Positive comments from the Environment and Outdoor Recreation Minister regarding the Central Highlands

12/06/2024

In an interview on ABC 774 Radio on June 12th, Minister Dimopoulos was interviewed by Drive program host Ali Moore about the Central Highlands and the ongoing concern about a change in land tenure.

The future of the Central Highlands has long been an issue, with campaigns against native timber harvesting effectively using the stalking horse of a National Park as a means to an end. However, with the government ending native timber harvesting at the start of 2024, the argument for a National Park was effectively removed.

During the interview, the Minister made several positive comments regarding the government's position, such as “The government is not looking at creating new National Parks” and that the government has “no commitment to a National Park”.

The Australian Deer Association has consistently advocated that the end of the native timber harvesting industry potentially creates an issue regarding land tenure. Pleasingly, during the interview, the Minister made additional comments on this, stating that this is “an opportunity to redefine what was happening in this parcel of land now that native timber harvesting has ended” and that this is part of the role and reason for the creation of the Great Outdoors Taskforce.

Towards the end of the interview, the Minister also made an encouraging comment regarding public land that will be well-received by most, “Public lands in this state are for public use, and they (the public) should be able to benefit from them”.

While several processes are underway and a significant body of work is attached to them, these initial comments can be taken as positive.

The Australian Deer Association will continue its advocacy efforts and looks forward to engaging with the Great Outdoors Taskforce to help shape the future use of public land for recreational deer hunters.

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