Media releases
Burke decision on alpine cattle grazing a victory for good science and commonsense
Tuesday, 31 January 2012
Today's announcement by federal environment minister Tony Burke to ban cattle grazing from the Alpine National Park has been applauded by the Victorian National Parks Association as a victory for commonsense and good science.
The VNPA led the community campaign against the Baillieu Government's deeply flawed decision to reintroduce cattle grazing as part of a nonsensical scientific trial in the Alpine National Park.
True blue and counting: fish count gears up to monitor Victoria's bluest and rarest
Friday, 2 December 2011
This weekend more than 300 divers and snorkellers will plunge into Victoria's spectacular marine environment for the annual Great Victorian Fish Count, which kicks off on Saturday and runs for two weeks.
"This year all things blue will be on the Fish Count radar because sometimes the wonders of the deep blue sea are, well, as blue as that sea," Victorian National Parks Association's Reef Watch co-ordinator Wendy Roberts said today.
Anglesea heathlands should be protected, not handed over to mining giant Alcoa
Tuesday, 22 October 2011
Environment groups have accused the State Government of failing to justify its decision to renew a 50 year lease that will put control of Anglesea's nationally significant heathlands into the hands of mining giant Alcoa.
Firewood free-for-all sets Victorian parks management back decades
Thursday, 27 October 2011
The Victorian National Parks Association today slammed the Baillieu Government for setting national parks protection back decades by allowing firewood collection in River Red Gum national parks along the Murray River.
Landmark decision protects Alpine National Park from cattle grazing
Friday, 21 October 2011
The Federal Government has today made a landmark decision to pass regulations that will protect the Alpine National Park from damaging cattle grazing, introduced by the BaillieuGovernment last year under the guise of scientific research.
Alpine grazing trial produces nothing new
Friday, 14 October 2011
Results released today of last year's controversial alpine cattle grazing trial only prove what a waste of time and money the so-called scientific experiments have been, the Victorian National Parks Association said today.
Victorian marine inquiry ignores almost 90 per cent of coastal waters
Thursday, 13 September 2011
Almost 90 per cent of Victoria's coastal waters have been left out of a new inquiry into threats facing the state's marine environment, the Victorian National Parks Association said today.
"The State Government's new marine investigation is far too narrow and only focuses on 11% of coastal waters already protected in marine reserves," said VNPA Marine and Coastal Project Officer Simon Branigan.
Report offers Victorian river solution on World Rivers Day
Sunday, 25 September 2011
A new report 'Riverside Rescue' launched today on World Rivers Day highlights Victoria's degraded rivers and streams and identifies policy solutions that would help the Baillieu Government repair rivers and improve water quality across Victoria.
Firewood collection a threat to red gum national parks
Wednesday, 22 September 2011
The Victorian National Parks Association is deeply alarmed at a decision by the Baillieu Government to amend the state's national parks legislation to allow firewood collection in red gum national parks along the Murray River.
Baillieu Government burns private firewood suppliers
Wednesday, 31 August 2011
Conservation groups have described a Baillieu Government decision to scrap permits needed to collect firewood on public land as environmentally irresponsible and anti-competitive.
Federal Government will put the 'national' into national parks
Thursday, 21 July 2011
The Victorian National Parks Association has welcomed moves by federal environment minister Tony Burke to add Commonwealth protection to Australia's national parks."This will truly put the 'national' into national parks," VNPA spokesman Phil Ingamells said today.
Westernport Bay legislation sets government on collision course with environment and community groups
Thursday, 30 June 2011
New legislation due to be debated in State Parliament today will set the Victorian Government on a collision course with environment and community groups over plans to expand the Port of Hastings in Westernport Bay.
Voluntary water buybacks must continue to save the Murray-Darling
Thursday, 2 June 2011
Victorian environment groups have called on the Federal Government to stick to its election promise to 'bridge the gap' and save the Murray-Darling river system by buying back water entitlements from willing sellers.
