Parks Victoria is pleased to advise that the Greater Alpine National Parks Draft Management Plan is now released for public comment.

Comments are invited on the draft management plan which outlines a fifteen year vision and strategic focus for the management of over 900,000 hectares of parks and historic areas in eastern Victoria, including Alpine, Baw Baw, Mount Buffalo, Errinundra and Snowy River National Parks, Avon Wilderness Park, Tara Range Park, and Walhalla and four other historic areas.

The plan will guide future management of these important areas. Key elements include fire management, managing pest animals and weeds, and maintaining and improving opportunities for tourism and recreation. The draft plan also highlights the need to work with the community, particularly the many groups and individuals who have long-held connections with the area, to deal with these challenges.

The draft plan was developed with advice from the Alpine Advisory Committee and significant public input, including community open house meetings and on-line engagement. I encourage interested individuals and groups to contribute to planning for the future of these important areas. Written submissions can be sent to the Brian Doolan, Manager, Park Planning and Procedures, Parks Victoria, Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne, VIC 3000, or emailed to alpsplan@parks.vic.gov.au by Monday 25 August 2014. All submissions will be carefully considered in finalising the plan.

For further information refer to the complementary Review of information and Issues document, which is available to download with the plan at http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/alpsplan. Printed copies of the plan may be obtained from the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 19 63.

Parks Victoria maintains a database of people wishing to be notified of park management plans. If you no longer wish to receive information regarding park management plans, please email alpsplan@parks.vic.gov.au.