Pyrenees Shire Council Tourism Strategy - Parks Victoria -...
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1 River Red Gum Parks Management Plan Community Open House Report For Parks Victoria August 2016
Transcript of Pyrenees Shire Council Tourism Strategy - Parks Victoria -...
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan
Community Open House Report
For Parks Victoria
August 2016
Acknowledgement
Parks Victoria and Insight Communications would like to acknowledge the valuable input by members of the community to the Open Houses for the River Red Gum Parks Management Plan. Many people gave extensively of their time and expertise to contribute to these activities.
Project conducted by Insight Communications
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY.................................................................................................................5
1. INTRODUCTION......................................................................................................................9
1.1 River Red Gum Parks Management Plan......................................................................................9
1.2 Open House Process..................................................................................................................10
6.1 Promotion of Sessions...............................................................................................................14
6.2 Finding Out about the Open Houses..........................................................................................15
7. OPEN HOUSE FINDINGS......................................................................................................16
7.1 Attendance................................................................................................................................16
7.2 Stations.....................................................................................................................................16
7.3 Community Surveys...................................................................................................................17
7.4 Graffiti Wall...............................................................................................................................19
7.5 Vision Board..............................................................................................................................21
7.6 Children’s Corner.......................................................................................................................22
7.7 Planning Area Map – Favourite Places.......................................................................................23
7.8 Exit Board and Informal Feedback..............................................................................................24
8. TOP LINE FINDINGS BY LOCATION...................................................................................25
8.1 Mildura......................................................................................................................................25
8.2 Robinvale..................................................................................................................................27
8.3 Swan Hill....................................................................................................................................28
8.4 Kerang.......................................................................................................................................29
8.5 Echuca.......................................................................................................................................31
8.6 Shepparton................................................................................................................................33
8.7 Wangaratta................................................................................................................................35
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8.8 Corowa......................................................................................................................................37
8.9 Melbourne.................................................................................................................................39
9. TOP LINE FINDINGS OVERALL BY THEME.......................................................................42
10. DETAILED OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS BY THEME..........................................................44
10.1 Theme: About the Planning Area...............................................................................................44
10.2 Theme: Environment.................................................................................................................51
10.3 Theme: Visitors and Tourism.....................................................................................................58
10.4 Theme: Culture and Uses...........................................................................................................74
10.5 Theme: Fire Management..........................................................................................................80
10.6 Special Places Mentioned..........................................................................................................84
APPENDIX 1: RESPONSE SHEETS FOR STATION LEADERS.......................................................................93
APPENDIX 2: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESPONSES BY LOCATION............................................................94
APPENDIX 3: MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM..................................................................109
APPENDIX 4: EXIT BOARD AND INFORMAL FEEDBACK (BY LOCATION)................................................112
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Management Plan
Following the VEAC River Red Gum Forest Investigation completed in 2008, the Victorian Government created several new national parks and other parks in northern Victoria’s River Red Gum forests. The parks protect endangered plant and animal species, and internationally significant wetlands. The new and existing parks and reserves managed by Parks Victoria (PV) now total more than 220,000 hectares.
PV has commenced the preparation of a management plan for the River Red Gum Parks planning area to help manage responses to the environment, climate change, tourism, cultural heritage, and fire management, amongst other elements. The landscape-scale planning approach is intended to provide efficiency and consistency in PV-managed parks and reserves across the whole area.
Open House Process
During the early stages of the planning process, a series of Open House sessions was held to engage with communities in the planning area to identify their perceptions of key management issues and preferred practices. A range of Community Information Sheets that summarised key issues and research was made available to the public from February 2016.
Insight Communications was engaged to assist PV to organise and facilitate these sessions.
Open House sessions were conducted in Mildura (12 April 2016), Robinvale (13 April), Swan Hill (14 April), Kerang (19 April), Echuca (20 April), Shepparton (21 April), Wangaratta (26 April), Corowa (27 April) and Melbourne (28 April).
The sessions provided a range of opportunities for participants to express their views and find out more about management of the planning area, including themed stations where participants could talk directly with Parks Victoria and agency staff, a community survey, graffiti wall and draft Vision board. The sessions were held from 2.00-4.00pm and 7.00-9.00pm each day and were attended by 166 members of the community.
Location No. of community members in attendance
Mildura 30
Robinvale 8
Swan Hill 10
Kerang 18
Echuca 25
Shepparton 23
Wangaratta 17
Corowa 21
Melbourne 14
TOTAL 166 people
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Topline Findings in the Planning Area
The top 10 issues identified for all Open Houses were:
Ranking Topic
1 Improve litter management – the “carry in/ carry out” policy is not working. Reduce the dumping of domestic rubbish.
2 Camping and visitation – respect people’s rights to camp – maintain camping access; provide controls and facilities for dispersed camping (designated areas), and for condensed camping during peak seasons, to support the provision of quality camping experiences that have low environmental impacts.
3 Camp fires are essential for a genuine camping experience - manage camp fires and generators to reduce fire risk.
4 Allow firewood collection but significantly improve the regulation and management of collection.
5 Plan and manage for passive multi-use recreation, short-term and long-term options.
Develop day-use recreation areas and facilities, inc. toilets.
6 Increase the current and future allocations of staff and resources to improve the management of the Parks and to facilitate implementation of this plan.
7 Conduct environmental watering, ensuring water availability and flows. Conduct flooding regimes to improve environmental health.
8 Allow controlled / managed grazing.
9 Conduct educational activities in relation to park values for the community, schools and visitors.
Conduct meaningful engagement initiatives via programs, activities, tools and opportunities to encourage responsible use, connection to nature and park values.
10 Improve track access and maintenance. Improve Park entrances.
Topline Findings by Location
The most popular management topics raised at each Open House are listed below:
Location Top Topics
Mildura Provide camping and houseboat management, facilities and access (10) Allow managed / highly regulated firewood collection (9) Hunting: Lack of opportunities (9), lack of information about locations (5) Grazing (8): Concerns about removing licences (5); requests to reintroduce
grazing (3) More environmental watering for flora / fauna health (9), including black water
management (6) Improve management of campfires (6)
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Location Top Topics
Robinvale Allow sustainable firewood collection (8) Improve track access and maintenance (4) More educational, interactive activities tools and opportunities, including
responsible use, what you can do, where (4)
Swan Hill More on-ground education and engagement: environmental, site information, cultural heritage, links to recreation (6)
More controls and facilities for dispersed camping (6) Campfire management (5) Campers: provide access to firewood and education (4) Support fish health (4), communication of regulations and education, and provide
appropriate fishing infrastructure and fish stocks (4)
Kerang Allow sustainable firewood collection (23) More environmental watering for flora / fauna health (11) Improve management of campfires (10) Improve litter management (current approach not working) (8) Improve controls and facilities for dispersed camping (8)
Echuca Improve litter management (13), including for events (Southern 80) Improve controls and facilities for dispersed camping (12) Provide more on-ground education, engagement and interactive activities,
including in relation to responsible use (15) More on-ground resources and staff to manage/monitor use, events and illegal
activities (9) Improve vehicle (9) and pedestrian (2) access/tracks. Better and ongoing communication and engagement with stakeholders,
particularly local community, other government agencies, Traditional Owners (8) More education, interpretation and information about cultural heritage -
European and Traditional Owners’ story lines (8).
