Gippslanders are being urged to join the fight to prevent the Allan Labor Government from locking bush users out of state forests through the creation of new national parks.
The Nationals Member for Gippsland South, Danny O’Brien is calling on locals to sign an online petition opposing closure of public access to Victoria’s state forests.
“Locking up public forests not only prevents Gippslanders from enjoying legal, traditional past times, but also increases the risk of bushfire,” Mr O’Brien said.
“The Allan Labor Government must rule out the creation of any new national parks and ensure locals aren’t locked out of the bush.”
The petition, which has been sponsored by Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Public Land Use and The Nationals Member for Eastern Victoria, Melina Bath, will be tabled in Parliament later this year.
Mr O’Brien said The Nationals strongly support active management of state forests which should include continued support for bush users through continued public access to public land.
“We love our forests and our natural environment but to continuing loving it we must look after it. Good forest management practice does not mean locking people out – locking up public land is not a conservation strategy, it’s neglect.
“The Allan Government’s appalling environmental policies will only lead to overgrown tracks, increased bushfire risk and a boom in invasive weeds and feral animals.”
Mr O’Brien highlighted that the creation of a new national park in Gippsland would make activities such as prospecting, free camping, horse riding, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding, dog walking and hunting illegal.
“Public land belongs to the people and should continue to do so.”
The e-petition can be signed online https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/stop-the-creation-of-any-new-national-parks.