Support

Dame Jane Goodall

Global Environmentalist

"If we act now, we will be ensuring the forest can continue to provide services that support us - clean water, fresh air and storage of carbon.
If we fail now, what future will we have chosen for our grandchildren and their grandehildren?"

Sir David Attenborough

Global Environmentalist

“The maintenance of an intact ecological system is the only way to ensure the continued
existence of biodiversity, safeguard water supplies and provide spiritual nourishment for ourselves and future
generations.
“It is for these reasons, and for the survival of the critically endangered Leadbeater’s possum, that I support the creation of the Great Forest National Park for Victoria.”

Isabel Lucas

Australian actress, model, environmentalist

Sharni Layton

Collingwood Magpies and Australian Diamonds Netball Player, Commonwealth Games & World Netball Championship Gold Medalist

Nick Cave

Musician, singer-songwriter, author, screenwriter, composer, actor

Brian Nankervis

Entertainer and Host of RocKwiz

Dave Hughes

Stand-up Comedian, Radio & Television Presenter

"These forests are our friends, we need them more than they need us and we must protect them."

Robyn Lawley

Mother, International model, Swimwear designer

"What an amazing forest. I support the need for its protection."

John Wood

Actor & Writer

"Who needs biodiversity? Who needs clean water? Oh sh*t, that's right! We do!"

Neil Murray

Singer, Songwriter (awarded for 'My Island Home'), Guitarist, Writer

“It’s a no brainer. Who wouldn’t support this?”

Jon Dee

Social Entrepreneur, Co-Founder of DoSomething & Planet Ark

“I support the Great Forest National Park. It’s a smart idea whose time has come.”

Riley

Young Local Citizen

“I want our plans for the forest to be about creation and not destruction.”

Luke Taylor

Director, Sustainable Living Foundation

“The campaign for the Great Forest National Park is a critical one, the benefits are many and will last for generations.”

Tim Ferguson

Television Personality, Comedian

“This beautiful bushland is vital for the ecosystems around Greater Melbourne. We only get one chance at keeping it safe.”

Peter Garrett AM

Musician, Environmentalist, Activist, Former Politician

“How precious a place would the Great Forest National Park be? The answer is very precious. A national park in this region is important to wildlife, to our heritage and to safeguarding the future. It’s a good campaign and I wish it the very best.”

Tripod (Skod, Yon & Gatesy)

Musicians, Entertainers

“This is such a beautiful part of the world. Many think of Australia as red and brown, but this is a lovely green bit. We should look after it.”

Rachel Berger

Comedian, Actor, Writer

“We can't stand on the sidelines and watch this noble ancient forest disappear. In a world of fast bucks and one-minute noodles, the forest is a powerful source of healing and restoration.”

Bev Killick

Comedian

“I first learned of Leadbeater’s Possum through my son. He has been campaigning for years. I can’t believe our state faunal emblem is on the verge of extinction. We have to save these forests.”

Matt Ruchel

Executive Director of the Victorian National Parks Association

“The Great Forest National Park will provide protection for threatened species from commercial logging and numerous other threats. Just 90 minutes from Melbourne, it is a huge opportunity for respite and recreation for nature starved urbanites.”

Jason Ball

2017 Young Australian of the Year for Victoria

“Growing up on the doorstep of the proposed Great Forest National Park developed in me so much pride in Australia's astonishingly beautiful natural environment and unique species of animals. It will be our great shame if that is denied to future generations.”

Andrew Laird

Barrister, Environmental & Community Justice Advocate & Campaigner

"We went through the same issues before the Great Otway National Park was created. Eventually the penny dropped that our native forests are too precious to log. The region has never looked back. The same will happen when the Great Forest National Park is proclaimed."

Tim Bawden

Wildlife Conservationist & Birdwatcher

"The Great Forest National Park protects a really amazing part of Victoria so close to Melbourne. For the birds it's really important. I've been going out with some friends at night and we've been seeing critically endangered Leadbeater's possums throughout these unprotected forests."

Eric Wilkinson

Rediscoverer of Leadbeater’s Possum (1961), Naturalist, Retired Geologist

“In April 1961 it was my exciting privilege to find the supposedly extinct Leadbeater's Possum still living in the forests near Marysville, a new locality for the species, and to be able to announce its rediscovery. Logging, inappropriate management and fires have greatly reduced the numbers of this now critically endangered species. It would be a tragedy if Victoria's faunal emblem was allowed to become really extinct. The Great Forest National Park would give it the best chance for recovery by protecting its habitat.”

