PARK WATCH Article June 2025 |

The Victorian Protected Areas Council (VPAC) is dedicated to connecting park managers and protecting national parks, says Felicity Brooke

Former Victorian park managers have formed a new group to advocate for the integrity and future of the national parks estate. The group was formed as a response to increasing concerns over the State Government’s neglect and underfunding of national parks.

We know these places, the natural values, their communities and the challenges they face. Protected areas are the cornerstone of nature conservation in Victoria. They protect places the community have visited and loved for generations.

VPAC members have had long and rewarding careers in national park management. Across Victoria, from the Mallee to the Alps to the coast, they have an affinity with the landscape, plants and animals. They have skills in a range of areas such as natural and cultural heritage management, recreation and tourism that can contribute, and value add to discussions on protected area planning and management.

VPAC provides a platform that brings our collective experience to government and protected area management agencies. It plans to engage with Traditional Owners fully, recognising national parks are living cultural landscapes and the future of their management relies on re-integrating traditional knowledge

Our goal is to make sure our precious parks and wildlife are properly looked after today and tomorrow, and that community expectations are not only met but exceeded.

Felicity Brooke is a former park ranger and manager.

Find out more about VPAC at victorianprotectedareascouncil.org