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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

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  Defunded in the 2025 State Budget, the Latrobe Health Assembly will continue as a leaner, community-owned organisation tackling local health and wellbeing challenges through collaboration and grassroots leadership.
• Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft 10-year open space strategy for future planning
  Baw Baw Shire Council invites feedback on its draft Open Space Strategy, shaping a 10-year plan to guide investment, protect natural spaces, and enhance community wellbeing. Consultation closes Friday 3 October 2025.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor for funding maintenance at Sale College instead of new campus
  Danny O'Brien has criticised Labor for allocating $273,175 in maintenance to Sale College, arguing funds should instead deliver the long-promised new consolidated campus the community has campaigned for since 2017.
• Danny O'Brien warns faulty firefighting vehicles are leaving local CFA Brigades under pressure ahead of bushfire season
  Danny O'Brien has criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to repair faulty firefighting vehicles, warning the issue is placing pressure on CFA brigades and reducing Gippsland's preparedness for bushfire season.
• Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
  Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions.
• Darren Chester congratulates Hillywood Tree Nursery on expanding Gippsland-grown business with new online store
  Hillywood Tree Nursery in Briagolong has launched an online store, expanding access to Gippsland-grown plants. Darren Chester praised owner Ed Mosley for fostering innovation, sustainability, and local job growth in horticulture.
• Wellington Shire Council to update Community Local Law 2021, ensuring relevance, inclusivity, and strong legal compliance
  The Safer Communities Plan includes Jack's Law to clear weapons from streets, Restart for repeat offenders, and Youthstart to support at-risk youth. Mr Cameron says Labor lacks a plan to tackle Victoria's crime crisis, leaving regions vulnerable.
• Latrobe City Council endorses submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn declared mine rehabilitation plans
  Latrobe City Council has endorsed submissions on Hazelwood and Yallourn mine rehabilitation plans, promoting sustainable restoration, strong coordination, environmental accountability, community benefits, and long-term regional resilience.
• Martin Cameron demands action as data reveals dangerous one-star safety ratings on Latrobe Valley roads
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron has condemned the poor safety of Latrobe Valley roads, after state data revealed many key routes rated one or two stars, demanding urgent government action.
• David Littleproud urges Labor to deliver interest-free loans as farmers voice urgent drought forum concerns
  Nationals leader David Littleproud says the Drought Forum reinforced urgent calls for interest-free farm loans, urging Labor to act swiftly as farmers face worsening hardship, particularly in South Australia's dairy industry.
• Martin Cameron slams Energy Minister D'Ambrosio's false claims on power prices and jobs in Latrobe Valley
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron condemned Energy Minister Lily D'Ambrosio's claims of delivering for Latrobe Valley, citing soaring power prices, weak jobs growth, and neglect of residents during Victoria's energy transition.
• Bass Coast Shire Council pop-up sessions on four local playspace upgrades and proposed new designs on 13 Jan 2026
  Bass Coast Council is upgrading four playspaces in Wonthaggi, Cape Paterson, and Ventnor, inviting community feedback on two design options via Engage Bass Coast and January pop-up sessions.
• Danny O'Brien slams Labor's repeated 'Better Roads Blitz' claims as Gippsland roads continue crumbling
  Nationals MP Danny O'Brien has slammed Labor's latest "Better Roads Blitz," saying Gippsland roads remain neglected, unsafe, and underfunded, with locals enduring potholes, hazards, and long-term speed reductions instead of real maintenance.
• David Littleproud urges Australians to support local farmers amid rising imported food and supermarket pressures
  Nationals Leader David Littleproud urges Australians to buy local food as farmers face soaring costs, supermarket pressures, and rising imports, warning inaction threatens food security and the future of Australian agriculture.
• David Littleproud warns vegetable growers of crisis as compliance costs soar, confidence collapses and exits loom
  Nationals leader David Littleproud warns Australia's food security is at risk, with two in five growers considering leaving amid rising compliance costs, financial strain, and Labor policies undermining farming viability.
• Martin Cameron questions Labor government for denying regional crime crisis and the ongoing failures of 'Bail Laws'
  The Nationals' Martin Cameron has accused the Allan Labor government of failing Victorians with weak bail laws, after repeat offenders continue to walk free and regional crime remains out of control.