Kate
from Bentleigh East
What a wonderful idea to converse this beautiful area for future generations and allow for unique tourism to the area.
Bronwyn
from Melbourne
This proposed NP is necessary on so many counts. Broadly it will help to secure the future of Victorians. It has my whole-hearted support
Jan
Can we be so stupid to allow these forest giants and the precious species they support to be lost in our lifetime? The Great Forest National Park will be our legacy to future generations.
Wendy
As a mother of two young children who love the outdoors, I want to see our beautiful environment protected.
Greg
We have long passed the point at which we can continue to clear our native forests. The national park proposal is so right on many levels.
Leila
I support the sustainable management of forests. This doesn't mean locking them up in a way which prevents harvesting, but managing using silvercultural techniques specific to the ecosystem, supporting the biodiversity and ongoing productivity.
Amanda
from Moama
i greatly support the establishment of the Great Forest National Park. how fantastic it will be able to join the portions of existing parks and creat one big park ensuring that these forests and their species are protected well into the future.
Erin
from Warrnambool
I visit this area several times a year. It is very special but not greatly promoted. This park is desperately needed, the area is so close to Melbourne. People need to see just how beautiful this area is.
In the park I would you like to see, mountain biking, hiking trails, lookouts, trail bike riding, some 4x4 trails.
Anita
from Springvale
This is a great idea that needs to be implemented and not just remain an idea. People need to start paying attention to the science instead of ignoring it.
In the park I would you like to see, tree conservation programs, environmental research, educational programs, school tours
Ian
It's time that Agroforestry became the focus of the forestry industry, not remaining habitat. We need to safeguard areas of natural vegetation near our capital cities rather than relegating them to the other side of the state.
In the park I would you like to see, Camping, Wildlife spotting tours, "worlds tallest flowering tree" tours, vineyard and forest tours.
Janine
I have visited some of the big trees of the proposed Great National Park and when you stand at there base you realise how insignificant we are, yet how important we are in our role in protecting these areas for current and future generations. We look back at what our forefathers set aside - with vision, passion and conviction and we the people and the government of today have the opportunity to take a lead and create something substantial for future generations to reflect on and say 'our forefathers were visionaries and people of conviction'.
Julian
I believe the gfnp is of high benefit for many social and environmental reasons. The primary reason, I believe it supports a sustainable lifestyle and perception of resource utilisation.
In the park I would you like to see, pest fauna control, responsible stimulation of indigenous flora, defensive and attack strategies for pest plants, responsible recreational activity promotion such as 4wding, hunting and photography and an active general public that combats poaching.
Louise
An excellent concept, inspires hope that with enough momentum, we could truly protect our iconic forests and unique species like Leadbeater's possum. I would love to see the end of logging in Victoria, and evidence-based management of our natural heritage.
In the park I would you like to see, Hiking trails and well-managed campsites. Glider observation platforms, guided nature walks.
Heath
It's a fantastic area of the Victoria that should be preserved for all to access and to enjoy rather than cut down to preserve an archaic industry that we don't need anymore. there's nothing more magnificent than a giant old mountain ash, and you can use crop stubble to make paper for gods sake.
Jamie
from St Kilda East
Wow awesome praying this happens what a huge asset for the future, for Victoria and the world.... Let's all protect with wonderful area.
In the park I would you like to see, Free walking tracks , Eco sustainable camping areas, and education centers for children and tourists.... Natural forest products to tell to the world to gain support and income to do more,
Lucy
from Lancefield
I am not willing to see the loss of another species nor the destruction of another unique forest for the profit of a mere few self interested CEO's and politicians. How did we reach this point, where politics and business can get away with this!? The free has got to end. Please raise your voices.
Kim
Love the GFNP. I want to be awe inspired by giant trees and ancient forests, see our native wildlife in their natural habitat, continue to enjoy one of the cleanest waters in the world and be proud of the state in which I live.
Chelsea
What a fantastic plan for the future of our beautiful state forests. Let's do it!
In the park I would you like to see, Camping and hiking, children's activities, cycling.
Ben
from Carlton
These forests are threatened by recurrent and widespread industrial clearfell logging and major fires. This positive step would benefit us and our environment in many ways.
Benjamin
I have climbed trees all over the world as a Canopy scientist and as an Arborist. Victorian Mountain Ash forests have a special place in my heart, please help to protect them!
In the park I would you like to see, Recreational tree climbing, Walking trails, Cycling trails...
ANYTHING BUT LOGGING
Carmen
A fantastic clip featuring an amazing scientist and his life's work. It was an honour to take part in an Earthwatch program with David years back, way before the fires swept Marysville away. Please support the protection of these incredibly important forests and the animals who live there...