Julian Burnside

Barrister, human rights and refugee advocate, and author

"I've followed the campaign to protect Victoria's Central Highlands Mountain Ash forests for some years. The efforts to save its wildlife are commendable. The campaign is now the longest running environmental campaign in the state. In the grand scheme of humanity, the preservation of the environment is a first-order issue; everything else is secondary. Without places like this, that provide so much of Melbourne's clean water, fresh air and amenity, while sequestering humankind's carbon dioxide, human rights – even human existence – start to look doubtful. It is for that reason I support the Great Forest National Park."

Jarrod Hudson

Head Chef at Giant Steps, Triathlete

“As Head Chef of the Dining Room at Giant Steps in the Yarra Valley I’m ever mindful of the role our nearby mountains play in the microcosm of life here and much of the produce we rely on for our restaurant and the special wines we produce. It is the forest that provides the fresh air and water and the climate that makes this place so special. Similarly, as a triathlete, I often like nothing more than getting out into the mountains on my bike to really appreciate how lucky I have it here. Protecting these forests has everything to do with how I work and play. It is for these reasons I support the campaign for the Great Forest National Park and I encourage you too as well.”

Professor Kate Auty

Current ACT Commissioner for Sustainability and Environment, Former Victorian Commissioner for Environmental Sustainability, Vice Chancellor's Fellow at the University of Melbourne, Barrister

"The creation of the Great Forest National Park in this old, old, country will enliven all our conversations with nature.
If we are bold enough to create it, this Park will plant the seeds for sustainability in ways we can now only imagine. It will connect us intimately with the ecosystems which are fundamental to our very existence. We will be enriched culturally, socially, and emotionally.
This Park won't just help us to understand where we live, it will also help us to appreciate who we are."

Tracey Bartram

Mother, Comedian, Radio Personality, Singer, Author, Speaker

“I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of this land, the Wurundjeri People, the People of the Kulin Nations and I pay my respect to the Elders, both past and present. I love this part of Victoria. I moved my family to the Yarra Valley in 2003 to give my son a better life in his formative years. We need to save as much of our incredible landscape as we can. I lived in Warburton for many years and I still have family in the area. Our tall timbers need to be revered! To be enjoyed by generations to come; why don’t we ALL want to save them? If you haven’t hugged The Ada Tree you haven’t really lived! Please; help us convince our elected officials to understand. Logging is as archaic and heinous as whaling. Cutting down 300 year old trees for woodchips is INSANE. How will you explain that to YOUR grandchildren, when they ask if you stood up to save our forests? We must save the habitat of our endangered little Leadbeater's Possum. She's our state faunal emblem! Join us as we create history. I’m beyond excited about The Great Forest National Park and I am a proud and passionate supporter. I can’t wait to cut the ribbon!”

Ken Deacon

Resident, Horse Rider, Tourism Operator

"My family has had the privilege of riding through the Rubicon State Forest for the last forty five years, as both tourist operators and recreational horse riders.
We have taken people from all around the world into this magnificent forest on Horse Trail Rides and they have come to not only enjoy the pleasure of riding, but to embrace the beauty that this forest offers.
Sadly, this opportunity, enchantment and engagement by our clientelle and friends - experiencing riding through mature age Mountain and Alpine Ash Forest - is disappearing, due to 'industrial logging'.
Where before we could experience all day rides and not be confronted by clear-fell logging, it is not the case today. The Rubicon State Forest has been severely degraded.
This in turn has threatened our jobs and and locked us out of areas where we could once ride. Our future, our jobs and local tourism, have not been considered by the "Industrial Logging" fraternity, both now and for the future.
We see the idea of the creation of the Great Forest National Park as a future plan that gives hope, not only for local businesses such as ours but for the many future job opportunities and for the integrity and survival of the great Alpine and Mountain Ash Forest."

Ben Burge

Entrepreneur, CEO of Belong

“The plight of the Leadbeater’s possum is one of the great comeback stories of natural history. First presumed extinct in the early 20th century, its fate was written down to factors beyond our control at a time when ecology was still an emerging discipline. Not this time. Given what we know about the threat, given the viable solutions at our disposal, and given our unprecedented power to shape public policy in the 21st century, there are no bystanders anymore. There are just those who support a solution, and those who contribute to the problem. In decades to come, I want my kids and grandkids to know which side I was on when the emblematic underdog of the Central Highlands was under siege. That’s why I support the creation of the Great Forest National Park for Victoria.”

Bob Irwin

Conservationist

“It has never been more important to protect the natural environment. We are living in a time of rapid change, and significant ecological decline. I currently spend my time working to protect wildlife & their habitat with the Bob Irwin Wildlife & Conservation Foundation; an organisation that I formed to advocate for conservation outcomes throughout Australia. We work to protect the natural environment that society is interconnected with in so many ways. Australians need natural areas throughout the landscape for ours and future generations, and most importantly to provide habitat for our unique wildlife. It is for these reasons, and for the survival of the critically endangered Leadbeater’s Possum, that I support the creation of the Great Forest National Park for Victoria.”

