VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east . • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South . • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800 recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department communities; communities; its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800 recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department communities; communities; its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800 recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In

environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department communities; communities;

its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800 recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In

environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department communities; communities;

its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public

systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800

recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr

must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In

environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department

communities; communities;

its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public

systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The

resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public

land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800

recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr

must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In

environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department

communities; communities;

its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public

systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The

resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview

recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public

land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What

contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800

recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr

must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In

environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department

communities; communities;

its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public

systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The

resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview

recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public

land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800

recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr

must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In

environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department

communities; communities;

its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public

systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The

resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public

land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800 recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In

environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department communities; communities;

its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public

systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800 recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In

environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department communities; communities;

its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the

of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800 recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more

at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department communities; communities; its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability VEAC recommendations

National parks

VEAC recommends five new and two significantly • Gadsen Bend Park expanded national parks, primarily to protect threatened Changes since the • Kerang Regional Park riverine forests and wetlands and provide a long-term VEAC has recommended co-management of Draft Proposals Paper future for recreation and tourism, based on the • Shepparton Regional Park the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Park natural environment. • Murray-Kulkyne Park through Boards of Management, and Aboriginal Timber harvesting Advisory Committees for a number of other park State forests along the River Murray and tributaries have These parks are: VEAC also recommends 21 expanded or retained and VEAC has responded to the views and information received in almost and reserve areas. been a major source of River Red Gum wood products 29 substantially new nature conservation reserves to 9000 written submissions and hundreds of face-to-face discussions • Barmah National Park since the region was settled and are also used for grazing and this is reflected in the major recommendations of the River Red improve the protection of depleted and fragmented Domestic firewood – the largest and most important River Red Gum forest Recreation and tourism of stock, and a wide range of recreation pursuits. State Gum Forests Investigation Final Report. and wetland in the world ecosystems. • Providing firewood zones in Shepparton Regional Park and in The maintenance of sustainable recreation and tourism forests also protect riverine ecosystems, threatened flora Environmental water the Murray River Park – near Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, Cobram • Gunbower National Park The new parks and reserves represent a substantial and Rutherglen – in addition to those previously proposed near was an important consideration for the River Red Gum and fauna and have great significance to Aboriginal • Rather than specifying the volume of environmental water Mildura, Robinvale and Nathalia. Additional areas are provided by – extensive Black Box and River Red Gum forests increase in the size of the parks and conservation Forests Investigation. VEAC believes the implementation communities. that the ecosystem may require for overbank flows, VEAC reducing some areas of adjacent recommended national parks. and wetlands reserve system from 5.7 percent (69,640 hectares) of its recommendations will result in increased recreation has focussed on identification and mapping of natural values VEAC has recommended that the timber industry that need flooding to be sustained, thereby enabling strategic to 14.2 percent (173,240 hectares) of the original and tourism. • Recommending a coordinated approach to managing firewood • Lower Goulburn River National