Push for new Wombat-Lerderderg National Park in Macedon Ranges

THE MACEDON Ranges could soon have its own national park, providing a refuge for rare species unique to the area, such as powerful owls and greater gliders.

THE MACEDON Ranges could soon have its own national park, providing a refuge for rare species unique to the area, such as powerful owls and greater gliders.

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s Central West Investigation recommends establishment of the new Wombat-Lerderderg National Park, encompassing 52,853ha of land from the two forest areas.

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Two other tracts of land would be declared a regional park which, like the national park listing, would rule out logging, but permit recreational activities such as horseriding, mountain biking and dog walking.

Regional parkland would be around Woodend, Daylesford, Trentham and other towns.

Wombat Forestcare president Gayle Osborne said a consultation process was underway, and she hoped the new park status come into effect next year.

Wombat Forestcare’s Gayle Osborne, Angela Halpin, Jack Moeller, Trevor Spiiers and Margaret Phillips, with Charlie and Billy, support the area getting national park status. Picture: Rob Leeson

“National park status will bring substantial benefits for what is there which includes the powerful owls and greater gliders, but also a lot of species unique to this area,” she said. “Importantly the park protection would mean no logging and no additional mining exploration.”

Greater gliders would be better protected in a new national park.

Wombat Forestcare has campaigned to provide greater protection to Wombat Forest.

The draft report is open for public comment until October 31, with final recommendations due March 2019.

The State Government will then decide on whether to accept the recommendations.

Macedon state Labor MP Mary-Anne Thomas said it was now time for people to read the report and have their say. “The Government will consider the final report once we receive it in March,” Ms Thomas said.

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Powerful owls live in the 52,853ha area earmarked for national park status.