Steven
This will be the greatest reverse in environmental rape in victoria since white settlement .l love the idea .I hope it gets approved. It will be a long road against the grain, of politians not thinking beyond their own noses.
Arne
Thank you for starting this! I appreciate the effort to trying to create a continuous habitat for our wildlife. It would also be comforting to know that the surroundings of our water catchment areas are protected. Thanks.
Christopher Stuart
It is so very important that these magnificent and ancient places be protected for all future generations to discover and wonder at. They must never be lost!
Amelia
Thank you to those that have given their time, energy, intellect, knowledge and passion to the important and urgent cause of protecting these beautiful forests. Where would the forests be without you?
Stephen
Keep up the good work of spreading science-based information about these shrinking public assets. Right-thinking people want to protect our national heritage.
In the park I would you like to see, Camping, walking, cycling, aboriginal history interpretive information, animal and plant interpretive information.
Susan
This is an excellent proposal. Thank you to all those who have worked to bring it together. I am in full support and would like to contribute to see this enacted as soon as possible.
In the park I would you like to see, camping, bushwalking, interpretive information on flora, fauna, geology, indigenous information and management of area.
Dimity
I fully support the development of this national park which will be a wonderful place for us all to enjoy and experience.
In the park I would you like to see, bushwalking, places to reflect and be immersed in nature; opportunities for overnight walks.
Chris
I think it is indicative of the health of our society that we allow a public asset to be destoyed at a financial loss to the taxpayer, whilst endangered species such as leadbeater's possum are pushed to the edge of extinction. These forests and their life forms should be allowed to exist for their own sake and to be experienced by all who want to visit and should not be used as a cheap, subsidised resource for logging companies and paper manufacturers.
Jessica
This is a great plan. Protecting the unique wildlife of the area. Thinking ahead to a future when climate change will have such a huge effect by ensuring the protection of rich carbon resources and water catchments that are the mountain ash trees. And creating new opportunities for those whose livelihoods could be threatened by cessation of logging. And Eco-tourism is growing. Let's be part of creating a sustainable future.
Wil
Total support for the creation of The Great Forest National Park to ensure the ecosystems that support wildlife, all fauna, flora and fungi are protected, with a special protection for the Leadbeater possum and the ancient trees.
Simon
When the last tree falls, those making the decisions will not be upset, they'll have moved on to another natural resource to exploit. The few are benefiting from the loss of the many. This has to stop. We need to protect these great trees and all they support.
Andrew
We need to preserve as natural flora and fauna as we can, we have lost too much in the last 50 years. When I go to the forests around Eildon now they are deserted in comparison to what used to be there. It is time to turn it around.
Emma
It is insane not to cherish this gift we have in our own backyard! People travel from all over the world to New Zealand to walk their Milford Sound track and other walks - our landscape is just as majestic here to do just the same -what a tragedy if we lose this magnificient opportunity!
Peter
The establishment of this new national park will address three of the most serious environmental problems that we face today - loss of wildlife habitat, security of our water supply and the need to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. I fully support this proposal for the establishment of the Great Forest National Park.
Philip
These forests are invaluable, the lifespans of some of these trees can be far beyond our own so our actions now will impact generations to come! i want to take my children to these stunning forests to share the same experiences i have had, i also want Melbourne to enjoy the superb quality of water that these forest ecosystems provide for us. Australians have an innate connection with the bush, lets show it with; respect and become the best custodians we can of these great forests
Sean
Last year I had the opportunity to visit the Redwood forests in California. I was amazed to see the number of tourists visiting the area. Visiting this area made me realise how lucky we are to have the central highlands forests a stones throw from Melbourne. It also saddens me that we still allow logging of these old growth forests. I support the proposal for the Great Forest National Park and can see how with the right infrastructure it could be a tourist draw card equal to those redwood forests, which has to be a better way to support regional economies in the area than clear felling these forests.
Emma
As an expert ecologist with a working understanding of the value of these forests for moss conservation, I completely endorse the call for cessation of low value logging in this area. In 25 years of working in forested landscapes all over the world and assessing their bryophyte diversity, I can say that these are some of the richest and most awe-inspiring forests I have seen. This is a national treasure on the doorstep of Melbourne. We should be working towards an immediate reconceptualising of what these forests are used for.
Stephen
Eco tourism has a place as well as it's carefully managed. I'd like to see the establishment as mentioned at the Seminar of a five day walking trail. I'll certainly attend the public tour from Toolangi. A cause very close to the heart - as one of my first memories as a child was to see a Lead-beaters Possum in it's natural (then) environment.