Good news for friendliest fish in the sea
The Victorian National Parks Association today welcomed the State Government's decision to protect the eastern and western blue groper from fishing by imposing a 12 month 'no catch' limit.
"The blue groper is known as the friendliest fish in the sea, due to its habit of swimming up to divers to take a closer look," said Marine and Coastal Project Officer Simon Branigan.
Report provides blueprint for Baillieu Government approach to nature conservation
Wednesday, 25 May 2011
Victoria's leading nature conservation group has highlighted a key opportunity for the Baillieu Government to demonstrate its policy approach to nature conservation - by supporting the recommendations of a report tabled in Parliament yesterday by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC).
Murray-Darling Basin Authority 'cooks the books' on community consultation
Friday, 20 May 2011
The Murray-Darling Basin Authority's summary of feedback on their controversial guide to the proposed Basin Plan ignores and censors the vast majority of submissions, which support stronger action to revive the ailing river system, environment groups say.
Alpine grazing battle not over till the cows come home - permanently!
Thursday, 7 April 2011
More than 500 people filled the Box Hill Town Hall last night in a strong show of public opposition to the State Government's six-year alpine grazing trial.
'Cattle' romp through Melbourne's heritage icon
Tuesday, 22 March 2011
A herd of four life-sized cow puppets visited Melbourne's heritage icons today, including Parliament House and the Royal Exhibition Building, as environment groups ramped up calls for the Baillieu Government to abandon its six-year cattle grazing trial in the heritage-listed Alpine National Park.
Environment groups applaud federal decision on Alpine grazing: Victoria must remove cattle
Friday, 18 March 2011
The Victorian National Parks Association and The Wilderness Society have welcomed federal environment minister Tony Burke's decision to demand that the Victorian Government refer its trial of cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park for proper assessment under national environment laws.
Tourism facilities in national parks could kill 'golden egg'
Tuesday, 8 March 2011
The Victorian National Parks Association says a recommendation by the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission to open national parks to private tourism facilities is simplistic and would be a dangerous new direction for park management.
Statement: Misinformation campaign continues on alpine cattle grazing
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
Today's claims by the Mountain Cattlemen's Association of Victoria regarding a recent visit to the Alpine National Park by federal environment minister Tony Burke, the media and the Victorian National Parks Association highlights the extent to which MCAV will go to mislead the public on alpine cattle grazing.
Government must act to protect Victoria's marine environment, says Auditor-General
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
A report by Victoria's Auditor-General on the management of the state's marine protected areas (MPAs) has highlighted some clear gaps and failings in the way this spectacular underwater world is cared for.
Alpine grazing precedent threatens all parks
Wednesday, 9 February 2011
The Victorian Government's so called 'scientific trial' of cattle grazing in the Alpine National Park could set a precedent that would open the gate for cattle grazing and other damaging activities in national parks around the country, environment and heritage groups have warned.
Alpine cattle discovered trampling endangered frogs and wetlands
Saturday, 5 February 2011
Cattle recently allowed into Victoria's Alpine National Park as a 'scientific trial' are trampling threatened Alpine Tree Frogs and their wetland habitat, says leading alpine ecologist Dr Henrik Wahren.
The Alpine Tree Frog and alpine wetlands are listed as nationally threatened under the Commonwealth Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
Call for federal intervention to halt march of cattle back into the Alpine National Park
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
The Victorian National Parks Association has written to Federal Environment Minister Tony Burke, calling on him to intervene and stop the march of cattle back into the fragile Alpine National Park.
Legal advice confirms Victorian Alpine grazing plans will need federal approval
Wednesday, 12 January 2011
The Victorian National Parks Association has released legal advice confirming that the Baillieu Government must refer any plans to return cattle grazing to the Alpine National Park to the Federal Government for consideration and approval.
Divers take the plunge for the Great Victorian Fish Count
Friday, 3 December 2010
Hundreds of volunteer divers will suit up and plunge into Victoria's marine waters over the next two weeks for the Great Victorian Fish Count.
