Thursday, 14 November 2024

State forest access

Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:36): (748) My question today is for the Minister for Environment. In September both the Premier and the minister said they would not lock the community out of public parks and forests. Just this week I have been notified of numerous large boulders and felled trees being placed across tracks leading in and out of state and national parks, restricting public access. I have also had reports of locked gates keeping people out of parts of public land. Can the minister explain why these measures have been put in place to restrict public access?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:37): I thank the member for her question. The question will be referred to the Minister for Environment.

Rikkie-Lee TYRRELL (Northern Victoria) (12:37): I thank the minister for her answer. Coming into what has been predicted to be a high-risk fire season, can the minister explain how emergency services vehicles are supposed access these now blocked areas if these barriers remain in place?

Gayle TIERNEY (Western Victoria – Minister for Skills and TAFE, Minister for Regional Development) (12:38): I thank the member for the question. I am not quite sure whether the supplementary should be for the Minister for Environment or another minister in relation to fire. But regardless, I will refer it to the Minister for Environment, and he can make that decision.