Help shape the future use and management of State forests
This includes the land status of over 146,000 hectares of Immediate Protection Areas.
The Victorian Government is undertaking a consultation process to determine the future use and management of some of our forests:
- The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) will identify values of the Immediate Protection Areas. The Council's assessments will also consider suitable land categories that align with these values.
- Community engagement will be undertaken by the newly established Eminent Panel for Community Engagement which will work alongside VEAC.
- The panel will be chaired by former Chief Executive of the Latrobe Valley Authority Karen Cain and will engage with Victorians to understand what the community values most about these forests
- Traditional Owners will also have formal membership on the Panel.
The panel will provide recommendations and a timeline for the government to reclassify each of the current Immediate Protection Areas, and provide suggested longer term strategies for how State forests are managed as native timber harvesting ceases in 2030.
Immediate Protection Areas
In November 2019 over 96,000ha of Immediate Protection Areas were announced alongside the Victorian Forestry Plan. When combined with existing protections, the total size of protection areas is 146,000 hectares.
The Immediate Protection Areas will help to protect the future of the Greater Glider, alongside the Leadbeater’s Possum and more than 35 other threatened species.
They are also important areas for water supply, connect areas of the parks and reserve network and support community enjoyment including for recreation and nature conservation.
A cultural landscapes context
The Immediate Protection Areas occur within important cultural landscapes to many Traditional Owner groups. Partnerships are being formed with Traditional Owners to help understand the cultural context that these forests occur in. This includes working with Aboriginal Corporations for each Immediate Protection Area.
This includes:
Strathbogie Ranges Immediate Protection Areas
- Taungurung Land and Waters Council Aboriginal Corporation
Mirboo North Immediate Protection Areas
- Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
Central Highlands Immediate Protection Areas
- Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
- Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation
- Taungurung Land and Waters Council Aboriginal Corporation
- Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation
East Gippsland Immediate Protection Areas
- Traditional Owners with interests in this area.
Page last updated: 27/07/22