Four years after the Victorian Government pledged to create 60,000 hectares of new national parks and conservation reserves in the central west, community and conservation groups are demanding the Allan Government finally deliver on its original commitment.
On 24 June 2021, the government accepted expert recommendations to give forests and woodlands across Wombat, Wellsford, Mt Cole and Pyrenees increased protection as national parks and other conservation areas. The survival of 380 threatened plants and animals, including Greater Gliders and Swift Parrots, depends on safeguarding fragmented landscapes across central Victoria.
Despite repeated assurances legislation would be introduced, nothing has eventuated, with native forest salvage logging and industrial mining active in areas slated for inclusion in the new parks.
Victorian National Parks Association Nature Conservation Campaigner Ben Gill said the delays had eroded public trust: “These constantly broken promises betray communities, like mine, who've fought for decades to make sure our precious wildlife have a future. Instead of seeing legislation pass, we’ve seen bulldozers and chainsaws carve up the very habitat that should be safe in new expert-recommended national parks.
“These aren’t just statistics or conservation targets to me – they’re the Greater Gliders and skinks I’ve tracked for hours through valleys, the birds whose songs fill my mornings, the tiny native orchids I hope will emerge every Spring.”
In May the state government approved Canadian mining giant Agnico Eagle’s plan to build two toxic waste dams on the fringe of Wellsford Forest, clearing 210 mature habitat trees – despite recent sightings of more than 140 critically endangered Swift Parrots.
Wendy Radford and Stuart Fraser from the Bendigo and District Environment Council said it was time for Premier Allan to stop hiding behind process and legislate, “We wonder if the Allan Government values forests, endangered species or even its own promises”.
“A deadline was given to legislate Wellsford Forest by the end of 2024 – that promise was broken. Now we want a firm commitment, not more excuses. What is the real reason for the delay?”
Gayle Osborne from Wombat Forestcare said the community’s patience had worn thin. “The community's patience has run out. We don't want more hollow announcements or empty rhetoric. The Allan Government must immediately legislate the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park,” she said.
“Our community supports the creation of these parks – especially Mt Cole and the Pyrenees – and looks forward to our native forests finally getting the protection they need and deserve” said Christine Baines from the Mt Cole–Pyrenees Nature Group, adding “Their conservation value is of vital importance to both our region and the wider public.”
Media images folder here: Central West Media Photos
Contact details:
Ben Gill 0439 512 892
Gayle Osborne 0428 457 378
Wendy Radford 0437 475 760
