By Olivia Condous
The state government has begun the process of creating three new national parks in Victoria, including one in the Moorabool Shire, but many residents aren’t happy about the changes.
The existing Lerderderg State Park and Wombat State Forest will combine to become the largest of the three new national parks, covering more than 44,000 hectares between Bacchus Marsh and Daylesford.
Bacchus Marsh resident and Bush User Groups United member Stephen Smitham said reclassifiying the forest would put an end to locals collecting firewood, dispersed camping, horse riding, dog walking and a range of other activities.
Mr Smitham has been camping in the area every year since 1972.
“Camping, if it’s allowed, will be at designated camping areas and likely to pay a fee.
“Some people find it good for their mental wellbeing, a camp away with the family or just with mates… with peace and quiet,” Mr Smitham said.
In 2018, the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) was ordered by the state government to investigate the future use and classifications of a number of state forests.
The VEAC draft report recommendations included establishing the Wombat-Lerderderg National Park, which received more than 1700 submissions against the change.
Mr Smitham said groups against the restrictions weren’t entirely opposed to the idea of a national park, but believed that a standard approach wasn’t appropriate.
“We can’t just have that one size fits all approach, we can have one that suits the area and it can be looked after by the bush users and the local community, as well as landcare groups.
“The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council should be disbanded and a new commission should be put together, involving Indigenous people, as well as the CFA, bush users and environmentalists, to remodel various national parks.”
Victorian environment minister Lily D’Ambrosio said the Wombat-Lerderderg national park was an important step to help protect native plants and wildlife.
“These parks will be a drawcard for nature-based tourism and recreation and an important destination for the community to learn from nature and experience the great outdoors.”
“These new national parks and all of the parks being created or expanded will enhance the opportunities for Victorians to experience our state’s unique landscape now and into the future.”