The annual event, run by Reef Watch Victoria, will see around 200 divers and 200 snorkellers take to the water at 25 sites from East Gippsland to Portland to count fish and take a snapshot of our marine environment's health.
Victorian environment in voters' hands this Saturday
Friday, 26 November 2010
Victoria's four leading environment groups have published a final assessment of the main parties' environment policies one day ahead of the state election, saying the next four years will be crucial for deciding the fate of Victoria's climate, rivers, forests and wildlife.
Groups call for a halt to Port of Hastings expansion plans
Monday, 22 November 2010
Environment and community groups are calling for a halt on plans to significantly expand the Port of Hastings due to the unacceptable risks they pose to Westernport Bay's environmental and recreational values.
"Westernport has remarkable environmental and recreational values right on Melbourne's doorstep," said the Victorian National Parks Association's Marine and Coastal Project Officer Simon Branigan.
Grab bag for Victoria's natural environment exposes need for new approach
Responding to Labor's parks and environment policy announcement today the Victorian National Parks Association and The Wilderness Society said there needs to be a new vision and comprehensive plan for Victoria's natural areas.
"Victoria is the most cleared state in Australia and has some of the highest numbers of threatened plants and animals in the country," the VNPA's executive director Matt Ruchel said.
Coalition bushfire response fails to support vital fuel reduction research
Wednesday, 17 November 2010
The Coalition's statement today on bushfire policy fails to understand the complexities of fire management, and the need to build our expertise in fire prevention.
"The Coalition appears to have ignored two important recommendations of the Bushfires Royal Commission," the VNPA's fire project spokesperson Phil Ingamells said today.
Natural gems of central Victoria listed on new 'Register of Special Places' website
Thursday, 11 November 2010
The Victorian National Parks Association and local environment groups today released a new online 'Register of Special Places' for areas of high conservation significance needing better protection across central Victoria.
Coalition lagging on environment
Wednesday, 10 November 2010
Victoria's four major environment groups say they are sorely disappointed by the handful of environment policies released by the Victorian Coalition so far in the lead up to the state election.
The groups today released an updated assessment of the environment policies of the three major parties. The Greens have increased their score from 90 to 93 per cent and Labor's score has risen from 45 to 47 per cent, but the Liberal-National Coalition has fallen a further three percentage points, with a total of just 11 per cent.
Coalition commits to independent environment council and marine inquiry
Tuesday, 9 November 2010
The VNPA has welcomed the Coalition's commitments to retain the independent Victorian Environmental Assessment Council and initiate a new investigation into the marine environment, marine national parks, and the state of Victoria's rivers and wetlands.
"Thanks to VEAC, Victoria has the best process in Australia for dealing with public land and natural resource management," said VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel.
Opinion: Why cattle will never again roam free in the high country
Sunday, 31 October 2010
The VNPA's Phil Ingamells discusses why the Victorian Coalition's promise to return cattle grazing to the state's high country is a backward move, and analyses why cattle shouldn't, indeed can't, return to the Alpine National Park.
Victoria's marine world on display
Friday, 29 October 2010
The Victorian National Parks Association is continuing its campaign to highlight the unique and threatened values of Victoria's marine world by launching a new website, Explore Underwater Victoria, and releasing the third edition of the field guide Life on the Rocky Shores.
Environment policy race on for state election
Wednesday, 20 October 2010
Victoria's four major environment groups today released the first of three independent environment policy scorecards in the lead-up to November's state election.
Based on an analysis of public policy announcements to date, and a survey completed by all major parties, The Greens are currently leading with a score of 90 per cent, Labor is in second place on 45 per cent, and the Liberal-National Coalition are trailing on 14 per cent.
VNPA applauds decision to retain VEAC
Friday, 15 October 2010
The Victorian National Parks Association has welcomed today's announcement by the Brumby Government that it will retain the state's key independent environmental advisory body, the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council.