Tom & Sally Belford

Owners of Babar Wines in the Yarra Valley

“Seeing the forests of the Yarra Ranges every day reminds us that we are a small part of a much bigger system, and we depend on the health of that system for our life. The forest nurtures life, gives life, and is life.”

Tanya Ha

Environmentalist, Author, Journalist, Television Presenter

“A poet once said, "No man is an island". Well, no possum is an island, either. The people, the possums, and all of Victoria's creatures, great and small, need healthy ecosystems for their well-being. Nature is vital for our physical and mental health. Let's protect our forests for our shared future.”

Mac Forbes

Yarra Valley Wine Maker, Regional Explorer

"I grew up in the Yarra Valley. I make wine here and I am raising my family here. I love this place, an affection that extends to the forested mountains that define the Yarra Valley. These forests must be be preserved, which is why I support the establishment of the Great Forest National Park."

Mirka Mora

Artist

“My work has always had a strong connection to the natural world around us. I learned that Victoria's own tiny animal emblem and other native animals are at risk because we are overzealously cutting down their homes. I support the creation of the Great Forest National Park and I hope you do too.”

Neil Blake OAM

Port Phillip Baykeeper

"Creation of a Great Forest National Park in the Central Highlands will protect our threatened species, our world-class water, the Yarra and Port Phillip Bay; and create new employment opportunities for affected communities. We need a planned transition from destructive land-uses that are not viable in the longer term. Communities and governments can (and must) work together to forge new employment options and ways of working that protect and make the most of our living landscapes."

Rebecca Heenan

Student, Concerned Citizen

“Ever since I was first introduced to Toolangi State Forest I knew I had to try and raise more awareness somehow. In secondary school I performed three presentations over the years about the issue concerning Leadbeater’s possum and since then I wanted to make a difference. In June 2015 I completed one of my dreams. I was able to immerse myself in a place that I feel so much obligation and passion for and take photos of the beautiful native forest and areas where the forest is gone. I made the journey up to Mt St. Leonard where I was exposed to the destruction of our forest and the loss of habitat for the llttle endangered Leadbeater’s possums. I hope that my acts continue to raise awareness.”

Jeffrey Shapiro

Adventurer, Pioneering Wingsuit Pilot

"For me, human flight is a search for freedom, for what's possible. Flight without an engine, without noise or impact on the environment allows me to get a birds eye view of the landscape in an incredibly unique and special way. The designation of National Park land is so important in that it keeps pristine a resource which we can share with generations to come. To see those lands, untouched by industry, from far above in a hang glider or paraglider, it's like stepping back in time and creates a uniqueness to the flight and experience that is hard to describe with just feeble words."

Knitting Nannas of Toolangi

Passionate protectors of the forests

“The Mountain Ash Forest ecosystem of the Central Highlands is critically endangered. It shelters a unique community of species, many of which are also threatened, including the critically endangered Leadbeater's Possum. Logging of these forests for wood chips is driving these extinction trajectories. This could be resolved by declaring the Great Forest National Park, a proposal with many benefits including securing water production, storage of carbon, moderation of local climate, as a place of adventure and through the creation of opportunities for jobs in restoration forestry and ecotourism.”

Adam Zwar

Actor & Writer

"Australia has one of the worst mammal extinction rates in the world. Since European settlement it has lost 30 species of mammals. Unless industrial logging in Victoria's wet ash forests is stopped, then the state's faunal emblem, Leadbeater's Possum, will be next to go. And what for? Jobs. Are you telling me that, in 2015, these are the only two options available?"

Andrew Kelly

Yarra Riverkeeper Association

"The Yarra River is the artery that connects the mountains to Port Phillip Bay. Most of the water flowing under the Princes Bridge originally comes from the Mountain Ash forests of the Central Highlands. The protected forests of the upper catchment of the Yarra deliver clean, fresh water to Melbourne that is the finest drinking water of any city in the world. This is not an accident. Healthy people, a healthy river and a healthy bay — it all starts with a healthy forest."

Van Badham

Writer, Social Commentator, Playwright, Novelist

“The noblest obligation of humanity is to steward the safety of the natural world that sustains our living existence. The critically endangered status of the Leadbeater’s Possum is but a warning of greater, dire threat that reckless habitat destruction poses to us all. Of course I support the creation of the Great Forest National Park. Everyone should.”

