Top scientist rejects grazing trial
Top scientist rejects grazing trial
08 April 2011
published by www.theage.com.au
Australia — THE University of Sydney has confirmed that one of its senior scientists rejected a role leading the Baillieu government’s cattle grazing trial in the Alpine National Park.
The Age this week revealed that forest ecologist Mark Adams – leader of the government’s grazing research – had turned down being involved in research into whether grazing reduces bushfires while its experimental design was flawed. ABC News reported that Professor Adams suggested the story was not accurate.
But in a letter dated April 5, University of Sydney deputy vice-chancellor Jill Trewhella stressed that Professor Adams’s involvement did not go beyond being a proposal.
Written in response to a complaint from a member of the public, the letter says Professor Adams had advised the Victorian government that he ”does not propose to accept the present invitation to become engaged in that research”.
The state government has until today to remove the cattle from the park following a ruling by federal Environment Minister Tony Burke that it should have sought his permission before they were introduced.