Thirteen thirsty reasons for action on water for red gum parks
Thursday, 14 October 2010
Two of Victoria's leading environment groups today released 'The Thirsty 13' - a guide showcasing thirteen plants and animals at serious risk if Victoria's new River Red Gum national parks are not allocated enough water.
"The Thirsty 13 species have been literally dying for a drink for years. Without immediate action, the next Victorian government will condemn the Thirsty 13, and many others, to a grim future," Victorian National Parks Association spokesman Nick Roberts said today.
Partial protection for East Gippsland forest icons
Friday, 1 October 2010
Environment groups have welcomed the announcement today by Victorian Environment Minister Gavin Jennings that 45,500 hectares of old growth and other forests in East Gippsland will be added to the conservation reserve system.
National Parks Association Philip Ingamells said.
New TV ad showcases Mornington's unique marine life
Thursday, 30 September 2010
The Mornington Peninsula's unique marine life is starring in a new TV commercial promoting marine conservation.
Weedy Seadragons, Bottlenose Dolphins, Blue Devilfish and Port Jackson Sharks are among the colourful local marine life featuring in the new ad.
New leadership an opportunity to create a new future for national park management
Monday, 27 September 2010
The Victorian National Parks Association today welcomed the Brumby Government's appointment of an internationally renowned conservation planner as the new chief executive of Parks Victoria.
Dr Bill Jackson, currently Deputy Director-General of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), has the capacity and opportunity to bring Victoria's conservation management firmly into the 21st century.
Awareness campaign highlights unique features of Victoria's marine world
Monday, 20 September 2010
The Victorian National Parks Association has launched a new television ad featuring some of Victoria's unique and beautiful marine life.
The ad, which began screening across Victoria yesterday, is part of a new campaign to raise awareness about the unique values of our marine environment and some of the threats facing the state's marine and coastal areas.
Local burn targets, not a statewide target, need to be considered
Friday, 27 August 2010
The Victorian National Parks Association today called on the State Government to have a close look at regional targets for fuel reduction burning instead of a one size fits all statewide target, and to increase funding for ecological monitoring and research.
Environment groups call for regional fuel reduction burn targets
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
The Victorian National Parks Association and the Wilderness Society today released a more detailed response to the final report of the 2009 Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission, addressing the issues of fuel reduction burning, clearing of roadside vegetation and planning, and native vegetation controls.
Environment groups supportive of final bushfire report
Saturday, 24 July 2010
Environment groups have welcomed the final report of the Victorian Bushfires Royal Commission saying they understand why it has recommended a statewide target of five per cent for fuel reduction burning to achieve the number one goal of protecting human lives.
"In recommending this target, we welcome the emphasis the Royal Commission has placed on the urgent need to gather further data, undertake greater research and monitoring and establish a commonwealth centre for bushfire research," spokesman for the Victorian National Parks Association Philip Ingamells said.
New research shows action needed on marine protection
Saturday, 24 July 2010
A highly anticipated scientific report into the urgent need to better protect Victoria's marine environment was released by the Victorian National Parks Association today.
Launching the report at Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary on Port Phillip Bay, VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel said the association would not be deterred by this week's knee-jerk decision by the Brumby Government to rule out new marine parks in the next term of government.
Knee-jerk reaction betrays marine environment
Thursday, 22 July 2010
The Victorian National Parks Association has expressed dismay and anger at the State Government's decision to rule out any increase in the number of marine national parks in Victoria in the next term of government.
Victoria should be a leader in marine protection
Friday, 16 July 2010
Victoria's marine environment is diverse, beautiful and unique, with 80% of marine species found nowhere else on earth, the Victorian National Parks Association said today.
"Marine national parks are the most effective and efficient way to protect unique habitats," VNPA's Marine and Coastal Project Officer Simon Branigan said.
Brumby Government opens door to woodchipping in Central Victoria
Wednesday, 7 July 2010
Environment groups are alarmed at a Brumby Government decision that opens the door to woodchipping of state forests in Central Victoria by handing over timber rights in the region to VicForests.
