Euan Ferguson, Victorian Chair of the Institute of Foresters of Australia (IFA), says there is no benefit in creating a ‘Great Forest National Park’ in Victoria’s Central Highlands forests.

Mr Ferguson, said: ‘Most of the region’s forests are already contained in conservation and water catchment reserves. The existing balance between conservation and other land uses is appropriate and there is no need for more National Parks.’

Mr Ferguson concluded that the current forest management arrangements reflect a diversity of stakeholder views and maximise social value. In contrast, the proposal for a ‘Great Forest National Park’ has not demonstrated optimum public benefit for Victorians, and should be rejected.

The IFA Position Paper on the proposed Great Forest National Park can be found at: GFNP – IFA Position

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Media contacts:

Mark Poynter
Victorian Division
IFA Media Officer
0418 846 819

Euan Ferguson
IFA Victorian Division Chair
0408 840 035

Bob Gordon
IFA National President
0400 980 297