High Country Times
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
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BLUEBIRD BULLER Skiers Elise Elliott and Roland Kautsky carve up the early morning corduroy at Mt Buller’s Summit, soaking in bluebird conditions. The alpine resort - and wider region - has welcomed families this week as clear skies, crisp snow and school holidays combine for a perfect winter escape.
Eagles fly five straight
PHOTO: Tony Harrington/Mt Buller
SPORT
Backflip on the bush
Uncertainty remains as to whether long-standing plans for a new Great Forest National Park (GFNP) in Victoria’s Central Highlands have officially been shelved, despite a recent proclamation by Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos that the state government does not support the proposal. Mr Dimopoulos ruled out legislating the park in an address to union delegates at a conference last week, with the backflip drawing fierce criticism from environmental groups that have campaigned for more
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Park plan on ice, dismaying conservationists and delighting outdoor users than a decade on the plan. The move however has been celebrated by hunters and outdoor hobbyists, with members of the opposition now calling on the state government for a commitment that there will be no GFNP under Labor. Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath called on Mr Dimopoulos to clarify this on public record. “With over 40,000 Victorians signing our petition calling for no
new national parks, it’s time Labor confirmed its position,” Ms Bath said. “Victorians deserve transparency - not more locked-up, neglected public land.” The petition was the largest in Legislative Council history indicative of strong negative sentiment against the proposal, with bush users concerned as to how legislation would impact their access to and enjoyment of public land. In addition to the petition,
rallies were also held at various locations across the state, with the Mansfield Botanics and Woods Point both hosting protests in 2024. The Great Forest National Park was proposed to cover from Kinglake to Lake Eildon and Healesville to Mt Baw Baw, with groups who would have been affected by the legislation including those involved in dispersed camping, hunting, fourwheel driving, hiking, horseriding, mountain biking, prospecting and fishing.
“These activities fuel regional economies and support mental well-being,” said Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland who has campaigned against the proposal. Woods Point resident and former CFA captain Tony Rugys has been another vocal opponent of the park highlighting the potential impact on the isolated township. His concerns centre around the management of wild dogs and the loss
of essential services and activities, saying that aerial culling and not removing but leaving carcasses has seen a huge increase in the wild dog population. Mr Rugys also mentioned potential issues with the coordination between different agencies, bushfire mitigation, and the ability to collect firewood. “Parks Victoria don’t talk to DEECA; they don’t tell each other what they’re doing,” he said. ■ Continued page 9
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