"High conservation value forests across central and western Victoria are being targeted by VicForests," Victorian National Parks Association spokesman Nick Roberts said today.
Anger at Brumby Government plan to axe key environment institution
Sunday, 27 June 2010
The future of planning for the protection of native plants and animals is under threat from a Brumby Government decision to abolish the independent Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC).
Brumby Government breaks historic parks promise
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Conservation groups today condemned a Brumby Government decision to allow recreational shooting of native water birds in the new Murray River Park, which stretches between Wodonga and Mildura.
Oil spill risk makes marine protection a federal election issue
Monday, 21 June, 2010
Rising community and environmental concern about a lack of action to provide safeguards against the risk of large scale oil spills in Australia will be a high profile issue leading up to the federal election, Australia's leading conservation groups said today in a joint statement.
Bastion Point decision in Jennings' hands
Thursday, 27 May, 2010
Environment groups have called on Victorian Environment Minister Gavin Jennings to reject the environmentally damaging Bastion Point Boat Harbour proposal in the wake of today's Supreme Court decision.
The Honourable Justice Osborn, of the Supreme Court of Victoria, delivered his judgement on the case Friends of Mallacoota vs Minister of Planning and Anor.
Call for better protection of special places in Central Victoria
Monday, 24 May 2010
A new report released today calls for a dramatic increase in government spending to manage Central Victoria's natural areas and greater protection of more than 100,000 hectares of state forest.
The report, Better Protection for Special Places, released by the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), documents a new investigation into the natural values of 20 areas covering 108,000 ha of state forest across Central Victoria.
Groups unite to applaud NSW red gum parks decision
Wednesday, 20 May 2010
Eleven environment groups today united to applaud action by the Keneally Government to increase the area of new River Red Gum national parks in NSW and deliver improved outcomes for Traditional Owners.
Environmental water buybacks a priority
Friday, 26 February 2010
The Victorian National Parks Association today welcomed the State Government's commitment to deliver environmental water to stressed river red gum forests and wetlands along the Murray River at Mulcra Island near Mildura.
2009 media releases...
Grasslands must be protected for future
Wednesday, 16 December, 2009
A leading conservation group today supported calls by Victorian researchers to save Melbourne’s unique grasslands environment from the Brumby Government’s plans to extend Melbourne’s urban growth boundary (UGB).
In a statement released yesterday, researchers highlighted studies by the University of Melbourne, La Trobe University and RMIT University, which have shown that even small patches of grasslands, such as those earmarked for clearing under the UGB proposal, can support populations of endangered species.
50 year vision brings hope for Victorian environment
Tuesday, 8 December, 2009
An alliance of leading environment groups today welcomed the Victorian Government’s 50-year vision to reverse the state’s loss of nature and to reconnect the landscape, but warned it would take serious investment to make this vision a reality.
"The Victoria Naturally Alliance applauds the government’s new Land and Biodiversity White Paper and its proposal to reconnect the landscape with very large networks of wildlife corridors," alliance spokesperson Karen Alexander said.
Great Victorian Fish Count: finding fish on the run from climate change
Saturday, 5 December, 2009
Volunteer divers will today suit up and plunge into Victoria's marine waters to explore kelp forests, seagrass meadows and sponge gardens as part of the annual Great Victorian Fish Count.
Held every year since 2005, the volunteer-based Great Victorian Fish Count is part of a program that is revealing a changing marine world in which species are moving further south as a result of rising ocean temperatures under climate change.
Boobook Declaration: Environment groups call for action in 2010 International Year of Biodiversity
Friday, 4 December, 2009
The Victorian National Parks Association has joined 40 environment groups from across Australia to call on the Australian Government to act decisively to protect biodiversity in 2010, the United Nations International Year of Biodiversity.
The groups, representing hundreds of thousands of Australians, want the Federal Government to triple biodiversity investment to $9 billion over three years for on-ground work, stewardship payments, water buy-back, protected area extension and management, research, education and training.