Shepparton Improve environmental watering (9)- timing (1), flow and siltation (1), de-snag creeks (1), and flooding regimes to reduce sapling density (3)
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) (9) via firewood collection (1), grazing (7), burning (2), slashing (1).
More on-ground education and engagement of community, visitors and users (8) More education and interactive activities (8) for day-use areas; more recreation
opportunities Improve controls and facilities for dispersed camping (7) Allow grazing (7)
Wangaratta Improve controls and facilities for dispersed camping (8) Improve litter management (8) More opportunities for passive recreation: bushwalking, canoeing, cycling and
mountain biking (7) – and manage multi-use Better track maintenance and access required (6) More education and engagement: environmental, site information, cultural
heritage, links to recreation (5) Improve management of campfires (5)
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Location Top Topics
Corowa Reinstate grazing licences (18). River frontage licences to continue (10). Concerns about government management of lands (versus leasees), including weed management (7).
Leases restrict potential trail linkages (1); Campfire and generator management to reduce fire risk (18) Improve litter management (16), domestic waste (5) and septic waste disposal (8) More controls and facilities for dispersed camping (14), inc. toilets (11), security
(3) especially Granthams Bend (4), permits/fees (6), unsafe old tree risk management (1)
More on ground resources and staff (11) Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) (10) via grazing (9)
Melbourne Improve environmental watering and monitoring (13) for floodplain vegetation, habitat for river and wetland health (11), and address dense sapling regrowth (7). Particularly at Nyah-Vinifera Park (7).
Protect the River Red Gums, large old trees and forest health (11) More controls and facilities for dispersed camping (7), inc. toilets (1), firewood
access (1) and associated education (7). Appropriate, consistent signage (7) Additional staff and resources to manage the Parks effectively (7).
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1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 River Red Gum Parks Management Plan
In 2008, an investigation into northern Victoria’s River Red Gum forests by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) identified that they were threatened by the impacts of drought, climate change, and the pressure of grazing and timber cutting. The report recommended the creation of new parks to protect the health of the River Red Gum forests which were home to endangered plant and animal species, and internationally significant wetlands. The forests were also recognised as important recreational and tourism destinations for Victorians and visitors.
In November 2009, legislation to create nine new and expanded national and other parks was passed by the Victorian Parliament. In 2010, new parks and conservation reserves of River Red Gum forests were also created in southern New South Wales, including some adjacent to the Victorian parks along the Murray River.
In 2015, Parks Victoria (PV) commenced the preparation of a management plan covering the parks and reserves managed by PV in the River Red Gum Parks planning area. To encourage members of the public to help shape the plan, Insight Communications was appointed to work with PV to co-ordinate and facilitate nine Open House sessions, eight in the planning area and one in Melbourne, during April 2016. The aims of the sessions were:
To provide opportunities for members of the community to become aware of the River Red Gum Parks Management Planning process and key management issues.
To provide opportunities for community input into the plan before a draft plan has been produced, and to facilitate discussions on park management issues and potential strategies.
The Open House sessions provided members of the public with a variety of activities through which they could contribute their views about the management of the Parks. The primary activity was to talk directly to PV staff at themed ‘Stations’ (see Section 1.2 for more information about the Open House process).
Study area The River Red Gum Parks planning area includes more than 220,000 hectares of PV-managed River Red Gum forest in northern Victoria. (Note: the area does not include Barmah National Park.)
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1.2 Open House Process
Open House sessions were held in the following locations during April 2016:
Location Date Venue
1. Mildura Tuesday 12 April 2016 Mildura Station Homestead278 Cureton Avenue, Mildura
2. Robinvale Wednesday 13 April 2016 Robinvale Community Arts CentreMcLennan Drive (corner of Robin St), Robinvale
3. Swan Hill Thursday 14 April 2016 Rio Vista Reception Centre114 Beveridge Street, Swan Hill
4. Kerang Tuesday 19 April 2016 Kerang Memorial Hall4 Nolan Street, Kerang
5. Echuca Wednesday 20 April 2016 Mercure Port of Echuca465 High Street, Echuca
6. Shepparton Thursday 21 April 2016 Parklake Hotel 481 Wyndham Street, Shepparton
7. Wangaratta Tuesday 26 April 2016 Gateway Hotel Wangaratta 29-37 Ryley Street, Wangaratta
8. Corowa Wednesday 27 April 2016 Corowa Memorial Hall88 Sanger Street (via Corowa Arcade), Corowa
9. Melbourne Thursday 28 April 2016 Royal Australasian College of Surgeons250 - 290 Spring Street, East Melbourne
A daytime and an evening session were held at each location from 2-4pm and 7-9pm.
Venues were selected on the basis of: Availability from 11am to 10pm on the appointed day Preference for an easy-to-find location that was familiar to local community members Capacity to accommodate all activities Preference for an area that was spacious but not too large Had disabled access to/within building and toilets Availability of adequate seating, tables and a kitchenette
It was sometimes difficult to find a venue that was available all day and evening, such as in Mildura which was the first session.
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Pre-Session Information
Twenty-four Community Information Sheets on different topics related to the River Red Gum Parks planning area were available for download from the ParkWeb website from February 2016. Topics included:
1. Planning InformationInfo Sheet - Planning Brochure - River Red Gum Parks Management Planning 2016 Info Sheet - Combined overview - RRG Feb 2016
2. Planning Area, Land Tenure, Zoning and UsesInfo Sheet - Overview of Planning Area and Uses - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Planning Area and Land Tenures - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Barmah National Park - Feb 2016Info Sheet - Authorised Uses - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Creation of the Parks - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Implementation of Existing Plans - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Zoning - RRG Feb 2016
3. Environment, Water and Climate ChangeInfo Sheet - Overview of Environment - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Ramsar Sites - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Waterways Management - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Ecosystem Health and Biodiversity - RRG April 2016Info Sheet - Climate Change - RRG April 2016
4. Culture, Heritage, Traditional OwnersInfo Sheet - Overview of The Spectrum of Culture and Heritage - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Aboriginal Culture and Living Connections - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Heritage - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Working with Traditional Owners - RRG Feb 2016
5. Recreation, Tourism and VisitorsInfo Sheet - Overview of Visitors and Tourism - RRG Feb 2016Info-Sheet - Recreation and Tourism - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Roads and Access - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Recreational Hunting - RRG Feb 2016
6. Fire ManagementInfo Sheet - Overview of Fire Management - RRG Feb 2016Info Sheet - Fire Management - RRG Feb 2016
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Session Format
The Open House activities and scheduling were designed to cater for participants with any of the following characteristics to encourage as wide a range of community members to attend as possible:
Work commitments, including farmers working until 6-6.30pm. Looking after children Childcare commitments in the evenings or post-school hours Time available to participate Variety of ages Preference for written, visual or verbal forms of communication Preference to contribute via computer Preference for interaction with people / authority figures Physical ability (i.e. ensure accessibility to buildings, session spaces and toilets)
The following Activities were available at each Open House:
A. Reception Desk – upon arrival at the Open House, people were greeted by a project team member, registered their names, found out how the Open Houses worked (through a verbal explanation and an Orientation Sheet), and had the option to collect Community Information Sheets and a Community Survey. Participants were encouraged to visit any Station or undertake activities in any order that suited them.