Park continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram state decisions to be made in accordance with the availability of water. supply and demand, and ensuring delivery to local towns that extent of native vegetation. – key river corridor and Kanyapella Basin VEAC has recommended that: forests. Timber harvesting is recommended to cease in do not have natural gas – modelled on the successful approach Recreation implemented in Bendigo and north-east Victoria. • Warby Range-Ovens River National Park Environmental water other state forests, for example, Barmah state forest to • the region’s traditional camping, fishing, • Ensuring that access for ‘dispersed camping’ (camping at – most ecologically intact natural river system enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Timber VEAC has recommended that environmental watering of horseriding and vehicle access uses continue self-selected bush campsites) can continue as the predominant • Leaghur-Koorangie National Park form of camping in all riverine parks and forests. • Timber industry to continue in Gunbower, Benwell and Guttram the floodplain through relevant existing and new state across all public land categories VEAC has recommended that the government examine state forests, but cease in other state forests to enable creation of – significant wetland complexes near Kerang • Allowing campfires and associated collection of firewood in all and national water programs take into account newly a restructure of the timber industry that could include parks such as the Barmah National Park. • enjoyment of campfires and associated collection riverine parks and forests, outside the fire danger period (replaces • Murray-Sunset National Park compiled information on water requirements – including assistance for affected businesses, as previously provided winter campfire ban and firewood collection in parks). This aligns of firewood continues in all riverine parks (including Grazing – extensive and robust corridor and biolink the approximate frequency and extent of flooding – to in the Otways, East Gippsland and Bendigo state forests. Victoria with fire policies along the River Murray in New South national parks) and forests, except in the high fire sustain the flood-dependent ecosystems of the region. Wales and South Australia. • New incentives and priority-setting for removal of grazing from • Terrick Terrick National Park danger period (from approx November to March). public land, and a recommended new licence category to enable Domestic firewood • Adding areas to the Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional – additions to existing park The recommendations provide flexibility to take into This brings Victoria into alignment with fire restrictions licensees to maintain a conservation stewardship role along public River Red Gum forests are an important source of Park (through reduction in adjacent recommended national land water frontages, should they wish to do so. account the impacts of climate change and are in along the River Murray in New South Wales and parks) to provide additional areas for camping with dogs. domestic firewood for many local communities, Camping with dogs will now be permitted along over 80 percent Murray River Park and other parks keeping with State and Commonwealth Government South Australia Indigenous involvement particularly those without access to mains gas. of the currently available River Murray frontage. VEAC recommends seven new and expanded parks along programs – regarding water savings, and water to be • Addition of Aboriginal Advisory Committees for Hattah-Kulkyne • recreational hunting continue on 23 wildlife areas, VEAC is recommending zones in eight areas in the • Adding two further duck hunting areas – Reedy Swamp and the River Murray, and near major towns to provide for purchased – for allocation to the environment. National Park and Murray-Kulkyne Park and for Gunbower as well as state forest, water frontage areas and McNab Bend, through reduction in area of adjacent national Murray River Park and Shepparton Regional Park where National Park, to enhance the role of Indigenous people in the recreation and tourism in natural bush settings. parks. Hunting now continues to be allowed in 23 of the 35 Increased Indigenous involvement certain water storages. domestic firewood collection under permit can continue. management of parks. These parks are: current wildlife areas (state game reserves), as well as state forest in public land management Domestic firewood collection would also continue in the Domestic stock grazing wetlands, water frontages and some water storages. • Murray River Park – extending from Wodonga to recommended Benwell, Guttram and Gunbower Shared land management is a means of reconciling Mildura, covering more than 1000 kilometres of the VEAC has recommended grazing of stock cease on state forests. Parks and nature conservation Aboriginal interests in public land and in retaining the River Murray frontage public land to give long-term protection to waterways • There have been some reductions to recommended national spiritual relationship of Aboriginal people with their parks to provide for firewood zones, camping with dogs and • Kings Billabong Park and associated ecosystems. Grazing is recommended traditional Country. duck hunting. Gemmill Swamp has been reinstated as a nature • Nyah-Vinifera Park to stop immediately across most public land and be conservation reserve, with provision for dogwalking.

phased-out over five years on public land water frontages.

Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

the results of its investigation. investigation. its of results the of the final report. final the of

on Report Final a submit and Paper, Proposals Draft a

summary a provides brochure This Paper, Discussion a release to required is Council The

public land on its floodplains. floodplains. its on land public

Change. Climate and Environment for

and River Murray the for Government Wales South New

Investigation Final Report to the Minister Minister the to Report Final Investigation the with regime management joint a for Opportunities •

representative reserve system, and; and; system, reserve representative and provided its River Red Gum Forests Forests Gum Red River its provided and www.veac.vic.gov.au Website:

and adequate comprehensive, a for criteria agreed Nationally • Council Assessment Environmental Victorian

and agencies, such as water authorities. authorities. water as such agencies, and VEAC has completed its investigation investigation its completed has VEAC

