Let’s not beat around the bush.
Within an hour’s drive of Melbourne, there are three important natural areas
that all deserve to be protected under the national parks act – yes three.
The Wombat State Forest, Western Grasslands and the Central Highland
Forests in the Yarra Ranges all need greater protection. See this map.
Together they would take Melbourne beyond its green wedges, and give
Melbourne a strong green edge of protected parks to benefit all Victorians.
My vision is to pursue a campaign to protect these three areas until we win.
Are you with me? If the answer is yes please make a donation today. We need
your support to protect these unique natural areas.
1.
Stop Wombat State Forest being ruined by open cut mining
I want to see the Wombat State Forest near Daylesford protected under the
National Parks Act.
Why? Because, frankly, that’s the only thing that will stop current proposals for
open cut – yes that’s right – open cut mining.
This 45,000 hectares of forest teems with wildlife, including many varieties of
threatened fauna, like the Powerful Owl, the Spotted Quail-thrush and the
Square tailed Kite, and the state endangered Masked Owl.
2.
Protect the endangered and rare Western Grasslands
Second, I want to see our Western Grasslands reserves protected as national
parks.
At first glance, the stretch of grasslands from western Melbourne towards
Geelong looks rather plain, but in fact they’re a unique and rare habitat for a lot
of remarkable and unusual flora and fauna and they’re one of the most
endangered habitat types in Australia.
We must act now to get the proper protections of the National Parks Act
applied to the Western Grasslands.
Both the state and federal governments have made various promises but has
not yet met them.
Only sustained pressure will save these grasslands!
3.
Save the forests of the Central Highlands
The forests of the Central Highlands are home to the world’s largest flowering
plant, the majestic Mountain Ash.
These trees are a home for Victoria’s faunal emblem, the globally endangered
Leadbeater’s Possum which, along with 40 other animal species, live, shelter
or nest in the hollows and crevices in large old trees.
The forests include stands with the highest reported above-ground biomass in
the world, which stores climate-damaging carbon. They also cover Melbourne’s
water catchments, helping keep Melbourne’s drinking water pure.
The best way to truly protect these forests is to extend the Yarra Ranges
National Park to include them.
Please donate today to protect these three unique natural areas around
Melbourne.
Our state government is obligated under joint federal and state agreements,
and its own laws to develop strategies that will protect threatened species. But
successive governments have failed to act quickly enough.
And they will only do this if we work together as a community to make them
keep their promises.
Your gift today will help run campaigns, fund work with local groups, lobby the
politicians and promote the issues in the media, so that everyone understands
what’s possible, and – most importantly – how much we stand to lose if we do
not act now.
Warm regards
Matt Ruchel
Executive Director
PS Protecting nature is not just good for nature - it’s also good for people. Our
forests provide clean water for our reservoirs, our rivers and streams take away
storm water. Parks also provide for recreation and quiet enjoyment.
PPS Please donate today to fight the campaign to establish the Western
Grassland Reserves, extend the Yarra Ranges National Park and give the
Wombat State Forest protection under the National Parks Act. Find out more.
Ph: 03 9347 5188 | Email: vnpa@vnpa.org.au | Web: vnpa.org.au | Facebook