A compelling Parliamentary Intern Report into the state of biodiversity in Victoria’s National Parks has found that urgent reform is needed.
The research topic was commissioned by Nationals’ MP and Shadow Minister for Public Land Management, Melina Bath through the Victorian Parliamentary Internship Program, and was completed by University of Melbourne student Anastasia Scarpaci.
Following the report’s release, Ms Bath called for urgent reform to address the declining biodiversity in Victoria’s national parks.
“This compelling report lays bare the reality that our national parks are struggling to protect the very biodiversity they were created to conserve,” Ms Bath said.
“Underfunding, a stretched frontline workforce, and the retention of volunteers have left our parks vulnerable.
“The report identified invasive pests and weeds, inappropriate fire regimes, and habitat fragmentation as major threats to native species, warning that without proper fire management and ecological monitoring, our wildlife will face even greater risk.
“Monitoring must be more than a tick-box exercise, we need active frameworks that trigger real action.
“Our frontline ranger workforce is stretched too thin after successive cuts to Parks Victoria.
“Expanding Victoria’s ranger force and ensuring their permanent presence in our parks is an essential mechanism to protect biodiversity.
“Community and volunteer groups do incredible work, but they need more support.”
Ms Bath congratulated Anastasia Scarpaci on her report Biodiversity in the National Parks Estate: The Effectiveness of Current Systems in Protecting Victoria’s Biodiversity which saw her awarded with first class honours.
“This report is well-researched, drawing from academic, government, and community sources – its rigorous methodology brings credibility to its findings,” Ms Bath said.
“The practical, evidence-based recommendations must be taken seriously by the Allan Labor Government.”
