Countryside Management Association News

The recent IRF monthly newsletter "Guardeparque" carried the following account from Parks Victoria Rangers about the Australian bush fires in the state:

Several former Parks Victoria staff members have perished and many close colleagues from our park communities have also lost their lives. Six staff have lost their homes and all staff at Kinglake lost their cars when our office and depot was destroyed.

Many Parks Victoria staff have discovered bodies in the hardest hit areas, including the discovery of nine bodies on a walking track.

On the positive side, there are a number of heroic stories where staff have saved each other and also directly saved the lives of community members. There are also many fires that have been controlled and therefore prevented further mass destruction.
One of the areas affected is Wilson's Promontory National Park where the 2003 International Ranger Federation Congress was held.
Fortunately this fire seems to be under control.

Following this report the CMA sent a message of support to our Ranger colleagues in Victoria.
Roger Cole
CMA International Adviser