September 23rd, 2025Legislation finally tabled for new national parks

Nature conservation groups are celebrating a win for nature, climate and community with formal legislation tabled for new national parks and conservation reserves across Victoria’s central west.
The creation of the Wombat-Lerderderg, Mount Buangor and Pyrenees national parks and other conservation reserves will protect tens of thousands of hectares of habitat. The legislation was promised in 2021 after decades of tireless advocacy to keep irreplaceable landscapes and wildlife safe from logging, resource exploitation and neglect.
The new parks will protect over 380 rare and threatened plants, animals and fungi, including Mt Cole grevilleas, brush-tailed phascogales, mountain skinks and powerful owls.

Gayle Osborne, spokesperson for Wombat Forestcare, and pictured inset, said the legislation finally gave the Wombat Forest the legal protection it deserved.
“Wombat Forest is home to threatened wildlife, rich biodiversity and vital water catchments.”
Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel said it was a major milestone for Victoria’s natural heritage and climate resilience.
“National parks are the gold standard of protection. After four years of advocacy, we’re thrilled the legislation is finally ready. These fragmented forest remnants are vital refuges in a landscape heavily cleared for agriculture.”
Conservation groups say the new protected areas are vital for:
• habitat connections – securing vital habitat for threatened wildlife like powerful owls and greater gliders;
• water security – protecting critical catchments supplying clean water to regional communities;
• cultural recognition – empowering Traditional owner co-management and cultural authority over country;
• sustainable tourism – supporting nature-based recreation and economic opportunities under the National Parks Act 1975; and
• climate resilience – advancing carbon sequestration and climate adaptation through restored, intact ecosystems.
The final legislation, once passed, brings these areas under the permanent care of Parks Victoria and the community.
“Legislation is just the beginning,” Ms Osborne said. “Decades of logging and neglect have left these forests vulnerable. We need substantial investment in ecological restoration, weed and feral species control.”
Conservation groups are calling on the state government to back the parks with funding that reflects their ecological and cultural significance, so future generations can experience thriving forests, flowing rivers and abundant wildlife.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said most activities were still allowed within national park boundaries.
“Horse riding, trail bike riding, four-wheel driving, camping, hiking, all those things will still be able to happen. We’re protecting and looking after what needs to be looked after for the next generations but we’re also providing access to a bunch of things people love.
“Some of these flora and species don’t exist anywhere but Victoria.”
Mr Dimopoulos said the national park plan was different from the controversial Great Forest National Park proposal. “We reckon we’ve got the balance exactly right, between state forest and national parks,” he said.
Words: Donna Kelly | Images: Sandy Scheltema