Patricia
We seem to be intent on devouring our planet. Logging native, old growth forest is, purely and simply, deforestation. Authorities around the world try to restrain countries like Brazil as they destroy forest for agriculture. We destroy forest for pulp. Plantation timber is the solution, but that requires foresight and the ability to let go of short term profits for long term gains. I admire all the forest protectors who risk their own safety and endure great discomfort in their endeavors to slow down and, if possible, stop the continued logging of our remaining old growth forests.
Lynn
A wonderful moment in history! Locals love and support the idea. The idea of having a park for people is what locals want. This will create a different and better economic industry employing more people than the timber industry. I pledge my support.
Simon
I fully support the plan to develop a larger park. This will protect our water supplies, protect our wildlife and ensure that we have these wonderful trees to share with our families into the future. Cutting down old growth forests to make writing paper and toilet paper is economically ridiculous. Wood chip companies should pay the real price for their wood, rather than having it subsidised by the environment.
Iain
The time has well and truly come to recognise and celebrate the magnificent forests of the Victorian Central Highlands and to protect them from further degradation and wasteful exploitation. Melbourne has long benefitted from the preservation of catchment reserves; lets now expand the areas of protection to adequately guarantee habitat, diversity and to be the setting for sensitive and sustainable human livelihood.
Lorraine
The Great Forest National Park will establish the Central Highlands as an international mecca for ecotourism and secure genuine economic and environmental stability for the region. This brilliant project will enable our great forests to continue their irreplaceable role in providing clean air, water, climate control and protection of the biodiversity that supports us all.
Katherine
This is a wonderful plan - practical and visionary. If the community gets behind it, the politicians will follow.
Jacinta
from Toolangi
Thanks for trying to get the message out and doing something so constructive and progressive about the problem our forests, and therefore we, are facing.
In the park I would you like to see, A diverse cross section of recreational activities, so as many people as possible for a long time to come can enjoy our forest - so long as it is sustainable and as low impact as possible. With areas set aside purely for wildlife, for research and for regeneration as need be. The more who like it, the more reason there is to protect it.
Elfian
from Buchan
Forests are our life support system and we must protect and enhance them for the sake of all life on earth. In these changing, unstable and often extreme times forests represent an important buffering system for our ecological climate which in turn helps protect our agricultural climate and of course our way of life. This reserve system suggests a new way of bringing together fragmented landscapes and preserving them in a wholistic way. An ecosystem does not have boundaries so neither should parks.
John
It beggars belief that we would destroy these amazing old growth forests for paper and money derived from its sale. All the money in the world cannot buy an old growth forest. Once its gone its gone and will never be seen again in our lifetimes or the lifetimes of many generations to come.The Value of these forests cannot be measured in economic terms their value is much deeper and intrinsic than that . Clearly, they have extrinsic value to us in terms of carbon capture and tourism etc. However, lets not just think of their value to us but also the myriad of other animals that they have nurtured and manifested over hundreds of years. Including the now endangered Leadbeaters possum. Remember when we cut down these ancient tress we do not just lose the trees but we also destroy a subtle balance of complex inter-relationships in which the existence of organisms is dependent on the existence of others within the ecosystems that these forests are.
Jill
‘The Great Forest National Park’ has a ring about it – a ring of hope that the remnants of Victoria’s old-growth highland forests may be saved from destruction and thrive into the future. According to Dr David Lindenmeyer, only 1% remain in their original state. That 1% is being further eroded by clear-fell logging that targets maturing forests with high conservation values. With towering mountain ash trees, shimmering tree ferns and spectacular wildlife just 90 minutes from Melbourne, we have a potential tourism resource worth many times more than the struggling, government-subsidised timber-pulpwood industry. It’s a win-win proposition: a win for biodiversity; a win for fire minimisation (mature, complex forests being more fire-resistant than dry regrowth); a win for the economy (native forest harvesting is financially unviable whilst the tourist potential is huge); a win for Melbourne’s water supply (logging in catchments reduces the amount and quality of runoff); and a win for future generations. It might even be a win for the Napthine government now facing defeat due in part to its parlous environmental record.
Darren
I applaud the proposal to "open the gates" for community user groups. By allowing access to the general community the proposal for a Great Forest National Park is more likely to gain public support and ensure the long term survival of the Mountain Ash forests and it's fauna. Although my preference is for bushwalking, I think that the area could support mixed uses, and that a plan for proper management of a variety of user groups (e.g. horse riders, 4WDers, mountain bikers, etc) should be considered. I'm particularly concerned about public safety, so ending forestry practices that make forests burn more intensely in the vicinity of towns and cities should be a priority. For all of the reasons stated on this website (and supported by rigorous scientific studies), creation of the Great Forest National Park and ceasing logging in the area is the only responsible action that government can make. As a building designer, the responsible procurement of timber and wood products is a priority for our practice.