Thursday, 29 August 2024

Northern Victoria Region

Gaelle BROAD (Northern Victoria) (12:44): (1089) My question is to the Minister for Environment. Will the state government commit to no new national parks in Victoria and keep our forests and bush open for public access and enjoyment? I acknowledge the work of my Nationals colleague Melina Bath, who is sponsoring a petition which now has 21,000 signatures on this issue. In the lower house a similar petition sponsored by Wayne Farnham now has 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, horseriding, prospecting, hunting, camping and fishing. As town blocks are getting 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?