The Victorian Coalition Government has further demonstrated its commitment to the Mildura Riverfront Redevelopment with the announcement of the advancement of the Langtree Avenue city to river connection. Read More

The Victorian Coalition Government’s Gippsland Lakes Environmental Strategy was launched
in East Gippsland today, along with a range of new projects that will benefit the iconic
Gippsland Lakes. Read More

Deputy Premier and Member for Gippsland South Peter Ryan said Victoria would be able to compete with other states to gain a market share in the lucrative eco-tourism sector, with guidelines allowing environmentally friendly and sustainable tourism in national parks released on Sunday.

Mr Ryan said eco-tourism was an important driver of jobs and income for local communities, and the changes would allow Victoria to improve its offering to travellers to induce them to stay longer in regional areas.
Mr Ryan said the guidelines followed the release of an independent report by the Victorian Competition and Efficiency Commission which recommended ‘sensible and sensitive developments in national parks’ as a measure to unlock Victorian tourism.

“The Victorian Coalition Government has embraced the recommendations to stimulate and drive a new era of eco-tourism in Victoria,” Mr Ryan said.

“Victoria’s national parks are important public assets and, just as occurs in other states and territories, should be open to the public so they can be enjoyed in a responsible and sustainable way.

“The more that people have access to their natural environment the more they will come to appreciate, respect and care for it.”

Mr Ryan said the guidelines would provide strict environmental protections as part of a comprehensive approvals process.

“Proposals for major new tourism projects would require a detailed environmental management plan supported by an independent environmental risk assessment and auditing of the plan,” Mr Ryan said.

“There must also be proper community consultation and projects will be asked to generate a net public benefit for the community use of the park.

“The Coalition Government will encourage proposals that complement the values of national parks, broaden the appeal of our great natural assets and allow more people to experience these unique places.”

Mr Ryan said the Coalition Government had also agreed to exclude investment proposals in certain areas, such as wilderness parks, wilderness zones and remote and natural areas.

“The release of the guidelines is about making the most of these beautiful natural places and making Victoria’s national parks more accessible to more people,” Mr Ryan said.

“We value our environment and we are working to ensure all Victorians can enjoy it.”

Mr Ryan said the guidelines were available online at: www.dse.vic.gov.au.

Media contact: Stephanie Nicholls 0437 108 870 stephanie.nicholls@parliament.vic.gov.au  Read More

The second anniversary of the major storm at Wilsons Promontory National Park was marked by the completion of a $596,000 recovery works program at the Loo-Errn Boardwalk.  Read More

Tuesday 5 March 2013  Read More