General News
20 June, 2025
National Parks Act celebrated
Members of the newly formed Victorian Protected Areas Council (VPAC) gathered at Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Victorian National Parks Act.
Members of the newly formed Victorian Protected Areas Council (VPAC) gathered at Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park this month to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Victorian National Parks Act.
More than 30 former rangers, park managers and friends met in Halls Gap for a weekend of activities and celebration of Victoria’s protected areas.
These areas are the cornerstone of nature conservation in Victoria as they protect places the community have visited and loved for generations.
National Parks Act.
In 1975 the Act consolidated national parks under one agency and established the legislation and regulations that have now directed park management for half a century.
numbers are being greatly reduced," VPAC president Felicity Brooke said.
“Some recreational lobby groups appear to have gained far too much influence over the government, misleadingly claiming that national parks are ‘locked up and left’ and unavailable for recreation.
"We strongly challenge this misinformation, balancing the protection of nature and culture with recreation and tourism is the very foundation of Victoria’s National Parks Act.”
VPAC’s members bring more than 2000 years of collective expertise in protected area management to discussions about park management.
“We know these places and the many challenges they face," Ms Brooke said.
"Our members have spent their working lives looking after parks, wildlife and people.
"We invite the state government to join with us and the majority of Victorians in demonstrating their support for our wonderful parks, both now and in the future.”
Find out more at https://victorianprotectedareascouncil.org/