Thursday, 29 August 2024

State forest access

Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:28): (652) My question today is for the minister representing the Minister for Environment. On Monday at the bush summit held in Bendigo, the Premier Jacinta Allan said:

That’s why today I want to be very clear as Premier and as a proud country Victorian I won’t be putting a padlock on our public forests. It’s not who I am. It’s not what I believe in.

Can the minister confirm the Premier’s promise that Victorians will not be locked out of public forests?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:28): I am aware of the speech that the Premier made at the bush summit, and I will refer that matter back to the minister. I am sure that he would be more than delighted to respond to you in writing as soon as possible.

Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:28): I thank the minister for her response. Can the minister confirm that the public forests in Victoria will remain open to all recreational users, including campers, four-wheel drive enthusiasts, trail bike riders and hunters?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:29): Again, this is a matter for the Minister for Environment, and I am sure that he will be pleased to respond to you in writing.