B. Orientation Powerpoint - located near the Reception Desk, there was a short powerpoint presentation on a loop that outlined information about the landscape planning process and how the Open House session worked. During busy periods, a PV staff member guided participants through the presentation and responded to any queries about the session format.
C. Staffed Stations (five) - provided opportunities for participants to talk to PV staff members about specific topics, or a DELWP staff member in relation to Fire Management. There were two Station Leaders at each Station with seats for up to four community members. The Leaders took notes on Station Response Sheets of people’s feedback in relation to what they valued about the Parks, challenges / strengths in relation to the management of the Parks, and suggested management strategies. See Appendix 3 for a copy of the Station Response Sheet. Topics for each Station, which reflect the topics of the Community Information Sheets (listed on Page 11) were as follows:
Station 1: About the planning area Planning Area Review of Existing Plans Zoning Creation of the Parks
Station 2: Environment Environment and Biodiversity Water and Rivers Ramsar / high-value Environmental Sites Climate Change
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Station 3: Visitors and Tourism Recreation and Tourism Roads and Access Recreational Hunting
This station also included a ‘Tell Us About Your Favourite Places’ section – where information was noted directly on to an A0 map (unlaminated).
Station 4: Culture and Uses Cultural Heritage Working with Traditional Owners Authorized Uses, eg. bee-keeping, prospecting /
mining, licensed grazing, domestic firewood collection
Barmah National Park
Station 5: Fire Management Fire Management Fire Operations Planning Process DELWP fire representative present
NB. The Yorta Yorta Traditional Owners Land Management Board (re: Joint Management Plan for Barmah National Park) and DELWP (re: Northern Victoria Firewood and Home Heating Project) each had a station at the Echuca and Shepparton Open Houses. Information attained from these stations was collected and collated by these organisations.
At least one senior PV staff member was available at each session to respond to queries and deal with any challenging issues or behaviour that arose.
D. Community Survey – a survey was available from the Registration Desk and at each Station so participants could provide their own written responses to questions about what they valued in the planning area, how often they visited the Parks, what activities they participated in, and management strengths, challenges and strategies to address.
E. Graffiti Wall – provided an opportunity for people to make comment in an illustrative / visual / caption form.
F. Café – provided a space where participants could mingle and talk to others, attain refreshments, or complete the Community Survey.
G. Draft Vision – provided an opportunity for participants to comment on the draft Vision via a flipchart.
H. Short films about the Living Murray by the Murray Darling Basin Authority were screened on a loop.
I. Maps – large and small maps of the planning area were available at the Map Station (as an unstaffed reference table) to assist with discussions.
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J. Children’s Corner – seating, games and colouring-in activities were provided to keep children entertained and to find out what they value about the parks.
K. Exit ‘Thank-you’ Sign and Feedback Board – at an A-frame / easel at the door on the way out, participants had an opportunity to provide written feedback on their experience of the Open House session, or to provide feedback to the staff member at the Registration Desk.
In summary, feedback from participants was attained through the following avenues:
Registration Sheets; Directly to PV and DELWP staff at various Stations via Response Sheets Graffiti Wall (written and illustration) Vision Board (written) Community Survey forms
6.1 Promotion of Sessions
Promotion of the Open House series first commenced with a media release distribution on 11 February 2016. This generated eight articles in local / regional newspapers, including Mildura Weekly, Border Mail, Yarrawonga Chronicle and others.
A television segment on Win TV involving an interview with Dan McLaughlin ran on 26 February.Radio interviews with Brian Doolan were conducted during February by ABC News and various local stations such as Shepparton and Swan Hill.
Social media included a Facebook post on 12 February which reached 4,324 people, with 56 Likes and 20 Shares. Organisations who shared the post included Environment Victoria, Murray regional tourism organisations, DELWP, and local businesses, and tourism and community organisations in Kerang, Echuca, Shepparton, Wangaratta and Corowa.
Local media releases were also distributed to Mildura and Swan Hill media on 31 March, and to media in Kerang, Shepparton and other central and eastern Murray region locations on 12 April. These generated 9 articles in local newspapers and one radio story during April.
Public notices were placed in local newspapers during April 5-8 days prior to the Open House. This included The Age and Herald Sun in relation to the Melbourne session.
Facebook posts relating to the Robinvale, Swan Hill and Melbourne sessions were made one or two days before the Open House dates in April.
See Appendix 5 for a full outline of promotional activities.
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6.2 Finding Out about the Open Houses
Data source (50 respondents):
Surveys – 19 people responded to this question on the surveys
Exit feedback to staff member – 31 people responded to this question
The results indicated that the most popular way to find out about the Open Houses was through newspapers (28%), word-of-mouth (24% through a friend or colleague), a direct email or phone call (16%), a letter in the mail (14%), and other methods (18%). It should be noted that some of the promotional methods (eg. TV news, social media) serve to reinforce other, more direct approaches, such as a personalised letter or email.
Newspaper (adverts, articles)
Through a friend/
colleague
Direct email
or phone
Letter in mail
Radio Social media
PV website
Other* TV news
28% 24% 16% 14% 4% 4% 4% 4% 2%
14 12 8 7 2 2 2 2 1
*Other = TAFE fieldtrip; Landcare / CMA newsletter
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7. OPEN HOUSE FINDINGS
7.1 Attendance
Location No. of community members in attendance
Mildura 30Robinvale 8Swan Hill 10Kerang 18Echuca 25Shepparton 23Wangaratta 17Corowa 21Melbourne 14
TOTAL 166 people
Overall, 166 people attended the Open House sessions for the River Red Gum Parks Management Plan which were conducted in nine locations (eight in the planning area and one in Melbourne). There was considerable variation in attendance across the two timeslots for each location (2.00-4.00pm and 7.00-9.00pm). However, the daytime session proved most popular overall with two-thirds attending at this time, and one-third in the evening. The night session was particularly popular with farmers who may have found it more difficult to attend during the day. Only sessions at Corowa and Robinvale had more evening attendees than daytime.
7.2 Stations
The majority of feedback from participants at the Open Houses was gathered through the Stations via staff completing Station Response Sheets. A topline summary of these responses is available in Section 4, and a detailed outline of findings by theme is available in Section 5.
Additional Stations were staffed by Yorta Yorta Traditional Owners Land Management Board (re: Joint Management Plan for Barmah National Park) and DELWP (re: Northern Victoria Firewood and Home Heating Project) at the Echuca and Shepparton Open Houses. Information attained from these stations was collected and collated by these organisations and is not available in this report.
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7.3 Community Surveys
Below is a summary of the key themes from all the survey responses (numbering 30). An outline of the responses for each Open House location is available in Appendix 4.
