The Greens have pledged support for the establishment of a Barmah-Millewa National Park. Speaking in Shepparton on Tuesday, Jennifer Alden, Greens Upper House candidate for Northern Victoria, said “Our vision is for this area to become the largest red gum national park in the world.”

“The possibilities for eco-tourism in this region are virtually endless," said Jennifer Alden. "By preserving this unique environment for future generations, we will open it up to the whole community to experience, and potentially generate hundreds of millions of tourism dollars."

“The Greens are proposing that the new national park be managed in partnership with the Indigenous owners," said Jennifer Alden. "This happens elsewhere in Australia and we could see the Barmah-Millewa Park develop into the Kakadu of the south.”

“The Liberals and Nationals are opposed to the Park and want to continue the poor management practices that have seriously damaged the area’s conservation value," said Jennifer Alden. "This is out of step with tourism trends elsewhere. Their anti national park stance is not only anti-tourism, but shows their lack of the vision, which rural communities so desperately need.”

“The Greens in State Parliament after November 25 will work to establish the Barmah-Millewa National Park - and offer adjustment packages for those affected by the transition from logging," said Jennifer Alden. "New tourism in the area could benefit those who have been relying on this magnificent community asset for grazing or logging. There will be new opportunities, such as cultural tours or horse-riding tours.”

“The area has been turned into a dust bowl by grazing and the removal of cattle would allow for rehabilitation of the land to prevent further damage and improve water quality in these precious wetlands,” said Jennifer Alden.

“The Greens in Parliament, when supporting the establishment of the Barmah-Millewa National Park, will speak for the whole community, not just those with vested interests,” said Jennifer Alden.

For more information and comment, please contact:
Jennifer Alden on (mob) 0427 430 233
email: jenniferalden@vic.greens.org.au,
or
Dave Lane on (mob) 0419 156 213.

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