- Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change
The Andrews Labor Government is providing more opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors and make it easier for Victorians to get out and take advantage of our beaches, forests and bushland.
Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio will today introduce a bill into Parliament to create a new Marine and Coastal Park along the Bass Coast - delivering on a key election commitment - and provide more camping opportunities along Victoria's rivers.
The Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park will protect the pristine parks and reserves dotted along the 40 kilometre coastline between San Remo and Inverloch and open them up for visitors to camp, walk and swim.
The park will also provide a big boost to local businesses, with the tourism hotspot now available for camping for the first time.
The Labor Government will work with the community to improve visitor opportunities in the park while protecting its important environment.
The park's name honours the Yallock-Bulluk Clan of the Bunurong People whose Country includes the park areas.
The Bill will also provide greater opportunities for fishers and campers to explore Victoria's many beautiful landscapes by enabling camping along licensed river frontages across the state.
To ensure the changes along the river frontages are successful in the long term, they will be carefully guided by a detailed implementation plan involving relevant agencies and extensive consultation.
This Bill also enshrines in law greater protections for the local environment through the Yellingbo Landscape Conservation Area and permanent protection of areas of the Kuark Forest, which will now form part of the Errinundra National Park.
The Bill's introduction builds on the Government's recent work to permanently protect the Bass Coast from over development.
Phillip Island, the Bunurong coastlines from Inverloch to Cape Paterson, the George Bass Coastal walk and Bass Hills and surrounds have been declared as Distinctive Areas and Landscapes under the Planning and Environment Act 1987.
As noted by Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D'Ambrosio
"Victorians love the great outdoors and this legislation will make it easier for them to get out and enjoy it."
"Camping is a relaxing, affordable holiday and families will soon be able to pitch a tent in more places along our stunning rivers."
As noted by Member for Bass Jordan Crugnale
"The Yallock-Bulluk Marine and Coastal Park will become a truly memorable experience of being immersed in nature and a coastal walk like no other."
