PARK WATCH Article June 2026 |

Jordan Crook, Parks & Nature Campaigner, updates the fight to protect Arthurs Seat

Despite overwhelming community objection and disgust, Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny recently approved an application for a roller coaster-like luge in Arthurs Seat State Park.

The decision was made through Section 64(5) of the Planning and Environment Act 1987, which means there’s no chance of appeal through the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. This has blindsided the local community as well as nature lovers across Victoria.

A staggering 431 submissions were made during the very short planning period. Only 13 were in favour of the development, with 418 against. Approving such a disliked development in an overwhelmingly beautiful place raises many unanswered questions about the government’s plans and procedures.

The use of planning rules to override public sentiment, park management plans and even the government’s own policy is a troubling trend being shown by the Allan Government.

Despite such an unwelcome decision, the Save Our Seat (SOS) group and community members have maintained momentum. SOS continue to hold events, including a community meeting on Sunday 29 March. VNPA spoke at the event, which attracted over 250 concerned locals.

SOS spokesperson Kylie Greer said, ‘It’s clear the Mornington Peninsula community doesn’t want the luge to go ahead and they’re prepared to fight tooth and nail to stop it, including standing in front of bulldozers if it comes to that.’

The community’s sentiment and strong push back reflects polling done by National Parks Australia Council in 2022 that showed:

  • 78% of Australians oppose develop-ment in parks and protected areas.
  • 62% of Australians would be less likely to visit a national park if it had high impact commercial tours.

Protection of nature, saving threatened wildlife, and quiet enjoyment of nature are seen as the most important purposes of national parks and other conservation areas.

The campaign against the dodgy roller coaster-like luge at Arthurs Seat State Park pushes on. Let’s hope the Eagle Corporation come to their senses and send this idea where it belongs: the bin.