VEAC’s Cental West Investigation
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Dear Editors,
Following the release of the draft VEAC Central West Investigation into public land at the end of August, there’s been a fair bit of media coverage and lots of discussion in the community.
This is great, and exactly what should be happening at this draft recommendation stage of the VEAC process.
It shows just how passionate Victorians are about their natural environment and the value and enjoyment local communities receive from getting out into the great outdoors.
The investigation is about making sure we have the most appropriate management arrangements in place to conserve, protect and enhance the natural and cultural values of the iconic Wombat, Wellsford, Mount Cole and Pyrenees Range forests.
Let me be clear though, the Andrews Labor Government understands that these forests and reserves are important to locals for domestic firewood collection and have been loved over many years forwalking, camping, prospecting and other recreational pursuits.
That’s why under a Labor Government they’ll continue to remain open for future generations to enjoy.
VEAC themselves recommend that four-wheel driving, trail bike and horse riding, mountain biking, bushwalking and camping should continue.
The final report will be delivered in March next year, but before then I really encourage the community to get involved and have their say by the 31 October 2018.
VEAC are required to take this feedback on-board before finalising their investigation. Feedback can be provided online, in the post or at one of the drop-in sessions happening across the region.
Fact sheets, the draft report and other information about the investigation are also publicly available via the VEAC website or by making a free call to VEAC on 1800 134 803.
Details of VEAC’s drop-in sessions regarding the draft proposals paper as follows. You are not required to register for these sessions.
Daylesford: Thursday September 13 from 3pm to 7pm at Daylesford’s Victoria Park.
-Lily D’Ambrosio, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change