Report on park’s future

A NEW State Government management plan for the Dandenong Ranges National Park which proposes a long-term framework for the park’s protection was released last week.
Monbulk MP James Merlino launched the plan on Tuesday, 16 May, and said the move signified the Government’s commitment to protecting one of Victoria’s most used and best loved natural places.
“This plan aims to manage the influx of visitors and recreational users to ensure that there is little, if any, long-term environmental impact.
“The plan establishes a 10-year framework for protecting the park’s conservation values including rare, threatened and regionally significant species,” he said.
Mr Merlino said partnerships with the community, local councils and other agencies would ensure a targeted approach to the control of weeds and other pest plants.
Meanwhile, ongoing control of foxes and other pest animal programs will be aimed at protecting small mammals and bird species such as the broad-toothed rat and the superb lyrebird.
“We also recognise that fire is significant for the Dandenongs and risks to life and property must be managed carefully, including using fire to maintain wildlife habitat and vegetation,” he said.
Ferntree Gully MP Anne Eckstein said she was confident extensive consultation with all interested parties during the plan’s preparation would provide a more balanced future for the park which currently receives around 1.2 million visitors each year.