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Conservation groups have expressed concern at the Victorian Government’s review into Parks Victoria and replacement of its CEO.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the review yesterday (Thursday, November 28).
“It’s clear that Parks Victoria’s current operations need to be improved to meet community expectations,” he says.
“We want as many Victorians as possible to enjoy the great outdoors.”
The review will be completed by March 2025 and will focus on reducing red tape, the minister says.
Dimopoulos announced current Parks Victoria CEO Matthew Jackson will leave with Graeme Dear to serve in an interim role.
“His leadership will ensure Parks Victoria continues to provide accessible, enjoyable outdoor experiences while protecting and enhancing the natural environment,” he says.
Parks Victoria has been caught up in a row over permanent cultural climbing bans in the Grampians and Mount Arapiles which prompted dismay and opposition in the climbing community.
VNPA REACTS
Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) executive director Matt Ruchel said nature conservation groups had serious concerns.
“It’s hard to see how major cuts to funding for Parks Victoria combined with an out-of-the-blue review meets community expectations,” he said.
“We are deeply concerned this is a trojan horse for dismantling hard-won nature protections.”
The association says new independent polling shows 80% of Victorians support national parks and back new national parks.
“National parks and reserves are key in our efforts to protect nature, and the public overwhelmingly supports that,” Ruchel said.
“While our precious parks are enjoyed for recreation, they also have the crucial role of protecting nature. This appears to be completely lost in the scope of review”.
Ruchel says national parks and reserves receive less than 0.5% of the state budget and needs more funding.
“Sufficient funding for core management must be central to the review,” he says.
“Biodiversity decline is in freefall and, combined with recent failures to come good on enhanced protections, this review only deepens our concern.”
The VNPA attacked the state government for backing down from promises to create new national parks including new central west parks in central Victoria.
“Nature and wildlife protection must be at the core of our parks and reserves for the benefit of Victorians for generations to come,” Ruchel said.
