Victoria Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith

More Than 10,000 Hectares Added To Victoria’s Parks

Victor P Taffa

Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith has introduced the Parks and Crown Land Legislation Amendment Bill 2011 which will add 10,000 hectares to Victoria’s parks.

As part of the bill, which was introduced into Parliament this week;

• Lake Tyers State Park will be created in East Gippsland

• Frankston Natural Features Reserve will be reclassified as a nature conservation reserve

• St Arnaud Range National Park will be renamed Kara Kara National Park

Mr. Smith said the Coalition Government was committed to protecting and enhancing Victoria’s parks and reserves.

“These changes reflect the Victorian Coalition Government’s support for protecting the state’s natural assets. This bill adds around 10,000 ha of parkland for Victorians to enjoy.” Mr. Smith said.

Mr. Smith said the creation of Lake Tyers State Park and a new reserve on Raymond Island in the Gippsland Lakes will also fulfil a promise under the Gunaikurnai Recognition and Settlement Agreement.

“Working with Traditional Owners can enhance the way we manage public land. These changes reflect a focus on improving our approach in order to deliver better outcomes for the whole community.” Mr. Smith said.

“The name change from St Arnaud Range National Park to Kara Kara National Park reflects the wishes of the public and acknowledges the Aboriginal heritage of the site.”

“In addition to the new parks, this bill adds nearly 1,300 hectares to 12 existing parks and reserves across Victoria including; Alpine, Chiltern-Mt Pilot, French Island, Grampians, Kinglake, Lower Goulburn, Mitchell River, Mornington Peninsula and Warby-Ovens national parks as well as Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park, Macedon Regional Park and Otway Frost Park.”

Victoria has more than 4 million hectares, or more than 15 % of the state, which are national, wilderness, state and other park and reserve areas.