Dot, Don, Kerryn, Bill & Bernie

Passionate Horse Riders

“I want to reassure all the horse riders in Australia that they can come in, ride, camp and have access to this beautiful forest. We support the GFNP for accessibility for horse riders. We want horse riders to have a big voice and be part of this forest that is our national heritage.”

Rob Gell AM

Environmental Scientist, Sustainability Communicator

“This is Australia's Yellowstone. The geology and geomorphology alone is spectacular. Couple those assets with the obvious ones it would be a strategic decision to create this park. It would deliver resilience to climate heating; regional economic resilience and diversity; water supply resilience for a growing population; resilience to catastrophic wildfire; habitat resilience for Victoria's unique faunal emblem, Leadbeater's Possum and the complex ecosystem of plants and animals that live with it. It's time for us to demonstrate our capability to make informed decisions about our remaining special places.”

John Williamson

Singer / Songwriter

“What am I gonna do – what about the future?
Gotta draw the line without delay
Why shouldn’t I get emotional – the bush is sacred
Ancient life will fade away

Over the hill they go, killing another mountain
Gotta fill the quota – can’t go slow
Huge machinery wiping out the scenery
One big swipe like a shearer’s blow

Rip rip woodchip – turn it into paper
Throw it in the bin, no news today
Nightmare, dreaming – can’t you hear the screaming?
Chainsaw, eyesore – more decay”

Corinne Grant

Television Personality & Comedian

“These forests and everything that lives within them deserve to be preserved for future generations. What a travesty it would be if our children only ever got to see a Leadbeater's Possum in a museum. We've already lost so much of our flora and fauna through poor decisions designed for short term gain. What about the long term? Who are we to destroy something so extraordinary... and turn it into something so mundane as paper?”

Wendy Harmer

Author, Playwright, Entertainer, Radio Host, Television Personality

“I was born in Gippsland, Victoria and the Leadbeater’s "fairy" Possum always captured my imagination - along with Snugglepot and Cuddlepie. I’ve watched for decades with dismay as this most enigmatic and emblematic marsupial has struggled for survival. The bushfires of 2009 decimated their population by nearly 50% yet real protection has eluded them. We must save what remains of this incredible part of our landscape and ensure this little Australian always has a home.”

Steve Parish OAM

Photographer, Publisher

“Without doubt the proposed Great Forest National Park's wild regions are both an ecological and spiritually uplifting gold mine. The city of Melbourne, indeed all thinking humans, must fight for its development and ongoing protection. Humans must have accessible wild places within close proximity and after forty years exploring Australia I would rank these ecosystems the most valuable and threatened in the Nation.”

Anthony ‘Lehmo’ Lehmann

Radio & TV Personality, Comedian

“There are many conversations in this country about what makes us who we are, about what it means to be Australian and about our uniquely Australian characteristics. There is nothing more Australian than our flora and fauna. You will not find it anywhere else in the world. So if you want to preserve Australia and preserve our identity then you should support the GFNP.”

Professor Tim Flannery

Mammalogist, Palaeontologist, Conservationist, Australian of the Year 2007

"For something like the Great Forest National Park the scientific evidence is very clear. For Leadbeater’s Possum alone we’ve seen a massive decline since human settlement. We need to put a bill before the Victorian parliament proposing the national park."

Father Bob Maguire

Catholic Priest, Community Worker, Radio Personality

“Money is not the only bottom line. There are two more, even more important… people and the natural environment. My mother and I, poor as we were, were enriched with a rare stay among the healing trees and ferns of Healesville. In the ‘60s I was a chaplain at the Healesville School of Army Health. The hills are indeed alive with the sound of music and I urge people to visit them.”

Chris Shorten

Hot Air Balloon Operator

“I’ve flown up in the Yarra Valley. On occasions we’ve taken off from the north, near Glenburn. Only as you fly down across the forest near Toolangi can you see the size of the Mountain Ash eucalypts and the pockets of tree ferns and rainforest. You also get to see where the logging is. In parts it is like a patchwork quilt. You don’t see that from the road.”

First Dog on the Moon

Cartoonist

“Imagine a world without all the different sizes of possums. How dreadful! Possums are wonderful creatures and a possumless Australia is not an Australia I want to live in. I’m First Dog on the Moon and I approve this plan to advance the cause of possumness and to make Australia even more possumy.”

Motorcyclists & Horse Riders

May 2015

Paul R, Lane S, Mark L, Daniel S, Jason J, David S, Gene P, Rod V, Joel B, Harvey B, Ben W, Don T, Bernie M, Dorothy H, Bill H & Kerryn B

Jim Thomas

Zoologist, Conservationist - Tenkile Conservation Alliance

Messages from other locals

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.