The Allan Labor Government must commit to maintaining public access and reject any proposal that would lock Victorians out of public land through the creation of new large scale National Parks.

Gippsland East Nationals’ MP, Tim Bull, said his colleague, Member for Eastern Victoria Region and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Public Land Use, Melina Bath, is sponsoring an e-petition opposing any potential closure of public access in Victorian State Forests.

Mr Bull said the petition had received an enormously positive response and encouraged all who felt the same way to sign it.

“After the closure of Victoria’s Native Timber Industry, land set aside for timber harvesting and areas of recreation on public managed bushland may be locked under a new policy shift lead by Labor.

“The government must rule out the creation of any new National Parks and ensure locals aren’t locked out of the bush, as the reality is, they are not managing the Parks they have now.

“We need better public land management practices, not a lock up and leave it mentality.

“Our bush needs to remain accessible for public recreation, with activities such as prospecting, horse riding, free camping, four-wheel driving, trail bike riding and bushwalking on the chopping block if more National Parks areas are declared.

“Public land belongs to the people and should continue to do so,” Mr Bull said.

Mr Bull encourages bush users of all varieties to sign a parliamentary e-petition opposing any potential closure of public access to Victorian state forests.

A copy of the petition can be signed at his office in Main Street Bairnsdale or the e-petition can be signed online https://www.parliament.vic.gov.au/get-involved/petitions/stop-the-creation-of-any-new-national-parks/ .

Monday, 8 July 2024