Fresh approach to protecting nature needed by new Victorian Premier

Victorians for Nature, an alliance of conservation and environment groups, are calling on the new
Victorian Premier Ben Carrol to take a fresh approach to protecting and enhancing our unique
natural environment.

Native forests and wildlife are still under threat from logging. The groups are calling for an urgent ban
on native forest logging, and closure of logging loopholes despite Labor’s announcement to end
native forest logging by January 1 2024.

Victorians for Nature has identified four key themes and a set of policy priorities that should guide
decision-making ahead of the State Election.

Jo Hopkins, Victorian Campaigns Manager, the Wilderness Society said:
“Victoria’s forests, rivers, coasts and wildlife are among our greatest assets, and now is the time for
renewed leadership and ambition to protect them. Communities across the state want to see
stronger action to safeguard threatened species, restore damaged ecosystems and ensure nature is
valued in every decision.”

Matt Ruchel, Executive Director, Victorian National Parks Association said:
“In the last few years there have been some key backward steps such as abolishing key institutions
like the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) and Marine and Coastal Council, plus
defunding and staff cuts to key organisations like Parks Victoria.”

“Fisheries enforcement officers and other environment staff have been slashed. Key
recommendations from expert reports on establishing new national parks and reform of key wildlife
legislation have been rejected or ignored and new legislation for managing public land has stalled.”
The Allan government’s repeated refusal to make feral deer a pest has frustrated and angered many
conservationists and farmers. The current Fish Hunting and Outdoor Recreation Bill currently back
before the lower house of parliament should be rejected or substantially amended.

Victorians for Nature are calling on the Victorian Government to legislate a ban on commercial native
forest logging on both public and private land, including closing existing loopholes that have allowed
the continued destruction of forests and wildlife – including in National Parks like the Dandenong
Ranges.”

Victorians for Nature is an alliance of nature organisations committed to protecting nature in
Victoria. The Alliance includes the Victorian National Parks Association, the Wilderness Society,
Victorian Forest Alliance and Environment Victoria