Melina Bath MP – Bath takes Labor to task in national parks debate
The history making petition calling on the Allan Government to stop the creation of new national parks in Victoria has been debated in state parliament.
It was led by The Nationals’ Melina Bath who is also the Shadow Minister for Public Land Management.
The public gallery of the Legislative Council was filled with bush users eager to hear the Allan Government’s response to their historic petition that amassed 40,208 signatures.
During debate, Ms Bath took Labor to task for its poor management of public land and shoddy response to the petition.
“Bush users were left shaking their heads in disbelief when only one Labor MP contributed to the debate with little relevance or respect.
“There was no acknowledgement of their conservation efforts, connection to the land, or the economic benefit bush activities generate for regional communities.
“The Allan Government should be targeting invasive species such as rabbits, wild dogs, feral cats and blackberries that are negatively impacting ecological outcomes; and not locking out bush users who are connected to country.”
Ms Bath said Labor has decimated Parks Victoria resulting in the proliferation of invasive weeds and pests, closed tracks and increased bushfire risk.
“The state government cut $95 million from the Parks Victoria budget last year and it has failed to deliver a report on the State of Forests for eight years.
“Our national parks have insufficient field staff and rangers, and infrastructure is often decrepit or closed indefinitely.
“Labor has turned Parks Victoria into a department of city based suits with few boots on the ground.
“Creating new national parks and restricting participation in traditional bush pursuits does not guarantee improved conservation outcomes.”
Ms Bath thanked all bush users and community groups for signing and supporting the petition and called on Labor to maintain public access to public land.