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Melina Bath criticised Labor's plan to create new national parks, locking out long-term bush users

Liberals and Nationals oppose Labor's plan to convert 65,000 hectares into national parks, citing unfair exclusion of bush users despite strong opposition and a 40,000-signature petition against the proposal.

By news@gippsland - 11th September 2025 - Back to News

The Liberals and Nationals strongly oppose the Allan Labor government's move to create more national parks, locking out long-term bush users. Labor is forging ahead with plans to convert state forests in central west Victoria to national parks, today introducing legislation into Parliament.

Melina Bath opposed Labor's plan as divisive, pledging to defend bush users' rights, highlighting 40,000 petition signatures opposing new national parks

Public land access

The proposed new national parks - Wombat-Lerderderg, Mt Buangor and Pyrenees - will cover more than 65,000 hectares and lock out bush users such as gold prospectors and four-wheel-drive enthusiasts. Anger has been building among bush user groups for some time, with more than 40,000 signatures collected in a petition against more national parks.

Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath, said long-time users would be unfairly excluded. "The Liberals and Nationals support the ongoing access to public land. We do not support the formation of more national parks," Ms Bath said.

Bush users divided

Firewood collectors, horse riders, trail bike riders, campers and dog walkers are other users impacted by the looming formation of new national parks. The Bill introduced by Labor extends the areas where deer hunting is legal in national parks, which the Liberals and Nationals support, but at the same time locks out other users.

"This is creating division. Labor is allowing more access with one hand and taking away with the other. This is pitting bush users against each other. We will always defend the rights of bush user groups who have been so strong in their opposition. A petition with 40,000 signatures says it all," Ms Bath said.

Pictures from Melina Bath MP Facebook page.

Source: http://gippsland.com/

Published by: news@gippsland.com