NORTH-EAST: Bush users locked out; Central Highlands query
Long-term bush users are to be locked out of areas that the Allan Labor Government plan to create as more national parks, says Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish (pictured).
“Labor is forging ahead with plans to convert state forests in central west Victoria to national parks, introducing legislation into Parliament,” Ms McLeish said.
The proposed new national parks – Wombat-Lerderderg, Mt Buangor and Pyrenees – will cover more than 65,000 hectares and lock out bush users such as gold prospectors and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts, Ms McLeish said.
Future land arrangements for the Central Highlands remain unknown, Ms McLeish said.
In Parliament, Ms McLeish asked the Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos if any state forests will be converted to a national park. She said he Minister failed to answer the question directly.
“The Minister instead confirmed that the establishment of the ‘Great Forest National Park’ proposed by some environmental groups is not a government initiative or policy.
“In one breath Labor say they do not have policy to create national parks.
“In the next breath, they are already working to establish one. The future of the Central Highlands is up in the air.
“The Liberals and Nationals support the ongoing access to public land.
“We do not support the formation of more national parks.
“Bush users deserve clarity from their government about future access to their state parks and if they will be allowed to continue their favourite hobbies within Victoria.”
Ms McLeish said that anger has been building among bush user groups for some time, with more than 40,000 signatures collected in a petition against more national parks.
Firewood collectors, horse riders, trail bike riders, campers and dog walkers will all be impacted by the looming formation of new national parks, Ms McLeish said.