[email protected] email or 803 134 1800 recreation activities, and for community values and uses; and values community for and activities, recreation and other reserves and land owned by certain government departments departments government certain by owned land and reserves other and

grazing, apiaries, and other resource industries), for appropriate appropriate for industries), resource other and apiaries, grazing, on VEAC contact information more For Public land  Public encompasses Crown land forests, parks, water frontages frontages water parks, forests, land Crown encompasses 1

timber, (eg opportunities commercial for access Appropriate •

the past 35 years. 35 past the Agreement; Management Co-operative Yorta Yorta The •

over Victoria throughout investigations 30 than more at www.veac.vic.gov.au at involvement; management indigenous for opportunities Possible • 978-1-74208-688-0 (CD-ROM) 978-1-74208-688-0

conducted have predecessors its and VEAC process.

available is Councillor each of biography brief A (PDF) 978-1-74208-687-3 the investigation; investigation; the

Investigation

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation is not a new new a not is Investigation Forests Gum Red River The to relate they as plans, and strategies programs, Regional • (print) 978-1-74208-686-6 ISBN

Ms Jill McFarlane. McFarlane. Jill Ms

River Red Gum Forests Gum Red River Ministerial Statements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as Statements, Ministerial

(see following panel). following (see

JULY 2008 JULY VEAC website: www.veac.vic.gov.au www.veac.vic.gov.au website: VEAC

Ms Jan Macpherson and and Macpherson Jan Ms and strategies programs, policies, Government State Existing •

Change Climate and Environment for Minister the by

brochure, are also available for download from the the from download for available also are brochure,

agreements or arrangements, as they relate to the investigation; investigation; the to relate they as arrangements, or agreements Professor Barry Hart Hart Barry Professor REPORT FINAL

provided Reference of Terms the and 2001 Act Council

The report, factsheets on a range of topics and this this and topics of range a on factsheets report, The from International, Commonwealth-State and Interstate Interstate and Commonwealth-State International, from more than 9000 written submissions. submissions. written 9000 than more

Associate Professor David Mercer Mercer David Professor Associate

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the in specified are resulting obligations, as well as reports, and programs Policies, •

received and individuals and groups interested

TTY (03) 9603 8806 8806 9603 (03) TTY

social and economic considerations. These requirements requirements These considerations. economic and social Mr Duncan Malcolm (chair) (chair) Malcolm Duncan Mr must also take into consideration the following matters: matters: following the consideration into take also must

with met meetings, public conducted VEAC

cost) call (local 356 366 1300

Victorian Environmental Assessment Council Act 2001, the Council Council the 2001, Act Council Assessment Environmental Victorian on the land and its resources, as well as the full range of of range full the as well as resources, its and land the on

The current five Councillors are are Councillors five current The periods, consultation public the During

[email protected] E-mail: In addition to the considerations specified in Section 18 of the the of 18 Section in specified considerations the to addition In environmental values along with competing demands demands competing with along values environmental

3000 Vic Melbourne Conservation Council. Council. Conservation

The Final Report was released in July 2008. July in released was Report Final The . . 2001 Act Council Assessment into account the protection of biodiversity and other other and biodiversity of protection the account into

Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the of 18 Section in specified as

St, Collins 505 . VEAC replaced the Environment Environment the replaced VEAC . 2001 Act Council

comment. public for also 2007, July in released was

In carrying out its Investigation, VEAC has had to take take to had has VEAC Investigation, its out carrying In

protection and ecological sustainable use of public land land public of use sustainable ecological and protection