New national parks now a reality
Friday, 27 November, 2009
Victoria's much-loved magnificent River Red Gums along the Murray, Goulburn and Ovens rivers in northern Victoria will now be protected for many generations to come.
Legislation passed in State Parliament last night gave the green light for the creation of almost 100,000 hectares of new River Red Gum national parks from Lake Hume to the South Australian border, a decision much-applauded by the state's leading environment groups.
Green groups put parties on notice
Friday, 27 November, 2009
A healthy environment and a safe future for all Victorians must be the top priority for all parties contesting the 2010 state election, Victoria's leading environment groups said today.
One year out from the state election the Victorian National Parks Association, Environment Victoria, The Wilderness Society and Friends of the Earth have released a document outlining seven key areas that require urgent action by the party that wins next November's state election.
Bay dredging clean-up fudged
Wednesday 25 November, 2009
Following the announcement today that channel dredging in Port Phillip Bay has been completed, the Victorian National Parks Association revealed that the Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) breached key environmental conditions, consequently damaging significant marine life in the bay.
Documents from the PoMC website show the Queen of the Netherlands ship continued to dredge areas of Port Phillip Bay that had not been adequately cleaned - a clear breach of the standards set out in the Environmental Management Plan.
Liberal Party conservation credentials shattered
Thursday 12 October, 2009
The Victorian Liberal Party has ruined its conservation credentials after indicating in Parliament last night that they would vote against a Bill to create new River Red Gum national parks along the Murray River.
The Bill follows a three year independent investigation by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council, a body whose predecessor the Lands (Land) Conservation Council was originally created by the Victorian Liberal Party.
Liberals must support historic parks legislation
Thursday 16 October, 2009
Environment groups today congratulated the Brumby Government's decision to legislate for a chain of new River Red Gum national parks along the Murray, Goulburn and Ovens rivers in northern Victoria.
The Australian Conservation Foundation, Friends of the Earth, The Wilderness Society, Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) and Environment Victoria have described the commitment as one of the most significant in Victoria's history and called on the Liberal Party to support the legislation in the Upper House.
Opinion: Shame on us
Shame on us that Tim Flannery has to take his conservation plea to Europe (The Age, Oct9). We can afford $42 billion on built infrastructure but almost nothing on our natural infrastructure, the very system that holds our ecological home together.
Scientists warn government about 'cows in rivers' policy
Tuesday 6 October, 2009
Cow faeces will continue to pollute most of Victoria's rivers as the Brumby Government prepares to re-issue stock grazing licences, despite receiving strong legal and scientific advice against doing so.
A new report, Human Health Risk From Crown Water Frontage Licences, released today from Monash University, links human health risks and poor water quality to rivers in which cattle are permitted to graze.
Port of Melbourne should cough up for bay dredging damage bill
Thursday, September 10, 2009
The Port of Melbourne Corporation should be forced to use its environmental performance bond to make up for the serious and unexpected dredging impacts on Port Phillip Bay's unique sponge gardens, the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) and the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF) said today.
VNPA spokesperson Paige Shaw said the Brumby Government should make those responsible pay for turning Melbourne's colourful sponge gardens into a construction site.
Planned burns and clearing will not stop catastrophic fire events: report
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Prescribed burns did not significantly slow the spread of bushfire in the catastrophic conditions of Black Saturday, states a new report released today.
The report, commissioned by the Australian Conservation Foundation (ACF), The Wilderness Society and the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), analyses the driving influences of the February 7 fires and looks at how the fires passed through and affected different areas of land. It was submitted to the Royal Commission today.
Government's 'cows in rivers' policy a legal liability
Friday, September 4, 2009
Premier John Brumby could face legal action if he fails to act on a report released today detailing how the Victorian Government's 'cows in rivers' policy poses serious risks to human health.
Industry job loss claims overblown
August 28, 2009
Environment groups have called for the River Red Gum logging industry and its lobby groups to apologise for creating unnecessary community concern over job losses associated with the creation of new Red Gum national parks along the River Murray.
