Welcome to the December 2025 issue of our quarterly magazine, ParkWatch.
We’re celebrating the first substantial new national parks in 14 years after the passing of the central west parks legislation in the Victorian Parliament!
The creation of Wombat-Lerderderg, Mount Buangor and Pyrenees national parks and other conservation reserves is a massive win for nature, climate and communities. They will protect tens of thousands of hectares of habitat, and safeguard hundreds of rare and threatened plants, animals and fungi. Our 8-page spread profiles these new protected areas for the Victorians who will enjoy them, and we honour three of the amazing advocates for nature who helped bring the parks to reality.
Of course, we find room to cover the other issues facing nature in Victoria. Like reviewing the Wildlife Act, protecting roadside grasslands and nature on private land, and the dangers of shooting in parks. Plus, in our regular features, Park Friends visits Great Otway National Park on its 20th anniversary, we go walking at Cape Conran, and review books for your Christmas stocking, and much more!
We hope you enjoy some rest and relaxation in nature over the holiday season. Stay safe and check out our quiz for tips on how to help our wildlife in the heat.
Cover image: Patches for our new national parks and conservation parks (graphics: Paul Clifton); Nolans Crossing, Wombat-Lerderderg National Park, Wurundjeri and Dja Dja Wurrung Country (Credit: Sandy Scheltema)
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