Victoria Information

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the under 2001 in Paper Proposals Draft The 2006. October in comment

conservation, the to relating recommendations Make (b)

sustainable use of public land. public of use sustainable

1 and natural resources of public land. It was established established was It land. public of resources natural and April 2005 and a Discussion Paper was released for public public for released was Paper Discussion a and 2005 April

the investigation area and: area investigation the and and

relating to the conservation, protection and ecologically ecologically and protection conservation, the to relating

on protection and management of the environment environment the of management and protection on The River Red Gum Forests Investigation commenced in in commenced Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

in Environment and Sustainability of Department communities; communities; its Victorian tributaries and make recommendations recommendations make and tributaries Victorian its

provides the State Government with independent advice advice independent with Government State the provides

fauna, wetlands, floodplain ecosystems and Vegetation Vegetation and ecosystems floodplain wetlands, fauna, public libraries and obtained from offices of the the of offices from obtained and libraries public systems such as the Avoca, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers. Ovens and Goulburn Avoca, the as such systems

the River Red Gum Forests of the River Murray and and Murray River the of Forests Gum Red River the

The Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental Victorian The resources and uses of riverine red gum forests and associated associated and forests gum red riverine of uses and resources

in viewed be may Report Final the of Copies

river tributary along and border, Australian South

Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) to investigate investigate to (VEAC) Council Assessment Environmental (a) Identify and evaluate the extent, condition, values, management, management, values, condition, extent, the evaluate and Identify (a)

the and Wodonga between Victoria, Northern

In 2005 the Government formally asked the Victorian Victorian the asked formally Government the 2005 In Overview of information presented in the Final Report Final the in presented information of Overview recommendations. recommendations.

The purposes of the investigation are to: to: are investigation the of purposes The

in Murray River the along land public of corridor

public consultations, and implications of the the of implications and consultations, public land within the area shown on the accompanying plan. plan. accompanying the on shown area the within land

brochure Summary

The investigation area encompasses a 1600 kilometre kilometre 1600 a encompasses area investigation The

hereby requests the Council to carry out an investigation of public public of investigation an out carry to Council the requests hereby and and submissions in raised issues key of summaries

Assessment Council? Assessment the Minister for Environment and Climate Change Change Climate and Environment for Minister the 2001 Act Council

use, use, land public for recommendations all including

Victorian Environmental Assessment Assessment Environmental Victorian the of 15 Section to Pursuant

What is the Victorian Environmental Environmental Victorian the is What contains complete details of the investigation investigation the of details complete contains VEAC’s process VEAC’s

The River Red Gum Forests Investigation Final Report Report Final Investigation Forests Gum Red River The

Forests Investigation Forests

Background to the River Red Gum Gum Red River the to Background

Terms of Reference of Terms Availability of Final Report Final of Availability Main recreational uses of public land and where each activity may occur

Indigenous roles

• Indigenous co-management of the Barmah National Park and Nyah–Vinifera Campfires Regional Park through Boards of National Murray Parks and State Horse riding Management. Campfires and associated Activity Parks River Park Other Parks Forest collection of firewood Domestic firewood Horseriding continues on • Aboriginal Advisory continues in all riverine 1 roads and tracks in parks Committees for a Collection of domestic Dispersed camping ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓✓ national parks, regional and state forest areas. number of other firewood permitted at parks, other parks and ✘ ✓ ✓ ✓ Camping with horses parks and reserves. Gunbower, Benwell and Dogs is generally permitted, forests, except in the high Guttram state forests except in national parks. fire danger period (approx and firewood zones in Car touring and River Red Gum Forests POINT SUMMARY November to March). Shepparton Regional Park four wheel driving ✓2 ✓2 ✓2 ✓2 The summer restriction and the Murray River Park aligns Victoria with fire near Mildura, Robinvale, Campfires and ✓3 ✓3 ✓3 ✓3 Investigation restrictions along the River Boundary Bend, Swan Hill, firewood collection Murray in New South Wales Barmah-Nathalia, Cobram

