On the 50th anniversary of Victoria's landmark National Parks Act, conservationists are urging the Allan Government to deliver critical funding for the state's protected areas in next week's budget.
The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) has warned that without immediate investment in Parks Victoria, the future of the state's 3.5 million-hectare parks estate – spanning deserts in the north west to the rainforest of East Gippsland – is at risk.
"This Act is the reason some of our most important natural places survive today. But it can't keep doing this on the smell of an oily rag," said VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel.
"Last year we saw Parks Victoria hit with severe staff cuts, arbitrary reviews and the sacking of an experienced CEO. That's no way to treat the agency responsible for looking after the places millions of Victorians love and rely on.
"If the Allan Government continues to starve the agency of resources and take more boots off the ground, this incredible legacy won't last much longer. Next week's state budget needs to include proper funding for nature and Parks Victoria".
Parks Victoria now manages around 18% of Victoria's land and coastal waters with fewer full-time staff than when it was established in 1996. Its permanent workforce shrank by 12% last year, with many ranger roles sitting vacant to meet budget savings targets.
Established on 16 May 1975, the National Parks Act enshrined protection for many of Victoria's most iconic landscapes, supporting conservation, recreation and scientific research. Today, the parks estate hosts more than 50 million visits a year.
"The Act has done exactly what it was meant to: preserve our magnificent natural and cultural heritage and help Victorians experience it," Ruchel said.
Polling from RedBridge Group found 84% of Victorians said national parks are important to them and 85% of 18 to 34-year-olds backed the creation of new protected areas – including the long-promised Great Forest National Park and 50,000 hectares of new central west parks.
"Victoria's national parks are part of who we are. This government must match public support with real funding to ensure they endure for the next 50 years," Mr Ruchel said.
Since the early 1970s, Victoria's protected areas have grown from 23 national parks covering under 200,000 hectares to 139 parks spanning 3.47 million hectares.
* VNPA is an independent charity representing more than 30,000 Victorians