Total Number of Respondents = 30
Mildura
Robinvale Swan Hill Kerang Echuca Shepparton
Wangaratta Corowa Melbourne
8 - 1 5 4 5 2 5 -
1. What do you value about the planning area? Designated hunting and camping areas Preservation of the flora and fauna Community benefit, economic and social return Sense of place to share with family and friends Water, open spaces, peace and wonder Cultural values (Indigenous and European) Consultation leading to development of the plan
2. What places in the planning area are important to you? Wallpolla Island – Lindsay Island Hattah–Kulkyne National Park Merbein Common Gunbower National Park Barmah National Park Goulburn River Murray River Lower Ovens Regional Park
3. How often do you visit?
The results indicate that 80% of the survey respondents visit the planning area at least once every fortnight suggesting that they are regular users.
4. How long are your visits on average?
The results indicate that 68% of respondents spend up to a day in the parks or reserves area when they visit. 32% of respondents spend over two days in the parks for each visit, which includes 16% of all respondents who spend over 4 days on a single visit. This would suggest that survey respondents are more active, longer-term visitors to the Parks.
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Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Other
30% 35% 15% 15% 5%
1-4 hours 5-7 hours Full day 2-3 days 4 days or more
16% 12% 40% 16% 16%
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5. What are the main activities you undertake on your visits? (Top 3 Responses)
1. Socializing friends/family 2. Fishing 3. Camping overnight
6. What would you like to see remain the same or changed about the planning area? More camping (permit system) and recreational designated areas Improve signage plus cultural signage Community education Firewood collection to reduce fuel loads by permit More rangers/patrol Pest, plant, animal control – more resources Environmental toilets
7. Are you satisfied with how the River Red Gum Parks are being managed at the moment?
The results indicate that only 43% of respondents are satisfied with the current management of the planning area, with an additional 23% neither satisfied nor dissatisfied. 34% are either moderately or extremely dissatisfied.
8. How do you think the management of the parks could be improved? Better signage of designated areas Improve communication and provide education Community input via consultation process More patrols by rangers Facilities at campsites Thinning for domestic firewood Fire management
9. Do you have any further comments? Limited funds and man power – use local volunteers Flood issues – discuss with locals for information sharing Climate change long term implications to be considered Allow collection of excess dead wood to assist with fire management Access to PV rangers is limited in some areas Cultural heritage tourism opportunities Connect to biodiversity strategy Use landscape as a learning tool for education
18
Extremely satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Moderately dissatisfied
Extremely dissatisfied
9% 34% 23% 15% 19%
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10. How did you find out about the Community Open House?
The results indicate that the most popular way to find out about the Open Houses was through word-of-mouth (35% through a friend or colleague), supported by newspapers (25%), letter in the mail (25%) and other method (20%).
11. Have you visited the Parks Victoria website for the River Red Gum Parks Management Plan www.parks.vic.gov.au/redgumplan?
Yes No
55% 45%
7.4 Graffiti Wall
The Graffiti Wall invited illustrated or short responses to the key questions:
What do you love about the Parks? Do you have a favourite place? What should be changed or done differently?
The Wall was not extensively used by participants during the Open House sessions with very few people attending under the age of 25 years. However, there were a few contributions from participants.
Please note that the illustrations on the Graffiti Wall were topped up by several Parks Victoria staff members who interpreted some of what they had been told by community participants at the Stations.
What do you love about the Parks?
Key themes: Participants’ feedback highlights the importance of the local flora and fauna, with a number of species mentioned as most loved. The connection to place and nature, connection to country, and connection to family all form part of the attraction and love of the Parks.
Rangers Box iron bark forest Flowering winter eucalypts, swift parrots, tasty honey, carpet pythons, white cypress pine Love getting the kids out in the park Parks Victoria Kookaburras Frogmouths, Regent Parrot, Galah, Pink Cockatoos, Squirrel Gliders, Tuans, bird songs…. Connection to place and nature – childhood memories of Easter holidays by the river
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Through a friend/colleague
Newspaper Letter in mail
Other
35% 25% 20% 20%
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Junior Rangers rock! Fantastic way of feeding information into
government Camps are important social hubs Ants, Chocolate Lilies, Native Rats, Goannas, Roos,
Moira Grasslands, Geckos, Turtles Love how Parks cater for variety of uses and
recreation activities Camping and fishing under the big Reds Our River – my family – my place – Our Heart Yabbies Crayfish Murray Cod Gravel beds Floating on the River Reed beds Grass frogs Laughing kids! Walking on Country
Do you have a favourite place?
Key themes: There was not a strong response to this question. The feedback was minimal in referring to a designated site or area. Inclusions were:
Belsar Island is an untouched paradise Ovens River – free, natural, flowing, snagged, amazing Reedy Billabongs are really special – sounds amazing when the wind blows through them
What should be changed or done differently?
Key themes: The feedback highlights the community’s desire for consultation and inclusion in Park developments. Points mentioned were that local volunteers could be better utilised to assist with Park improvements, along with habitat protection and restoration, additional pest control, and domestic dog regulations impacting on Park visitors and neighbours. Education and information sharing would also assist with community engagement.
With 240,000 bushwalkers, in our organisation, we need tracks improved and maintained
Organise volunteers to assist with track improvements Get rid of foxes and reduce the goats Join up the paddock trees to the Warby Ranges Keep camp outs night skies full of stars – no generators, no lights, no power Keep dogs on leashes and out of parks in school holidays Involve schools in restoring habitat and sharing knowledge Better access to information and stories Good neighbour issues – want to easily negotiate licenses for our water pumps
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Game reserves are for hunting Sceptic – you’re listening now but will my ideas be in your
plan? Alert – When? When? When? We’re waiting Sceptic – are you really going to have the $$$? Wanted – campers need toilets Communicate long term planned burns and when natural
features (wildflowers) at their best Economic development Understorey plant species to be added Save Our Gliders – install nest boxes, support establishment of
friends groups Paroca’s at Bundalong is okay to be a game reserve but allow recreational camping all year Don’t take away my camp fire Habitat restoration – bring back the red-tailed black cocky More fish – better boat ramps Get rid of wild horses We want to help planting trees, fixing erosion, repairing tracks Please, please…cycling opportunities Teach park visitors how to safely have a campfire – control campfire escapes Motor boats and snags don’t mix! Fishing platforms Respect me – PV’s neighbours (cows) Keep our river clean & healthy – cows stink – we like to swim 4WD driving, hunting, good signage, clear information
7.5 Vision Board
The Vision Board proposed the following draft Vision:
A number of responses (see below) were contributed which could be summarised as “These forests have a strong community and cultural connection”. Specific suggestions include noting the connection of the landscape to future generations and past Traditional Owners, as well as highlighting the need for a ‘whole of landscape’ management approach while connecting the community’s sense of place with the activities and uses that occur within it.
What do we want our River Red Gum Parks Landscape to be in the future? The River isn’t in the parks but it is the main drawcard and its importance should be
acknowledged. Can the vision include linking the river red gums on the Murray River to the bits of bush and
paddock trees on the farms. The same goes for the Ovens River. We don’t just want a linear landscape, our community wants more joined up.
Maybe a thinning out of saplings so other trees can grow to a better size.
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“The River Red Gum landscape is a linear oasis connected by water in a dry land. The landscape provides diverse, unique, high-quality habitats essential for the recovery of threatened species and to provide a healthy forest with iconic large-old trees and internationally significant wetlands. These forests have a strong community and cultural connection.”
