"It's deeply disappointing and a missed opportunity for nature, Victoria's publicly owned bushland and the communities who cherish it," said VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel.
Conservationists warn the lack of protection leaves these public forests vulnerable to destruction from logging and mining operations. To protect nature in national parks, logging, mining and major infrastructure development are banned. But they remain permissible in unprotected public land such as state forests.
"The end of native forest logging presented a once-in-a-generation opportunity to safeguard millions of hectares of public land for wildlife and people. Instead, we've been handed a collection of small projects that don't add up to genuine protection. It's light on, lacklustre, lazy policy." said Ruchel.
"This is a massive missed opportunity by the Allan Government, and we won't stop calling for better protection of these amazing forests and wildlife. We can have a world-class national park just 90 minutes from Melbourne."
The announcement comes after years of consideration beginning in 2021, involving an eminent panel, taskforce and community consultation. It represents a significant backflip from the Allan Government's 2019 commitment to create "the largest environmental protection plan in our state's history" and "the largest expansion to our forest reserve system in our state's history."
Notably absent from the plan are major new park announcements for the 1.8 million hectares of state forest in eastern Victoria, ignoring the longstanding community campaign for the Great Forest National Park. The proposed park has garnered support from Sir David Attenborough and Dr. Jane Goodall. The plan also appears to abandon the government's own Immediate Protected Areas announced in 2019 for the Central Highlands and East Gippsland.
"There are still significant legal loopholes in Victoria, which would allow the return of destructive native forest logging. At a minimum these loopholes must be closed, but this threat also appears to be ignored even though the changes were recommended by their own taskforce".
The plan allocates just $30 million of the $1.3 billion forest industry transition package, suggesting nature sits at the bottom of the government's priority list. While the $30 million investment in additional rangers, trails, facilities and planning is welcome, it's a drop in the ocean compared to what's needed to address invasive species, climate disruption and the multitude of other threats facing Victoria's forests.
The plan does appear to support recommendations for new reserves in the Strathbogies and Mirboo North, which are welcome protections.
Victorian National Parks Association welcomes the new central west parks currently before parliament, though this follows a separate Victorian Environment Assessment Investigation that commenced in 2017.
About us:
About us: Victorian National Parks Association are an effective and influential nature conservation organisation. We've led the creation, protection and defence of Victoria's natural estate for over 70 years.
VNPA advocates for evidence-based policy to safeguard wildlife, habitat and protected areas. We inspire connections with nature through citizen science, activities, community action and education.
We are an independent, non-government, for purpose and membership-based charity.
