lake Lonsdale’s camping grounds, and at the main toilet area at the northern boat ramp.

The Lake Lonsdale reserve ranger will advise visitors of the camp fire restrictions.

This action has resulted following discussions between GWMWater, local landholders and the Country Fire Authority.

The fire restriction is part of GWMWater’s fire prevention plan for the protection of life, private and public property.

For more information on the fire preparedness and prevention management please contact the office on 1300 659 961. 

ANDREW ROSE

GWMWater