River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
A management plan that takes in the ‘whole’ Victorian Murray River system – 1 plan 4 all. Promote the Ramsar product. Draft vision – not specific. Consult Bushwalking VIC What about who we want to hand it onto? It’s all about making sure my kids get to walk under
those River Red Gums, just like me! Draft vision should perhaps include people, uses and protection. Needs to reference how we connect to the river through fishing, bird watching, boating,
campfires, 4WD and family time.
7.6 Children’s Corner
Unfortunately, no children attended the Open Houses and used the Children’s Corner.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
7.7 Planning Area Map – Favourite Places
The ‘Visitors and Tourism’ Station hosted a large, landscape-scale map and participants were invited to mark their favourite places on the map. The results are:
23
2
3
4
6
7
8
9
1
1
1
5
No.
Location
1 Murray-Sunset National Park2 River Murray Reserve
Wallpolla Island3 Wargan-Mallee Bushland Reserve
Merbein CommonSunraysia Lock 11 Mildura
4 Kings Billabong Park5 Hattah-Kulkyne National Park6 Tutchewop Reserve
Wiroloo Wetland McDonald Swamp Reed Lagoon
7 Gunbower National ParkTaylors Lagoon
8 Bailliea (Richardsons) Lagoon9 Big Reedy Lagoon
Sandy Beaches (Murray River) 10 Ovens River Reserve 11 Warby Ovens National Park
River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
7.8 Exit Board and Informal Feedback
Following is a summary of feedback attained from participants as they departed the session. Note that 26% of attendees provided feedback on the Exit Board to indicate how they felt about their Open House experience; very few provided a written response; and 51% provided verbal feedback at the Registration Desk after being questioned by the staff member. See Appendix 6 for a full outline of participants’ feedback.
WRITTEN RESPONSES: “How do you feel about today’s Open House session?”
Total no. of responses: 43. 26% of the total 166 Open House participants responded in writing prior to exiting (includes ticking a face to indicate sentiment).
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
2 18 23Further comments (sticky notes). Total no. of responses: 7 which included:
Lack of notice/ promotion of the open houses (3) Everyone listened to my whinging This was a very good opportunity to talk to people and get current information. Thank you.
CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 85. 51% of the total 166 Open House participants responded verbally prior to exiting. Participants left notably happier than when they came in. Participants were generally positive. Most people felt that they had genuinely been heard and had learned new things, and appreciated the time of staff. Some people felt that decisions regarding Park use had already been made and didn’t see how they could influence this. They were interested to see what
would come next and how the information gathered from the Open Houses would feed into and be represented in the draft plan. Of those that responded to a question about how they heard about the Open Houses (31), most people heard through a newspaper, word-of-mouth (friend
or colleague) or direct contact from Parks Victoria via a letter, email or phone call. A lack of notice/promotion regarding the Open Houses was raised repeatedly. Issue with newspaper ads. Lots of people commented that many people do not read the paper anymore, and do not look at the ads in particular. A few
indicated that other means may be more effective. Alternatively, ensure that the ads are accompanied by a front page editorial story with a local spin. There was some confusion over what the Open Houses are, and what they involve. Whether Open Houses are the most effective way to gather community views was questioned by a few participants given the low turnout at some locations
and the level of Parks Victoria staff resourcing.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
8. TOP LINE FINDINGS BY LOCATION
Below is a summary of the feedback gathered at the Stations at each Open House via the Station Response Sheets completed by Station Leaders.
The level of engagement of participants at the Open Houses was quite in-depth with many people staying over an hour to talk to various Station Leaders. The Stations were the most significant and useful tool in attaining feedback from participants, and in providing information to participants in response to questions and misperceptions.
The column titled ‘Top Topics Overall’ indicates topics that were nominated by the largest number of people, with the number in brackets indicating the specific number of people). Many other valuable points were made by participants which were not necessarily the most reiterated. All of these points are captured in Section 5, ‘Detailed Overview of Findings By Theme’.
8.1 Mildura
Number of people in attendance: 30Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning AreaStation 2
EnvironmentStation 3
Visitors and TourismStation 4
Culture and UsesStation 5
Fire Management Provide camping and
houseboat management, facilities and access (10)
Allow managed / highly regulated firewood collection (9)
Hunting: Lack of
Concern with community engagement process (3)
Clearer definition of boundaries and zoning (1)
Ensure all Parks values managed, beyond visitor
Pest animals control (aquatic and terrestrial) (3)
Environmental watering (9) for fishing (1), threatened species (1), wetlands (1) and ecosystem health (river and inland
River access (4): Remove/do not erect frontage fencing (2)
Hunting: Lack of opportunities (9). More communication - where permitted (5). Duck hunting- better regulation and management (3)
Allow dogs in parks (2) Allow motorbikes in parks (2) Tourism opportunities(3)
Firewood collection (9). Ranging from concerns of uncontrolled collection (5) and leaving hollow logs as habitat (3), to negative impacts caused by banning (1), potential fire
Incorporate Indigenous knowledge into fire management (1)
Ecological burning (2)
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
opportunities (9), lack of information about locations (5), duck hunting regulation (3)
management (1)
systems) (5) Black water
management) (6) – research required.
Increase formal licenced tour operator activities / education
More on-ground staff and resources for education and enforcement (2)
risks (2), Lock 9 – firewood and fire hazard (4). On-sell firewood from ecological thinning.
via firewood collection (2), ecological thinning (2), grazing (4), fuel reduction burns (2).
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
MILDURA (Continued)Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
Grazing (8): Concerns about removing licences (5); reintroducing grazing (3)
Environmental watering (9) including black water management (6)
Campfire management (6)
More on ground education and engagement:environmental, site information, use, cultural, recreation (2)
Links to existing planning and incorporation of previous planning and consultation (2)
Tree hollows (2) Incorporating and
education of environmental values using Indigenous knowledge (1)
Healthy use and experiences dependent on heathy forest and river (2). Pest plant control programs (1)
Ecological thinning (3)
Birdlife and biodiversity values (2)
Fishing values (3) Explore more multi-use passive
recreation, e.g. bush walking, cycling (4)
Camping and houseboat management, facilities and access (10), inc. dispersed camping controls and fees
Improved moorings (4) boat-only picnic/camping (1)
Campfire management (6) Campers: access to firewood
and education (1) Litter management (4) and
domestic rubbish dumping (1) Improved but controlled vehicle
(2) and pedestrian (2) access. Road maintenance (2) More educational activities,
tools and opportunities, regarding responsible use (1), family friendly (1) e.g. Junior Rangers, holiday programs
Healthy use and experiences dependent on healthy forest and river (2).
Concerns about removing grazing licences (5)
Reintroduce grazing back into some areas (3)
Learning from Traditional Ownerse.g. landscape value, observing nature) (1)
Joint park management, partnerships and collaboration with Traditional Owners (2)
Indigenous employment in NRM sector, particularly youths (2)
Also comments about not wanting reduction burns (3).
Impacts of fire on biodiversity (e.g. Mallee emu wren)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
8.2 Robinvale
Number of people in attendance: 8Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
Allow sustainable firewood collection (8)
Improve track access and maintenance (4)
More educational, interactive activities tools and opportunities, including responsible use, what you can do, where (4)
Better communication and engagement with stakeholders (2) particularly local community.