SUMMARY POINT SUMMARY Fishing ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ and South Australia. and Rutherglen. SUMMARY POINT SUMMARY Camping along Camping with dogs Boating ✓ ✓ ✓ ✓ Final recommendations map POINT SUMMARY the rivers Camping with dogs Horse riding ✓2 ✓2 ✓2 ✓2 ‘Dispersed camping’ continues in seven parks, at sites along Murray, including those covering Trail bike riding ✓2 ✓2 ✓2 ✓2 Goulburn and Ovens Rivers more than 80 percent of 4 4 4 5 continues as the main the currently available River Recreational hunting ✘ ✘ ✘ ✓ form of camping in all Murray frontage. The main riverine national parks and locations for camping with 1 In riverine national parks other parks and forests. dogs are the Murray River 2 On formed roads and tracks Dispersed camping is Park, Murray-Kulkyne, vehicle-accessible bush Kings Billabong, Gadsen Duck hunting 3 Campfires not allowed during the high fire danger period camping at a site of one’s Bend and Nyah-Vinifera (include those using wood and charcoal. Others using gas Twenty three wildlife areas choosing where there are Parks, Shepparton and and liquid fuel stoves are allowed) for duck hunting including SUMMARY POINT SUMMARY generally no facilities. POINT SUMMARY Kerang Regional Parks. the popular Reedy Swamp, 4 Not allowed except as part of a pest animal control program Cullens Lake as well as and/or for traditional Aboriginal cultural purposes water frontages (such as 5 Hunting also permitted in 23 wildlife areas (state game reserves), state Gunbower Creek), state forest, certain public land water frontages and water storage lakes forest areas (McNab Bend), and some water storages.

Parks and conservation POINT SUMMARY reserves

• Nine new or expanded national parks and four other parks for biodiversity protection, recreation and tourism

• Three new regional Environmental water parks including the The amount and frequency Murray River Park with of water needed to maintain a focus on recreation in the flood-dependent natural natural surroundings ecosystems along the

SUMMARY POINT SUMMARY • 29 substantially new River Murray and tributaries nature conservation has been identified. This Community input reserves to improve the will inform the allocation protection of depleted of adequate environmental water through relevant state Throughout the investigation and during the preparation and fragmented ecosystems and national programs. of the Final Report, VEAC invited the community to have • Small additions to Adequate environmental input into shaping the future of the public land in the water is extremely important existing parks and POINT SUMMARY River Red Gum Forests Investigation area. reserves for nature conservation, recreational, Aboriginal Three primary consultation methods were used to assist The parks and cultural heritage, and with developing the recommendations: conservation reserves the tourism and timber protect a representative industries. • VEAC established a Community Reference Group, sample of River Red Gum Domestic stock grazing The State and a Government Contact Group and an Indigenous forests, wetlands and associated ecosystems, Commonwealth Grazing of stock to cease Steering Committee to provide input and advice. thus meeting nationally Government have on public land to give agreed benchmarks for the developed priority programs long-term protection to • Three formal public submission periods were protection of ecosystems. to secure water savings waterways and associated conducted during the investigation and almost and purchase water ecosystems. Grazing The new parks and to be allocated to the 9,000 written submissions were received. is to stop immediately Timber harvesting reserves represent a environment. across most public land substantial increase in Timber harvesting to • VEAC met with individuals and groups in local and be phased-out over the size of the parks and five years on public land continue in Gunbower, communities, community forums, local government conservation reserve water frontages. Benwell and Guttram state authorities, industry bodies, recreation and system from 5.7 percent forests. Timber harvesting (69,640 hectares) to 14.2 is to cease in other state conservation groups, and government agencies. percent (173,240 hectares) forests; for example, SUMMARY POINT SUMMARY Community meetings were held in regional of the original extent of Barmah state forest to areas including in Mildura, , Shepparton, native vegetation. enable creation of the Barmah National Park. Wangaratta, Cohuna, Swan Hill and Nathalia.

VEAC has carefully considered the submissions in

formulating the final recommendations. VEAC wishes to POINT SUMMARY thank all members of the community who contributed to the consultation process.