Victorians will soon have even more reasons to explore the state’s forests, with the government committing $30 million to improve access, tracks and visitor amenities across Gippsland and North East Victoria.
Following the end of native timber harvesting, the government is backing community access to state forests, keeping them open, healthy and ready for recreational use. Premier Jacinta Allan said:
“My focus is to bring more families to the bush and more jobs to the regions – and that’s exactly what our plan for Victoria’s great outdoors will do.”
The investment will unlock 1.8 million hectares of forest, improve trails and campgrounds, and enhance key sites including Heyfield’s Cheynes Bridge Recreation Area, Buckland Valley Visitor Experience Area, and the next stage of the Yackandandah Creek Masterplan.
Tom McIntosh, Member for Eastern Victoria, said:
“You can’t appreciate our brilliant bush unless you get out amongst it, and that’s exactly what this package supports.”
Locals will also have a say in how money is spent in their communities, with $4 million allocated to pilot Healthy Forest Plans in Orbost and Noojee. Additional funding of $7.2 million will bolster ranger numbers to guide visitors, manage pests and protect native wildlife.
“By ending large-scale native timber harvesting, we’ve given our forests a future. Now we’re making sure every Victorian can share in it,” Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said. Harriet Shing, Member for Eastern Victoria, added:
“We’re making it easier for people to get outdoors with upgraded trails, better facilities and more opportunities to explore the natural beauty of Gippsland.”
The government’s full response to the Great Outdoors Taskforce and Eminent Panel for Community Engagement is available at deeca.vic.gov.au/futureforests.
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