Next steps: ensure effective implementation of the plan and actions, including adequate resourcing and funding (2)
Ensure hollow logs are left during firewood collection (1)
Declining RRG forest health due to high sapling/tree density (1)
Environmental watering (1) communication regarding openings and camp site accessibility.
Improve track access and maintenance (4)
Management and experiences for multi-lingual users (1)
Consistent signage (rules, place names, closures, etc.), suitable for multi-lingual users (1).
Create/upgrade tracks to be suitable for cycling (1).
Litter management (1) More on ground staff -
education and enforcement (2) More educational activities
tools and opportunities, including responsible use, what you can do, where (4)
Better connection with Visitor Information Centres e.g. updated maps (1)
Merbein Common change to NP (2)
Sustainable Firewood collection (8): benefits for fuel reduction, fire management (4) and forest health (4).
Local domestic users should be the priority rather than commercial collectors (2).
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) via firewood collection (3)
Improve emergency track access and maintenance (2)
Impacts from adjoining private land (1)
Incorporate Traditional Owners’ knowledge (1)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
8.3 Swan Hill
Number of people in attendance: 10Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning AreaStation 2
EnvironmentStation 3
Visitors and TourismStation 4
Culture and UsesStation 5
Fire Management More on-ground
education and engagement: environmental, site information, cultural heritage, links to recreation (6)
Dispersed camping controls and facilities (6)
Campfire management (5)
Campers: access to firewood and education (4)
Support fish health (4), communication of regulations and education, and provide appropriate fishing infrastructure and fish stocks (4)
Adjoining land – good neighbour policy, ensure good management and landscape health (3)
Partnerships and communication regarding complex landscape planning issues (3)
Traditional Owner engagement throughout the planning process (1)
Next steps: ensuring effective implementation of the plan and actions, including adequate resourcing and funding (3)
More on ground education and engagement: environmental, site information, cultural, links to recreation (6)
Environmental watering (3), including black water management (1) and surrounding agricultural requirements (1)
Blue green algae management (1)
Forest health and maintaining values (big old trees) (1)
Reduce RRG sapling density regrowth (1)
Wider biodiversity landscape links build into planning (1)
Climate change impacts (1)
Pest plant control programs (2)
Pest animal control programs (1)
Dispersed camping controls and facilities (6), including camping with dogs (2)
Campfire management (5) Campers: access to firewood and
education (4) Litter management (3) 4WD opportunities and
education- camping, access and relationship development (1). Open MVOs (Management Vehicle Only tracks) (1).
Provide more infrastructure for fishing (4)
Improved but controlled vehicle (3) access/tracks; allow all weather access - some roads (2); allow RV access (1)
Road closures- more communication (1)
Consistent signage (rules, place names, closures), include multi-lingual users (3).
Meaningful Parks volunteering programs (1)
Ensure links to regional tourism planning (2)
Sustainable firewood collection (1)
Grazing (2) for forest health (1)
Learning from and working with Traditional Owners (2)
lndigenous joint co-management arrangements for Nyah-Vinifera Park with Wadi Wadi Traditional Owners (1)
Fire risk to communities along the river and Parks (1)
Collaborative fire management and planning approaches (1)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
8.4 Kerang
Number of people in attendance: 18Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
Sustainable firewood collection (23)
Environmental watering (11)
Campfire management (10)
Litter management (8)
Dispersed camping controls and facilities (8)
Better communication and engagement with stakeholders (4) particularly local community.
Cross tenure collaborative landscape planning and management between stakeholders (3) e.g. State Forest, local government (1)
Next steps: ensuring effective implementation of the plan (3) Guttrum and Benwell Reserves missing (2)
Environmental watering (11) – decision making process, partnerships, communication, timing.
Water flow – blue green algae blooms (1) Impacts on fish stocks and wildlife.
Flooding – talk about opportunities instead of negatives (1)
Physical structures to protect aquatic wildlife (2)
Protection and education of fish breeding habitats (1)
Dispersed camping controls and facilities (8)
Campfire management (10) Litter management (8) Access to firewood for camping
and education (2) Improved but controlled vehicle
(3) and pedestrian (1) access/tracks.
All weather road access for management purposes (1)
More educational activities tools and opportunities, including responsible use (6)1
Explore more multi-use passive recreation (2) inc. canoeing, birdwatching, orienteering
Gunbower Creek management (2)
Safe canoeing opportunities and trail (3)
Sustainable firewood collection (23): benefits for fuel reduction and fire management (3) and forest health (5). Use as a renewable resource. Illegal collection (7). Concern with commercial firewood collectors (6). Importance of local collection for domestic use (6)
Cultural heritage, scar tree and midden site protection (2)
Yorta Yorta - No signage of cultural heritage sites (1)
Fire emergency plan and protocol for campers -inc. education (1)
Fire management and fire water points on adjoining land (2)
Fire water access at Leaghur Forest (1)
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) via firewood collection (3)
1 Talk to Chris White, Gannawarra Shire, ph. 0429 169 231 re: project with Museum Victoria to develop an App on Blandoski’s work around Cohuna
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
KERANG (Continued)Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
As above Adjoining land – good neighbour policy, ensure good management and landscape health (1)
Links to existing planning (e.g. Murray River Trail) and incorporation of previous planning and consultation (2)
Flora and fauna monitoring and education (3), including Gunbower Island. See Blandowski/Museum Victoria surveys (2)
Value birds and wildlife (5) and passive recreation opportunities (4)
Pest animal control (goats, pigs, foxes) (5), esp. Gunbower Island.
Ecological thinning (5) for forest health, use for firewood (4)
Reduce River Red Gum sapling density regrowth (1)
Tourism development on adjacent land – opportunities to link into on-park experiences and RAMSAR (3)
Increase formal licenced tour operator activities and education (1)
Develop Murray River Trail and appropriate facilities (1).
Managing increase in tourism and use (3)
Recreation/tourism critical to small river communities (2)
Better connection with Visitor Information Centres (1)
Leaghur Forest/Lake Meran (adjoins Leaghur State Park) Open day (1)
Illegal firearm use: Gunbower Island (1)
Bandi-grubbing collection –illegal, enforcement (1)
Continue to support bee-keeping in parks.
Licenced grazing (1) continue if responsible (1)
Minimise commercial mining (sand, gypsum). Bonds must include adequate rehabilitation work (1).
Scale of parks and reserves too large for Parks Victoria to manage alone (1) – zoning, partnerships, resourcing.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
8.5 Echuca
Number of people in attendance: 25Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
Litter management (13), including for events (Southern 80)
Dispersed camping controls and facilities (12)
More on ground education, engagement and interactive activities, including responsible use: tools and opportunities (11), including school programs (3), and for multi-lingual users (1).
More on ground resources and staff to manage/monitor use, events and illegal activities (9)
Improve vehicle (9) and pedestrian (2) access/tracks.
Better and ongoing communication and engagement with stakeholders, particularly local community, government agencies, Traditional Owners (8)
Incorporation of previous planning and consultation (1)
Zoning - Producing an effective management plan across a large area (2), and at local scales (1)
More on ground education and engagement (10), including school programs (3), and for multi-lingual users (1).
