The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad has urged the State Government to formally commit to no new or extended national parks in Victoria.
Ms Broad raised the issue in Parliament following concern from communities across northern Victoria.
“In Bendigo at the recent Bush Summit, the Premier assured the public that state forests would not be ‘padlocked’ and they would remain open and accessible.
“It is imperative the government now commits to no new national parks in Victoria,” Ms Broad said.
“We must keep our forest and bush open for public access and enjoyment,” Ms Broad said.
Ms Broad said a petition sponsored by her Nationals colleague Melina Bath had attracted 21,000 signatures, while another petition in the lower house had close to 13,000 signatures.
“The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council proposed to reclassify the Central Highlands state forest as the great forest national park.
“Communities are concerned that this will mean areas of state park, forest and bush are not accessible, blocking users from a range of activities including bushwalking, four-wheel driving, mountain bike riding, horse riding, prospecting, hunting, camping and fishing.
“As our population continues to grow, and town blocks get smaller, it is important to keep access open.
“While the Premier has assured the public that our state forests will remain open and accessible, will the Labor state government rule out any extension to national parks in Victoria?”
To sign the petition go to:
Stop the creation of any new national parks (parliament.vic.gov.au)
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764 linda.barrow@parliament.vic.gov.au
