By KATH GANNAWAY
GREENS leader Senator Richard Di Natale has reiterated the party’s commitment to the establishment of a Great Forest National Park in Central Highlands, and pledged $3 million to boost tourism.
Senator Di Natale made the announcements during a pre-election tour of the Yarra Valley on Wednesday 6 March, which included the Rainforest Walk in Warburton, Healesville Sanctuary and Strathvea Guest House in Toolangi.
He was accompanied by Greens Victorian leader, Senator Janet Rice, Casey candidate Dr Elissa Sutherland and Victorian Greens member for Eastern Metropolitan, Samantha Dunn.
Standing among the tree tops at the Rainforest Walk, the group heard from Australian National University Senior Forest Ecology Research officer David Blair on the proposal and need for the establishment of the park.
“We have been able to do some pretty amazing research by looking at the forest in these closed (water) catchments and what is happening in the state forest, and it’s chalk and cheese,” he said.
He said the protections put in place aimed at protecting habitat trees in logging coupes, and other measures to provide alternative habitat for Leadbeater’s Possum, were inadequate.
“We are fiddling around with nest boxes and cutting holes in trees with chain saws and still burning around these big old trees,” he said.
Senator Di Natale said both the state and federal were committed to establishing the GFNP.
“It’s hard not to get angry because what we are doing is so short sighted,” he said in response to Mr Blair’s talk.
“We have to get to the heart of what the problem is here, and it’s the propping up of an industry that is no longer profitable, very highly subsidised and has a massive environmental impact.
He said there were strong economic reasons around tourism and jobs that underpinned the creation of the GFNP.
Announcing the $3 million pledge for tourism investment, he said the Green’s vision was to invest in tourism attractions and services that showcased the natural environment.
He said the transition to a new economy required a greater investment in tourism assets close to Melbourne.
“As Melbourne’s population grows, we need to capitalise on the huge economic opportunities that come with the tourism boom and ensure there are places for people to connect with nature and unplug from our increasingly 24/7 lives,” Senator Di Natale said.
He said federal grants for innovative local tourism businesses and community-led tourism attractions, as well as establishing the Great Forest National Park, would keep forests intact for future generations and create new, sustainable jobs.
Strathvea owner Deanne Eccles said $3 million would invigorate small business.
“This says that finally we’re seeing a willingness to invest in the capital growth of this area,” she said.
“It’s about recognising the future of tourism and potential for growth in the area and also recognising that the Yarra Valley is an hour outside of Melbourne where you are basically going from the city into nature.”
Senator Rice, Greens spokesperson for tourism and forests said the Great Forest National Park was the way forward.
“Whether you’re a mountain biker, a foodie, a wildlife spotter or a camper, the Great Forest National Park and a vibrant local tourism sector will allow people from all walks of life to reconnect with our beautiful natural landscapes,” Senator Rice said.
