Battle for Otways Park plan under fire

Kim Waters
Hundreds of submissions have attacked State Government plans to protect Otways state forest.
More than 500 individuals and organisations have lodged submission on Parks Victoria’s Otways management plan, which seeks to balance environmental protection and recreational use.
Geelong Environment Council president Joan Lindros said the plan was tilted in favour of recreation.
“It seems to be more orientated to what people want rather than what is in the best interest of the environment,” she said.
Ms Lindros was concerned about “uncontrolled activities” in the Otways.
“The plan allows inappropriate activities like camping, trail-bike riding, hunting and horses,” she said.
“These are all fine but they need to be done in a controlled and designated area.
“It’s so important to protect what’s there and we believe the values of the forest park are equal to those of a national park.
“The forest park must be managed carefully and environmentally.”
Australian Motorcycle Trail Riders Association’s Peter Ellard said he had little faith in Parks Victoria’s ability to achieve “a satisfactory outcome for all parties”.
“Having dealt with them before I’m not very confident,” he said.
“They have been bloody awful in the past. You go through the consultation process but at the end of the day they don’t listen to you and go down their own track.”
Mr Ellard said he feared the forest would become a national park.
“Once it’s regarded as a national park all our recommendations simply go out the window and there are endless restrictions,” he said.
“If motorcyclists and others use the park in the way it should be used there are no problems but what these environmental groups need to realise is that even walkers cause damage.”
Parks Victoria’s Ian Walker said the organisation was “carefully considering” the submissions.
Parks Victoria would revise the management plan for release next year, he said.
“The plan will guide Parks Victoria and Department of Sustainability and Environment management for the protection of the important conservation values in the parks while encouraging compatible recreation uses,” he said.