FREQUENTLY Asked Questions
If the state forests undergo a tenure change to that of a national or nationally protected State park will the forest receive less funding than that of a state forest?
We expect the opposite. The available study we have reveals that National Parks generally receive more funding than state forest per hectare for land management. National Parks receive 29c per hectare whilst State forest receives 16c per hectare.
Can we still ride horses in the area being proposed for the park?
The Park will be a multi-tiered zoning that accommodates a range of recreational uses including activities that are currently enjoyed. It is likely that there will be designated areas for horse riding and sensitive areas where horses will not be permitted. The steering committee welcomes your suggestions to improve the proposed park to allow for these activities.
Can we still walk our dogs in the area being proposed for the park?
The Park will be a multi-tiered zoning that accommodates a range of recreational uses including activities that are currently enjoyed. It is likely that there will be designated areas for on-leash dog walking, off-leash exercise and sensitive areas where dogs will not be permitted. The steering committee welcomes your suggestions to improve the proposed park to allow for these activities.
Will a GFNP mean an end to cattle grazing in the high country?
Undisturbed wet montane forests do not normally support suitable grazing for cattle. This question relates more to sub-Alpine areas outside the proposed park area to the east and is not part of the considerations of the steering committee. We suggest any such concerns are directed directly to Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
Can we still drive our 4 x 4s in the Park?
The Park will be a multi-tiered zoning that accommodates a range of recreational uses including activities that are currently enjoyed. Visitors in 4x4s will be welcome to use park roads subject to the same rules that apply on all Victorian public roads. It is likely that there will be designated tracks specifically for 4x4 driving and some sensitive areas where vehicles will not be permitted. The steering committee welcomes your suggestions to improve the proposed park to allow for these activities.
Does my business pledge come with no strings attached? It's free now, will it cost me later?
The businesses are a key component of the Park's success and for many of us, they are our livelihoods and places of employment. We do not ask for your support with any expectation of payment. We hope that you will view the proposed park as a regional resource that will enhance opportunities for your business and will choose to put a sticker on your business or use the logo on your website. The logo is an endorsement of the proposal - that is all. In return we anticipate that park users will favour businesses accessed though the website.
Will the forests be managed responsibly to prevent extreme bushfire?
The management of forests to prevent bushfire is not determined by tenure. Declaration of a park will not affect the fire management regimes applied which are determined by legislation with a view to minimising risk to the public . There is strong evidence that undisturbed damp and wet montane forests are naturally more resistant to fire.
Will clearfell logging be permitted in the new park zone?
No. The park will contain a multitude of recreational programs that will continue but logging will not be permitted.
Do you want to shut down VicForests?
No. The park is being developed around protected area's and ecological damaged or fragmented forest and we hope the expertise of VicForests can be utilised to help restore and regenerate forest area's that have failed to regenerate post logging and fires.
Would small scale prospecting still be permitted in parts of the park?
Yes. we support the rich cultural history of mining and the contributions that it brings to remote communities. We would support the licences continuing. We will also be speaking with community members who see a future for the dray trails and cultural story on mining history being developed. This will be advertised soon.
Ask any questions here at the bottom of the Park Plan page - link
We expect the opposite. The available study we have reveals that National Parks generally receive more funding than state forest per hectare for land management. National Parks receive 29c per hectare whilst State forest receives 16c per hectare.
Can we still ride horses in the area being proposed for the park?
The Park will be a multi-tiered zoning that accommodates a range of recreational uses including activities that are currently enjoyed. It is likely that there will be designated areas for horse riding and sensitive areas where horses will not be permitted. The steering committee welcomes your suggestions to improve the proposed park to allow for these activities.
Can we still walk our dogs in the area being proposed for the park?
The Park will be a multi-tiered zoning that accommodates a range of recreational uses including activities that are currently enjoyed. It is likely that there will be designated areas for on-leash dog walking, off-leash exercise and sensitive areas where dogs will not be permitted. The steering committee welcomes your suggestions to improve the proposed park to allow for these activities.
Will a GFNP mean an end to cattle grazing in the high country?
Undisturbed wet montane forests do not normally support suitable grazing for cattle. This question relates more to sub-Alpine areas outside the proposed park area to the east and is not part of the considerations of the steering committee. We suggest any such concerns are directed directly to Department of Environment and Primary Industries.
Can we still drive our 4 x 4s in the Park?
The Park will be a multi-tiered zoning that accommodates a range of recreational uses including activities that are currently enjoyed. Visitors in 4x4s will be welcome to use park roads subject to the same rules that apply on all Victorian public roads. It is likely that there will be designated tracks specifically for 4x4 driving and some sensitive areas where vehicles will not be permitted. The steering committee welcomes your suggestions to improve the proposed park to allow for these activities.
Does my business pledge come with no strings attached? It's free now, will it cost me later?
The businesses are a key component of the Park's success and for many of us, they are our livelihoods and places of employment. We do not ask for your support with any expectation of payment. We hope that you will view the proposed park as a regional resource that will enhance opportunities for your business and will choose to put a sticker on your business or use the logo on your website. The logo is an endorsement of the proposal - that is all. In return we anticipate that park users will favour businesses accessed though the website.
Will the forests be managed responsibly to prevent extreme bushfire?
The management of forests to prevent bushfire is not determined by tenure. Declaration of a park will not affect the fire management regimes applied which are determined by legislation with a view to minimising risk to the public . There is strong evidence that undisturbed damp and wet montane forests are naturally more resistant to fire.
Will clearfell logging be permitted in the new park zone?
No. The park will contain a multitude of recreational programs that will continue but logging will not be permitted.
Do you want to shut down VicForests?
No. The park is being developed around protected area's and ecological damaged or fragmented forest and we hope the expertise of VicForests can be utilised to help restore and regenerate forest area's that have failed to regenerate post logging and fires.
Would small scale prospecting still be permitted in parts of the park?
Yes. we support the rich cultural history of mining and the contributions that it brings to remote communities. We would support the licences continuing. We will also be speaking with community members who see a future for the dray trails and cultural story on mining history being developed. This will be advertised soon.
Ask any questions here at the bottom of the Park Plan page - link