The Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria has welcomed sixth generation grazier, Cass McCormack, to the role of president. She is pictured with her father and outgoing president, Bruce McCormack. Photo: Zoe Philips
Sixth generation Mountain Cattleman Cass McCormack was elected as president of the Mountain Cattlemen’s Association of Victoria (MCAV) recently. Source: Mansfield Courier
Ms McCormack has hit the floor running, already coming out in support of the native timber industry who have been ordered to cease harvesting after a Supreme Court ruling.
“My first message as president is to urge people from regional Victoria to stand up in support of those who continue to be devastated by developments hampering the timber industry,” she said.
VicForests ordered the stand–down after Justice Melinda Richards ruled the pre–harvest surveys were inadequate.
Injunctions imposed on harvesting last December had already locked contractors out of many coupes, with hundreds of jobs on the line.
Ms McCormack believes that timber harvesting as conducted in Victoria is fully sustainable while supplying vital resources for the needs of Victorians.
“Sustainable public land management has always been the cornerstone of MCAV policy, and this will not change – this includes timber harvesting,” she said.
Ms McCormack has chosen to dip her newly minted president’s boots into political waters early in her role, but is focused on making a positive change both within her organisation and farther afield.
“The management of the High Country has been heading in the wrong direction for years and the Mountain Cattlemen’s knowledge should be utilized to change direction before this opportunity is lost,” she said.
“Right now, the bush is green and lush, and most aren’t considering the bushfire danger this will create as the weather dries.
“As president, one of my goals is to continue to work on advocating that alpine grazing reduces blazing, and to offer alternative methods of public land management.”
Ms McCormack succeeds her father, Bruce McCormack, who did not stand for re–election after being in the role for three years.
“Like many organisations, the MCAV needs to keep pace with the times,” Mr McCormack said.
“I have been incredibly grateful to be able to represent the High Country as MCAV president, but thought it was time to let the next generation step up.”
Ms McCormack has been part of the MCAV Board of Management for four years and most recently coordinated the group’s annual Get Together event.
She is part of the McCormack family of Merrijig, who have been running cattle into the King Valley for summer grazing for more than 150 years.
“As president, I have a long list of goals I want to achieve, some more likely than others,” she said.
“I intend to continue raising management issues, which includes the strategic use of Alpine grazing, at both a State and Federal level on behalf of the MCAV.
“I will advocate for a louder voice in the education system at all ages, encouraging the government to put forward alternative methods of land management.”
