Legislative basis
Under state legislation, the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) is charged with providing advice to government regarding the use of public land, with public consultation a key component of the process. The Victorian government accepted VEAC’s clear, evidence-based recommendations that domestic stock grazing not be permitted on public land along the Ovens River; that a collaborative approach be undertaken with land holders and natural resource agencies to remove stock grazing and develop practical solutions for fencing issues; and that the land along the lower Ovens River be gazetted as National Park. A range of other statutes also facilitated the removal of grazing.
- VEAC’s review of land use was a participatory process, occurring over multiple years. This resulted in social licence and acceptance of the process.
- There was strong community engagement in the process with over 9,000 submissions received (for the entire River Red Gum footprint (296,000 ha of Crown land across a total area of 1.2 million ha).
- The existence of VEAC as a Government-supported public land use arbitrator led to the creation of the park and supported improved land management practices (including removal of grazing).
- It’s important to inform community of land use changes and commence engagement processes as soon as possible.