The Victorian Government has opened public consultation on the future of the state’s forests.
Minister for Environment, Steve Dimopoulos visited Coopers Creek Campground in Gippsland to announce that Victorians can share their ideas as part of the Great Outdoors Taskforce consultation.
“Victoria is home to some of the most impressive forests in the world, and we want as many Victorians as possible to enjoy the great outdoors,” said Mr Dimopoulos.
“We want to grow opportunities for Victorians to enjoy the outdoors and ensure our forests continue to attract visitors from across the globe to camp, bush walk, hunt, horse ride, BMX, four-wheel drive, walk their dogs, fish and more.”
The Government established the Great Outdoors Taskforce earlier this year, to consult with the Victorian community and provide recommendations to government on the management of state forests in Gippsland, East Gippsland and the North East.
“This is a landmark opportunity to open up 1.8 million hectares of Victoria’s native forests that were formerly used for native timber harvesting, with new opportunities for recreation and tourism, while also ensuring we protect the things Victorians love about the bush,” said Minister Dimopoulos.
He said the Great Outdoors Taskforce will ensure options for future uses and care of the forest are explored, including protecting the unique things that Victorians love most about the environment while also maximising recreational opportunities.
“The outdoors are there to be experienced and admired, not locked away. Our focus is to bring more families to the bush and more jobs to the regions – while still protecting our environment,” said Great Outdoors Taskforce chair, Lisa Neville.
The Taskforce will not be making any recommendation for large-scale changes to land tenure, the Victorian Government said in a statement.
The consultation is open until 12 January 2025 at engage.vic.gov.au/the-future-of-state-forests.
