Author Archives: fobif

The normalisation of insanity

Every now and then you get the idea that our culture is insanely careering towards a cliff with a gaga look on its face. Mainly this comes from watching television, most particularly the commercials. Some do stand out as particularly … Continue reading

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It’s not Bambi, it’s not cute–and it’s coming to a place near you

More and more deer sightings are being reported from our region, where they were once reasonably uncommon. A herd of 11 was seen in Muckleford last month, and last weekend 7 were sighted in the Gough’s Range State Forest. Reports … Continue reading

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Rubbish: hang on, this isn’t rubbish…

We’ve almost stopped being surprised by the rubbish people dump in the bush: a complete lounge suite in Kalimna Park! A washing machine in the Columbine Creek catchment! What will the dumpers think of next? And what does that tell … Continue reading

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Wood theft continues–and continues to be supported

More evidence of systematic looting of our bushlands: trees cut down and removed from the circuit walk in Kalimna Park. To put this practice in context, it’s worth considering some of the social media reactions to it. For example, a … Continue reading

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Promoting bad behaviour in the bush

What a great photo! No nonsense about ‘keeping to formed tracks,’ which is the law on Victoria’s public land. This is the latest piece of cowboy propaganda from The Age [24/8], which shares with numerous 4WD ads on TV an … Continue reading

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Views north, south and west

A strong group turned up for FOBIF’s August walk in brisk weather yesterday. They were rewarded with a fine route across high ridges above Expedition Pass, with magnificent views north and south, triangulated by Mounts Alexander, Macedon and Franklin. The … Continue reading

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Mount Alexander: snow!

A dump of snow on Saturday night changed the face of Mount Alexander, and attracted numerous sightseers on Sunday. The snow had essentially retreated by Sunday afternoon.    

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Mount Alexander: on a less poetic note…

On a less poetic note: FOBIF has asked Parks Victoria for the rationale of the extensive vegetation removal along Joseph Young drive on Mount Alexander. Of course, safety is an obvious explanation, but we’re still a bit befuddled as to … Continue reading

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Fire: an ‘overwhelming preference’?

Community responses have revealed an ‘overwhelming preference’ the third of the three options canvassed in DELWP’s online fire consultation. This option proposes ‘less planned burning across the entire landscape’ than the others. It also aims for fuel management exercises to … Continue reading

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Over the hills and far away

A solid group followed Karen Baker on a trek uphill and down dale across the Chewton bushlands community yesterday. A hilly walk was promised, and delivered: but the climbs proved more than worth the effort, and a fine day offered … Continue reading

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