Ms Garbutt said the Bracks Government would add 2160 hectares of land that was earmarked by the Kennett Government for the construction of a dam across the Mitchell River, to the Mitchell River National Park.
“The addition of this land to the national park fulfils a key Bracks Government election commitment to prohibit the damming of Victoria’s heritage rivers, including the Mitchell River,” Ms Garbutt said.
“This will not only broaden the conservation values of the park but will help prevent the damming of the largest free-flowing river in the State. The Kennett Government wanted to dam this spectacular river. We have protected it forever.”
Ms Garbutt said the enhancement of the Mitchell River National Park is a feature of the National Parks Bill that sets out to protect significant parts of our national and cultural heritage.
“The National Parks Bill will implement several of the Bracks Government’s key environmental commitments,” Ms Garbutt said.
“The Mitchell River provides about one-third of the total flow into the Gippsland Lakes. Given the importance of the Gippsland Lakes to the region, it is vital that we move to prevent any further attempts to limit the flow of this river.”
Ms Garbutt said the Mitchell River National Park is a popular area for canoeing, rafting and bushwalking.
“This area contains some of Gippsland’s most pristine forest country along with areas of temperate rain forest,” Ms Garbutt said.
“An adjacent 1500-hectare property includes areas of significant vegetation and is also being acquired by the Crown for addition to the national park.
“The addition includes remote and scenic river frontages adjacent to the Mitchell and Wentworth Rivers, the popular camping area and canoe-launching site at Angusvale, and areas of significant grassy woodland vegetation.”
Ms Garbutt said the Bracks Government will allocate an additional $100,000 to Parks Victoria for the management and revegetation of the additional land.
“The Mitchell River National Park is a Gippsland gem and it is vital that we move to protect and enhance its value for future generations.”