The Allan Labor Government has again been urged to stop the creation of any new national parks after a history-making petition was tabled in Parliament.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said the petition was signed by 40,208 people – a record for a petition in the history of the Victorian Legislative Council.
Ms Broad said the petition was an overwhelmingly strong statement in response to the Allan Labor Government’s plans to create three new national parks.
“The Nationals are opposed to new national parks because we believe the government should be focused on taking care of the existing ones,” Ms Broad said.
“When it comes to state forests, our public land is public land, and it should remain accessible to the public.
“We know there are many proven benefits, including mental health benefits, to being able to enjoy our great outdoors.
“We do support ongoing and active land management of parks, not neglect. Under-resourcing leads to increased bushfire risk and to an increase in feral animals, and we have seen weeds get out of control.
“Under this government we continue to see city-based decisions being imposed on rural communities and regional communities with little regard for the people that live there.
“It’s clear Labor cannot manage our parks and regional Victorians are paying the price.
“The Nationals will continue to stand up for regional communities, for fairness and for practical, sustainable land management. I do thank my Nationals colleague Melina Bath for sponsoring this petition and every single person who signed it.”
Here is my speech in Parliament:
https://youtu.be/LsLvj_9SMIk?si=Mz4bqDl-3W50W5Rb
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
