Great forest national park
Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (18:40): (1141) My adjournment matter is directed to the Premier. On Sunday I took the scenic drive to Woods Point, a tiny mining village with a population of just 33 at the 2021 census, to stand in solidarity with over 1000 people opposing the Allan Labor government’s plan to create the great forest national park. They voiced their concerns to me and sent a message to the state government in no uncertain terms. Victorians do not want to be locked out of their forests. They want to continue to enjoy our beautiful wilderness the same way generations have before them. They want to hunt and fish and ride and camp and hike. They do not believe there should be government-imposed restrictions on activities that have previously been enjoyed for many years. Townships located near our beautiful bushland such as Woods Point rely on visitors to our state parks. They count on the revenue generated from tourists to keep local businesses viable and operating. The Woods Point event is the second such rally I have attended in my electorate, proving the plan to create the great national park is extremely unpopular with many Victorians. In addressing the Herald Sun bush summit in Bendigo last month, the Premier indicated that many activities slated to be banned will still be allowed in state parks. The action I seek is for the Premier to accept my invitation to accompany me to the upcoming Forests for the People rally in Kinglake West on 21 September so that she can clarify to those there in person her government’s position on the creation of the great national park.