Thursday, 2 May 2024

Northern Victoria Region

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:46): (831) My question is to the Minister for Environment, as I have been contacted by many constituents who have shared their concerns about the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s proposal to reclassify the Central Highlands state forests as the proposed great forest national park. I note that public submissions on this review have been extended until 6 May, and I implore the minister to listen to the hundreds of thousands of Victorians who want to see public land remain open and accessible. I live near national and state forests. On one side of the road, in the state forests, people can go horseriding and walk their dogs. On the other side of the road, in the national park, you can be fined. Our state parks are the backyards for many Victorians, a place where people can go gold prospecting, camping, hunting, fishing, four-wheel driving and trail bike riding and can access firewood, and a place that can be used by apiarists. On behalf of all those who have raised this issue with me, I ask the minister to commit to maintaining public access to these parks to continue these activities and ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors.