Media Release: LAND DONATION EXPANDS WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK

FROM THE MINISTER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT, MINISTER FOR WATER

DATE: Thursday, June 3, 2004

LAND DONATION EXPANDS WYPERFELD NATIONAL PARK

Wyperfeld National Park will expand by nearly 180 hectares, thanks to the generosity of two local landowners, the Minister for Environment, John Thwaites, said today.

Mr Thwaites said the addition would be formalised with legislation introduced to Parliament this week.

“For a second time Colin and Yvonne Hutchinson have donated land from their adjoining property for the National Park,” Mr Thwaites said.

“The Hutchinsons’ donation is a wonderful example of how the parks system can be enhanced through the generosity of individuals.

“The Hutchinsons have been very generous in handing over land to be managed as National Park and are helping to preserve the environment for future generations.

“The addition, which covers nearly 180 hectares, includes habitat for the endangered mallefowl and adjoins the park north of Yaapeet.

“In 1997 the Hutchinsons’ earlier donation of 217 hectares was added to the same park, so we are particularly grateful for a repeat of this gesture.”

The legislation provides for significant additions to 8 National Parks, 5 State Parks, 2 Historic Parks and a National Heritage Park across the State. Eight Nature Conservation Reserves will also be created.

Mr Thwaites said the aim was to provide extra protection for additional areas of high conservation value, by adding them to existing parks or including them in nature conservation reserves.

“These additions are another step toward Victoria having a truly representative system of parks, protecting a diverse range of indigenous plants and animals as well as heritage areas.

“The Bracks Government is committed to ensuring that greater protection is given to areas of high conservation value.

“Protecting these areas equates to protecting biodiversity, which in turn will enable us to make our environment sustainable to support our children and their children.”