Victoria creates three new national parks covering over 65,000 hectares in the Central West
Victoria has formally established three new national parks, Mount Buangor, Pyrenees and Wombat–Lerderderg, along with new conservation and regional parks and nearly 30 reserves.
Three new national parks have been formally established in Victoria's Central West, together creating more than 65,000 hectares of national park, Parks Victoria said. The parks protect forests, waterways, wildlife habitat and cultural heritage, while staying open for walking, camping and exploring.
Familiar forests gain national park protection
The new parks build on areas many visitors already know. Mount Buangor National Park includes Mount Buangor State Park and parts of the Mt Cole State Forest. Pyrenees National Park takes in the Landsborough and Landsborough Hill reserves and parts of the St Arnaud–Pyrenees State Forest. Wombat–Lerderderg National Park combines Lerderderg State Park with additions from the Wombat State Forest.
Alongside them, three new conservation parks, seven new or expanded regional parks and almost 30 nature and bushland reserves have opened across the Central West and Mirboo North.
Traditional Owners will help shape the parks
Parks Victoria said Traditional Owners have cared for these landscapes for thousands of years, and that their knowledge, values and priorities will continue to shape how the parks are managed through an ongoing partnership.
The parks follow a 2021 investigation by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council and a law passed by the state parliament. Most recreation continues as before, though some activities will change in specific places, and new signs and visitor information are being rolled out over the coming months.
New protected areas are being declared in many countries, from Australia to a new national park in Laos created to protect the saola. Parks Victoria says the parks will also support nature-based tourism in regional communities.
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