A WAR over cattle between the Baillieu and Gillard governments could end up in court with taxpayers footing a hefty legal bill.
Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke yesterday rejected a bid by the State Government to run a five-year cattle-grazing trial.
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The Baillieu Government proposed a trial to measure the effectiveness of alpine grazing in reducing bushfire fuel.
"A national park should not be used as a farm. It's there for nature and it's there for people to enjoy nature," Mr Burke said.
"It's not there to be used as a form of free feed for a handful of local producers."
He said the proposed trial would have an unacceptable impact on alpine parks.
"There is irrefutable evidence that cattle grazing would damage the sensitive natural environment, disturb the remote and wild character of the area, detract from aesthetic values, and erode its heritage values," Mr Burke said.
Instead, he wants a joint approach on bushfire prevention in alpine areas.
State Environment Minister Ryan Smith said he was awaiting advice before deciding on the next move.
Mr Smith said Canberra's decision was based on old research.
"This is an issue about bushfire management. Plain and simple, it's about making sure that country communities are protected from bushfire," he said.
"I'll get some advice to see what course of action we can take."
Cattle were banned from alpine national parks by the Bracks government in 2005.
That was lifted by the Baillieu Government during the 2010-11 grazing season after an election promise.
But Canberra forced the cattle out of parks last April.
Victorian Opposition Leader Daniel Andrews yesterday supported Mr Burke's decision.
"There are national parks, there are farms. They are not the same thing," Mr Andrews said.
Read more on the Herald Sun.