Opinion: Re-think fuel reduction burns
Printed in the Weekly Times, August 26, 2009
The fires of Black Saturday were truly terrible, but it may be time to take a deep breath before we take revenge on the bush, writes Phil Ingamells.
Brumby Government to continue logging Victoria's 500-year-old forests
August 21, 2009
To the disappointment of Victoria’s leading conservation groups, the Brumby Government today announced that the remaining areas of Brown Mountain old growth forest in Victoria’s east will be logged, mostly for woodchips to be exported to Japan to make paper.
Conservation groups welcome legal action against planning minister
August 6, 2009
Conservation groups today welcomed the decision by Friends of Mallacoota to take Victorian Planning Minister Justin Madden to the Supreme Court to challenge his approval of an extensive boat ramp and breakwater development at Mallacoota in the state's far-east.
End to logging signals exciting new era for River Red Gum Parks
June 29, 2009
The Victorian National Parks Association today heralded the end to commercial logging in a majority of Victoria’s River Red Gum forests as a significant step towards the creation of world class national parks.
VNPA spokesperson Nick Roberts said the end to damaging logging on 30 June would help protect many threatened species and ensure their survival into the future.
City sprawl could eat up endangered grasslands and prized green wedges
June 17, 2009
The proposed large-scale expansion of the urban growth boundary announced today by the Brumby Government could gobble up some of Melbourne's green wedges and destroy significant areas of endangered native grasslands, conservation and local environment groups say.
Matt Ruchel, executive director of the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), welcomed the proposal for new grassland reserves but said expansion of the urban growth boundary could destroy thousands of hectares of endangered grasslands.
Planning minister betrays Victorian Coastal Strategy
June 11, 2009
Minister for Planning Justin Madden today ignored the basic principles of the Victorian Coastal Strategy 2008 when he announced the go ahead for the controversial Bastion Point breakwater and headland development in Mallacoota in the state's far-east.
Pt Nepean quarantine station 'outstanding' addition to national park
June 2, 2009
The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) today congratulated both the state and federal governments for delivering on their election commitments to transfer the 90 hectare National Heritage listed Point Nepean Quarantine Station to Victoria and for making the area part of the Point Nepean National Park.
Brumby Government protecting paddocks instead of 500-year-old forests
May 25, 2009
An investigative report released today reveals that the Brumby Government is breaking a 2006 election promise by protecting paddocks and previously logged areas instead of Victoria's ancient old growth forests.
Superb Parrot protected from logging
May 11, 2009
The Victorian National Parks Association today welcomed the Federal Government's decision to protect the vulnerable Superb Parrot by halting the logging of its River Red Gum forest habitat in NSW.
Red Gum parks and Point Nepean the winners in 2009 Victorian State Budget
May 6, 2009
The Victorian National Parks Association today congratulated the State Government on budget spending for Victoria's Point Nepean and River Red Gum national parks.
VNPA Campaigns Manager Megan Clinton said the River Red Gums parks announcement, which includes the structural adjustment package, would ensure effective management of the iconic area and encourage more regional jobs.
Red Gum parks will deliver economic, environmental and social benefits
April 22, 2009
The Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) today welcomed Environment Minister Gavin Jennings' visit to northern Victoria to talk with local communities about the development of new River Red Gum national parks and how they will impact on future investment and job creation in the area.
Calls for land transfer to secure historic protection of Point Nepean National Park
April 6, 2009
The Victorian National Parks Association is calling on the Brumby and Rudd governments to fulfil their election commitments and transfer the Point Nepean Quarantine Station to Victoria and designate it as a national park as a matter of urgency.
Logging of ‘Valley of the Giants’ forest walk must stop
January 22, 2009
Victoria’s leading conservation groups today called on the Victorian Government to end logging of old growth forest around the proposed ‘Valley of the Giants’ forest walk in East Gippsland.
