Pt Nepean quarantine station 'outstanding' addition to national park
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Monday, June 2, 2009
Media release
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.
VNPA Executive Director Matt Ruchel said the decision on was an outstanding outcome.
"The addition of the Quarantine Station to Point Nepean National Park will provide a unique mix of natural and cultural heritage values right on Melbourne's doorstep. It will become one of the premier tourist destinations on the southern part of the Mornington Peninsula," he said.
More than five years ago the VNPA helped stop Point Nepean being sold by the Howard Government, however, the Commonwealth Government still managed to divide the land into three parcels.
The Firing Range area was transferred to Victoria and a second parcel was given to the local council. The Commonwealth retained the third part containing the Quarantine Station.
"Ever since the land at Point Nepean was divided, the VNPA and other community campaigners have been fighting to have the remaining Commonwealth land transferred to Victoria, and to expand and re-integrate Point Nepean National Park under one owner and one management agency," Mr Ruchel said.
"This will ensure that the whole site, with its outstanding natural, cultural and heritage values, will be owned by the Victorian community and planned and managed as one single icon national park.
"As with all national parks, it will now be open to the public and general access will be provided to the Quarantine Station, which has not been possible under Commonwealth Government ownership.
"Minister Jennings and Minister Garrett should be congratulated for finally resolving the long-standing negotiations over the site. Now we need to move forward to ensure the park is properly planned and managed so it can be enjoyed by many generations to come."
Matt Ruchel will be at Point Nepean National Park on Monday 8 June for the handover ceremony. For interviews please call Matt on 0418 357 813.