THE Victorian National Parks Association is gleefully attempting to make capital out of a report by Price Waterhouse Coopers by claiming huge benefits from locking up the mid-Murray river red gum forests.

However PWC is actually cautious, as we all should be.

Here’s a statement from the executive summary:

“Expected benefits include: Increased tourism - new tourism is likely to be nature-based. New park infrastructure will be critical in promoting nature-based tourism.

Environmental values - the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council proposals should allow the forests to rejuvenate, leading to healthier eco-systems and an increase in indigenous flora and fauna.’’

Note that PWC is predicting “expected’’ and “likely’’ benefits. There’s no proof, no liability if it all goes belly up.

Note, too, that PWC says any increase will be dependent on new park infrastructure. You only need to look at the Dharnya Centre in the Barmah State Park to get an idea of how the government rates infrastructure.

Yet PWC warns it will be critical.

The report then claims the VEAC proposals “should allow the forests to regenerate’’. But the VEAC did not spell out any formula to promote regeneration. In actual fact uninhibited regeneration will lead to a very unhealthy ecosystem.

Trees will be allowed to overcrowd the forest, developing as a spindly, drought-sensitive monoculture unlikely to attract any ecotourists.

And why does it need regenerating anyhow? VEAC already identified logged areas as the best parts of the forest.

It was the careful resource management endorsed by the Rivers and Red Gum Alliance that made it so.

DAVID JOSS,

Mathoura