‘No one wants a national park’: Outdoor enthusiasts furious over proposed land ban

Outraged outdoor enthusiasts are among thousands of Victorians calling on the Allan government to rule out introducing new restrictions and bans on public land.

Outraged campers, horse and trail bike riders and four-wheel-drivers are among thousands of Victorians demanding the state government rule out any new restrictions and bans on public land.

A push by environmental groups to convert about 300,000ha of the Central Highlands state forests into a national park is being considered by the Allan government.

The move, also being discussed with Indigenous groups, could see activities in the area, such as dispersed camping, dog walking, gold prospecting and cutting firewood restricted or stamped out.

Late last year, the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council released an interim report commissioned by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio.

It recommended turning about 75 per cent of the region’s 389,725ha of state forest into “a large protected area such as a national park”.

That would merge the existing Yarra Ranges, Kinglake, Lake Eildon and Baw Baw national parks and the Bunyip, Cathedral Ranges and Moondarra state parks.

Thousands of outdoor enthusiasts are demanding that the state government rule out plans to block off huge swathes of public land to create controversial national parks. Picture: Mark Stewart

Community consultations began earlier this year after native timber harvesting was officially banned on January 1, depleting the area of millions of dollars in revenue and leaving the land open to new uses.

Hundreds of angry locals, including key advocate Graham Jamieson, vowed to fight the proposal at a fiery meeting in Drouin – located on the edge of the proposed national park – late last month.

“We fear that they will effectively say the environment and work with the Indigenous groups trumps community sentiment,” he said.

“Bush users are keeping the tracks open, managing feral animals and enjoying the forests.”

Graham Jamieson, centre, vowed to fight the national park conversion proposal last month. He is pictured with prospectors Gordon Manks and David Saint. Picture: Mark Stewart

He said the independent panel responsible for consulting with stakeholders in the Central Highlands had previously recommended introducing “severe restrictions” in Mirboo North and the Strathbogie Ranges.

Panel chair Karen Cain was heckled as she addressed the crowd, with attendees yelling “no one wants a national park”.

Avid camper Dan Mattei, 25, said outdoor activities such as camping and four-wheel driving should remain untouched.

“Camping and nature is something that is so important to so many people and it should be protected and cherished,” he said.

“Nature and recreation is a release for so many caught up in the hustle and bustle of the world.”

Nicholas Dickinson may face fishing restrictions under the proposed land use bans. Picture: Mark Stewart

CEO of Field and Game Australia Lucas Cooke said his members would “strongly oppose” any further restrictions.

“We certainly stand for keeping the area open,” he said.

Mr Cooke said hunting bans were the “default” position in national parks.

4WD Victoria CEO Wayne Hevey said anytime the government talks about changing things “we get worried”.

Others expressed concerns about animals, particularly dogs and horses, being banned from the area, including local hound hunting groups.

Australian Trail Horse Riders Association Executive Officer Claire Tolcher feared riders’ concerns about restrictions to “highly valued” riding trails in the area would be ignored.

“Concerningly, the current (VEAC) report states that, “As exotic animals, horses are generally inappropriate in national and state parks,” she said.

Brody Blackwell, Dan Mattei, Riley Van Oosten are among thousands demanding the government rule out restrictions that could infringe on recreational land use. Picture: Mark Stewart

But environmentalist and key advocate for the proposed Great Forest National Park Sarah Rees said the shift would protect the environment, including animals “on the brink of extinction”, attract more visitors and help boost the local economy.

She said any opposition to a park “based on the banning of these activities seems to be based in scare-mongering”.

“From our perspective, and we live out here, we want new jobs, our communities have been through a lot and received little support, except in propping up logging,” she said.

Executive Director at the Victorian National Parks Association Matt Ruchel said “national parks and conservation reserve networks … are overwhelmingly popular with the broader community”.

Both denied that the proposal would lead to sweeping restrictions.

VEAC's suggested land use groupings for Central Highlands state forests. Picture: VEAC

Matt Landolfo from Campaigns Manager for Wilderness Society Victoria said the “government simply hasn’t done enough yet, to protect what remains of Victoria’s spectacular native forests.”

“If these forests are going to exist for the enjoyment of future generations, then it’s critical that they are protected through parks and reserves,” he said.

President of Bushwalking Victoria Robyn Shingles also supported the move, saying a national park “would likely increase the availability of trails for bushwalkers, opening up new areas for exploration and adventure”.

A government spokesman said the panel had been established to “listen to the communities’ views on what recreational uses and environmental protections are important to them”.

“The Panel has so far held over 45 targeted discussions and more than 400 people have attended community drop-in sessions,” he said.

“At these sessions more than 700 submissions have been recorded. More than 10,000 people have submitted their views via EngageVic.”