Victorian National Parks Association
The Allan Labor Government has dumped long-standing plans for a new Great Forest National Park in Victoria’s Central Highlands.
Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos used his address to the recent ETU delegates conference to publicly rule out the park, blindsiding conservationists, scientists, and Yarra Ranges locals who have spent more than a decade campaigning for it.
The backflip has drawn fierce criticism from environmental groups, who say the decision overrides public consultation, ignores expert advice, and caves in to narrow vested interests.
The Minister’s remarks pre-empt two major government-commissioned reports: a 2023 ecological assessment that found the Central Highlands forest worthy of national park protection, and the findings of an Eminent Panel for Community Engagement initiated in 2021 but yet to report publicly.
Polling conducted by RedBridge shows four in five Victorians support the creation of new national parks, with lower-income households among the most frequent park visitors due to their affordability, safety, and accessibility.
The Great Forest National Park proposal has been backed by global conservation icons including Sir David Attenborough, Jane Goodall, and Bob Irwin, father of the late Steve Irwin.
Despite this, the Allan Government’s withdrawal of support was quietly released via Field & Game Australia’s social media – an organisation that has long opposed new protected areas.