Environmental watering (3) and maintaining big trees (1)
Ecological thinning and burning to reduce sapling growth, promote big trees and grasslands (2)
Pest animal control (deer, pigs, wild horses, cats, rabbits) (5)
Weed control (3), notably Gunbower Creek and NP.
Kangaroo management (1)
Maintain/promote tree hollows (1)
RAMSAR wetlands and habitat (2)
Dog friendly places (1) Dispersed camping controls and
facilities (12) e.g. fencing to control – for (1) against (1)
More educational activities, tools and opportunities, including responsible use and event management- Southern 80 (11).
Better protection and education of sensitive areas (cars parking on nests) (1)
Ensure family friendly places and activities (1)
Campfire management (5) Litter management (13),
including events (Southern 80) Toilet management (at Terrick
Terrick NP) (1) Horse trail riding (1) More signage and
interpretation (8) Improve vehicle (9) and
pedestrian (2) access/tracks.
Grazing (2) to maintain multiple values where appropriate.
Learning from and working with Traditional Owners (4)
Sustainable firewood collection (2) and education, including alternatives - farm forestry on private land (1)
More education, interpretation and information about cultural heritage - European and Traditional Owners’ story lines (8).
Risk -based policy working (1)
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) via grazing (2)
Concerns over grassland burning (Terrick Terrick NP) (3)
Appropriate burning for all values (e.g. habitat (2).
Preference for other methods instead of fire (grazing, flooding) (3)
Fire management with urban interface (1) e.g. increase fire break width
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
ECHUCA (Continued)Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
Better and ongoing communication and engagement with stakeholders, particularly local community, other government agencies, Traditional Owners (8)
More education, interpretation and information about cultural heritage - European and Traditional Owners’ story lines (8).
Cross-tenure collaborative landscape planning and management between stakeholders (e.g. DELWP, local government) (2)
Current staff are great. More on-ground resources and staff needed (7)
Increased and secure funding for Parks Vic to monitor, maintain and manage natural and cultural assets in partnership with the local community (2)
Healthy use and experiences dependent on heathy forest and river (2).
Direct link: healthy environments and healthy cultural sites (1)
Biodiversity conservation planning and monitoring (1) – ecological models not current (1). More resources required to do this well (1). Promote reference areas (1).
Research and links with tertiary education and RRG biodiversity values.
Threatened species management.
Fish passage at new regulators (1)
Rationalise entrance points (1) Fishing values (2) More on ground resources and
staff for education and enforcement (9)
Creation of a Scenic Drive (1) Healthy use and experiences
dependent on heathy forest and river (2).
Duck hunting not supported (e.g. Richardson’s Lagoon) (1)
Plan and manage for passive recreation (bush walking, nature study) (2)
Safety risk to staff and users from unruly, intoxicated campers (2)
Overcoming language barriers with Traditional Owners (1)
Direct link between healthy environments and healthy cultural sites (1)
Opposition to mining and prospecting (1)
Permit bee-keeping (1)
Thinning/ harvesting operations impacting bee sites – collaboration prior to works with apiarists (1).
Improve emergency track access, signage, (4) bridges (3) and water points (1)
Appropriate resources and equipment (2)
Extend Project Fire Fighter programs (2)
Collaboration CFA and government (2), inc. events and response times
Planned burns – intervals and fuel loads (1)
Adjoining land – good neighbour policy with CFA, landholders, (3)
Better communication re: planned burns (2)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
8.6 Shepparton
Number of people in attendance: 23 Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning AreaStation 2
EnvironmentStation 3
Visitors and TourismStation 4
Culture and UsesStation 5
Fire Management Environmental
watering (9)- timing (1), flow and siltation (1), de-snag creeks (1) and flooding regimes to reduce sapling density (3)
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) (9) via firewood collection (1), grazing (7), burning (2), slashing (1).
More on-ground education and engagement of community, visitors and users (8)
Education and interactive activities (8) - for day-use areas, more recreation opportunities
Dispersed camping and visitor controls and facilities (7)
Allow grazing (7)
Next steps: ensuring effective implementation of the plan and actions, including adequate resourcing (1)
Cross tenure landscape management planning involving other stakeholders (e.g. State Forest, local government) (6).
Links to other existing planning (e.g. River Connect Paths Master Plan) and incorporation of previous planning and consultation (2)
More on ground resources and staff (6)
Vegetation clearing of boundary fences (adjoining private landholders) (1)
Environmental watering (9)- timing (1), flow, siltation (1), de-snagging (1) and flooding regimes to reduce sapling density (3)
River health (3), including installing litter traps (1) and education (3)
River flow inhibited during floods- forest debris build up (2)
Erosion issues (1) Loch Garry fire
hazard, no water (4) Grazing impacts on
native vegetation and wetlands (1)
More on ground resources and staff to manage/monitor use and illegal activities (5)
Appropriate, consistent signage – trail markers, uses, rules, heritage, state of roads, entrance sign (Reedy Swamp missing), multi-language (4)
Dispersed camping and visitor controls and facilities (7), including monitoring illegal activity (3)
Litter management (6), and domestic rubbish dumping (3)
Campfire management (6) Access to firewood for camping
and associated education (3) Improved but controlled
vehicle (6) and pedestrian (4) access. No access for aged and disabled (1). Require better river frontage access (1)
Education and interactive activities (8) -need for day use areas, more responsible recreation opportunities
Sustainable firewood collection (3) and education (2)
Allow grazing (7), including on river frontage (Goulburn River) to maintain multiple values -fuel reduction (5), weeds (1)
Attachment to place and more education and information – cultural heritage European and Traditional Owners story lines (2).
More infrastructure and facilities to help with cultural connections at all levels (multi-cultural area, plus Traditional Owners) (2)
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) (9) via firewood collection (1), grazing (7), burning (2), slashing (1).
