New National Parks Bill Tabled in Victoria

The creation of the Wombat-Lerderderg, Mount Buangor and Pyrenees national parks and other conservation reserves will protect tens of thousands of hectares of habitat. The legislation, promised in 2021, is a result of decades of tireless advocacy to keep irreplaceable landscapes and wildlife safe from logging, resource exploitation and neglect.

"This is a major milestone for Victoria's natural heritage and climate resilience," said VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel. "National Parks are the gold standard of protection. After four years of advocacy, we're thrilled the legislation is finally ready. These fragmented forest remnants are vital refuges in a landscape heavily cleared for agriculture".

The new parks will protect over 380 rare and threatened plants, animals and fungi, including Mt Cole Grevilleas, Brush-tailed Phascogales, Mountain Skinks and Powerful Owls. They will be Victoria's first substantial new national parks in 14 long years. Places that generations of people will come and enjoy.

"Wombat Forest is home to threatened wildlife, rich biodiversity and vital water catchments," said Gayle Osborne, spokesperson for Wombat Forestcare. "Today's legislation finally gives it the legal protection it deserves."

Wendy Radford, representing community efforts as Bendigo District Environment Group added: "Wellsford is cherished by countless visitors across the Bendigo region. Expanding protection for the whole Wellsford Forest as a regional park is a good start. Our beloved Box-Ironbark forests must remain a protected refuge for nature, people and our warming climate".

The new protected areas are vital for:

• Habitat connections: Securing vital habitat for threatened wildlife like Powerful Owls and Greater Gliders

• Water security: Protecting critical catchments supplying clean water to regional communities

• Cultural recognition: Empowering Traditional Owner co-management and cultural authority over Country

• Sustainable tourism: Supporting nature-based recreation and economic opportunities under the National Parks Act 1975

• Climate resilience: Advancing carbon sequestration and climate adaptation through restored, intact ecosystems

The parks legislation coincides with Victoria's groundbreaking Treaty process, following nearly a decade of work between the Victorian Government and the First Peoples' Assembly of Victoria. This creates unprecedented opportunities for Traditional Owner co-management of Country, aligning with the Traditional Owner Settlement Act 2010.

The final legislation, once passed, brings these areas under the permanent care of Parks Victoria and the community.

"Legislation is just the beginning," emphasised Osborne. "Decades of logging and neglect have left these forests vulnerable. We need substantial investment in ecological restoration, weed and feral species control."

Radford agreed: "We now need resourcing that matches the scale of the task – and the importance of what we've protected."

Conservation groups are calling on the Victorian Government to back the parks with funding that reflects their ecological and cultural significance, so future generations can experience thriving forests, flowing rivers and abundant wildlife.

"With stronger nature laws, Traditional Owner partnerships, and community support, we can now focus on proper funding and management of these precious places," concluded Ruchel.

However, recreation and conservation groups remain disappointed by the decision to open Errinundra and Snowy River National Parks to deer hunting, a move that contradicts endorsed park management plans and undermines the fundamental purpose of national parks as safe refuges for wildlife and visitors.