Think there’s a need for fire, but concern of impacts on biodiversity (2)
Manage fuel loads caused by flood waters (1)
Loch Garry fire hazard and lack of water (4) grazing, not burns
Improve emergency track access, maintenance – bridge loads and one-way access (5)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
SHEPPARTON (Continued)Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning AreaStation 2
EnvironmentStation 3
Visitors and TourismStation 4
Culture and UsesStation 5
Fire ManagementAs above Long term continuity of
Parks and their management (1)
Adjoining land – ensure control of adjacent development (1)
More on ground education and engagement of community, visitors and users (8), including school based programs (1)
Length of time between Parks being declared (2009) and management plan development (now) (1)
Collaborative management between stakeholders (4)
Pest animal control (pigs, foxes, cats, myna birds, rabbits, deer) (5)
Wild horses in Barmah NP – concern of ecological impacts (1)
Managing over-abundant native wildlife e.g. cockatoos (1)
Pest plant control (Bathurst Burr, Blackberry, date palms) (2)
Ecological thinning (1) – incorporate firewood (2)
Biodiversity conservation planning and monitoring (2) - should be a major aim of the plan (1)
Climate change impacts (1)
Value of Place: Reedy Swamp, concern over lack of focus on the Lower Goulburn National Park (4)
Better connection with Visitor Information Centres, including updated maps and park information: multi-language (5)
From Shepparton to Echuca (Goulburn meets the Murray) not many visitors when there should be (1)
Dogs in parks: permit for hunting (1)
Meaningful Parks volunteering programs (2) – allocate ‘Friends of’ groups to reserves to manage/ take ownership
Managing long term camping (1)
Cultural values of water (2)
Fire emergency and evacuation plans, risk and access across the landscape and for key areas (3) - inc. 9-Mile Creek, Ulupna Island, Top Island (Barmah NP), Quinns Island, Cobram
Fire risks and planning with new walking tracks (River Connect Paths) (1)
Better connection with Visitor Information Centres, including updating on planned burns (multi- language) (3)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
8.7 Wangaratta
Number of people in attendance: 17Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
Dispersed camping controls and facilities (8)
Litter management (8)
Passive recreation multi-use: Bushwalking, canoeing, cycling and mountain bike opportunities (7)
Better track maintenance and access required (6)
More education and engagement: environmental, site information, cultural, links to recreation (5)
Campfire management (5)
Adjoining land – good neighbour policy, ensure good management, landscape health, water quality (3)
Consistent risk management and messages (trees, fire) (1)
Better communication and engagement with stakeholders, particularly local community (2)
Zoning for appropriate land use (conservation, recreation) (1)
Maintaining big trees and forest health – grazing as a management tool (1)
Pest animal control (deer, pig, carp) (2)
Environmental watering to maintain RAMSAR wetlands and habitat (1)
Warby Ovens National Park values (2)
River health – Ovens River (3), inc. litter (1)
Concerns over Lower Ovens environment (native fish, weed control – phalaris) and visitor management (3)
Litter management (8) Dispersed camping controls and
facilities (8), particularly Warby Ranges (3), beach areas (2) Fees (3)
Campfire management (5) Access to firewood for camping
and education (2) Existing: Good facilities, good
signage (2) Poor facilities (2) Formalise toilet facilities in
appropriate places (2) Manage long term camping (4) Better track maintenance and
access required (6) Warby Ranges – recreation and
tourism opportunities (3) Passive recreation multi-use:
Bushwalking, canoeing, cycling and mountain bikes (7)
Canoeing and management -safety of landings (4)
Cycling tracks and tourism (4) Fishing (3), in Ovens River (2)
Sustainable firewood collection and education (1)
Appropriate Aboriginal naming (2) including Bangerang and Yorta Yorta languages as appropriate
Stock and domestic pumping licence (Goulburn Water)
Crash grazing to maintain multiple values (habitat, fuel reduction) (1)
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) (3) via grazing (2)
Fire management with urban interface and relevant stakeholders (e.g. local government) (1)
Fire emergency plan and protocol for campers -inc. education (1)
Improve emergency track access and maintenance (3) – shift tracks where Ovens River encroaching (1)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
WANGARATTA (Continued)Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire
ManagementAs above Effectively
incorporating staff knowledge and ideas into park planning and management (1)
Clearer communication and management re: State Game Reserves hunting and camping rules (1)
Ensure correct mapping (Warby-Ovens area incorrect) (1)
More on ground education and engagement (5). Include initiatives aimed at multi-lingual users (3).
Biodiversity conservation and monitoring, inc. birds (2)
Climate change impacts (1)
Kangaroo grazing pressure (1)
Cross-tenure vegetation management and restoration (1)
Grazing to maintain habitat (1)
Mountain bike use for well-managed tourism product (4)
Increase formal licenced tour operator activities (1)
De-snagging Ovens River for motor boat use (2)
Flooding impacts on recreation (2)
Recreation access where conservation plantings (2)
Dogs in parks: permit while camping (2); do not permit -education (1)
Parolas Bend Camp management (2)
Need for day use areas (2) Junior Rangers and education
opportunities (2) More on ground resources and
staff to manage (3) Meaningful Parks volunteering
program (2)
As above More strategic fire breaks (1)
Risk based burning -processes on where and when park areas are burnt (2)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
8.8 Corowa
Number of people in attendance: 21Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
Reinstate grazing licences (18). River frontage licences to continue (10). Concerns about government management of lands (versus leasees), including weed management (7).
Leases restricting potential trail linkages (1);
Campfire and generator management to reduce fire risk (18)
Improve litter management (16), domestic waste (5) and septic waste disposal (8)
Adjoining land – good neighbour policy, resources e.g. weed control and fire management (2)
Build better relationships for management between states (Vic and NSW)- boundaries (1)
Managing for conflicting uses (5) e.g. recreation, boating, grazing
Delineating tenure boundaries in floodplains (1)
Pest plant management (7), Chilean Needle Grass (2), Blackberry (1). Shaw’s Flat area (Chilean Needle Grass) (1). More weeds since grazing excluded (5)
Pest animal control on river frontage (deer, pigs) (1)
Bank erosion (6), impacts of water skiing and boating (4)- zoning (2)
Increase in wildlife and associated pressures, particularly kangaroos (1). Potential koala pressure (1)
Forest health (4) Balancing
environmental values and visitation (2)
Heavy use, dispersed camping controls and visitor facilities (14), inc. toilets (11), security (3) especially Granthams Bend (4), permits/fees (6), unsafe tree risk management (1)
Campfire and generator management to reduce fire risk(18)
Develop day use recreation areas and facilities (3), inc. toilets (6) e.g. Scotts Beach (2)
Manage long term camping (2)
Litter management (16), domestic waste (5) and septic waste disposal (8)
Dogs in parks: allow (1), enforcement (2)
Access to firewood for camping and education (8)
Signage pollution- reassess (1) Water skiing and boating
important, but erosion impacts (4)
Sustainable Firewood collection (9)- support for farm forestry initiatives (2)
Reinstate grazing licences (18). River frontage licences to continue (10). Concerns about government management of lands (versus leasees), including weed management (7). Needed to protect environmental values (6). Fuel reduction (8).
Leases are restricting potential trail linkages (1);
Cultural Heritage assessments – engage youth, costs, partnerships (1)
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) (10) via grazing (9)
Improve emergency track access and maintenance (5)
Fire risk (manage by grazing) and access in Police Paddocks (6)
More strategic fire breaks (1)
Appropriate ecological burning – must protect large old trees (1)
Incorporate Traditional Owners and Indigenous knowledge – employ Indigenous youth and groups in fire management (1)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
COROWA (Continued)Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning AreaStation 2
EnvironmentStation 3
Visitors and TourismStation 4
Culture and UsesStation 5
Fire Management
More controls and facilities for dispersed camping (14), inc. toilets (11), security (3) especially Granthams Bend (4), permits/fees (6), unsafe old tree risk management (1)
More on ground resources and staff (11)
Reduce fire risk (fuel reduction) (10) via grazing (9)
More on ground resources and staff needed (11)
More education and engagement: environmental, site information, appropriate use, cultural, links to recreation (8). Include initiatives aimed at multi-lingual users (3).
Clearer communication and management re: State Game Reserves hunting and other uses (1)
Better communication and engagement with stakeholders, particularly local community (1)
Not in favour of the larger Park (6)
Links to vegetation corridors (1)
Environmental watering (1)
Appropriate ecological burning – must protect large old trees, grasslands only (1)
Climate change impacts (1)
Links between grazing and protecting environmental values (9)
Lake Moodemere: PV to manage water levels for regatta (1) walking trail (1)
Hunting– shoot pest animals instead of ducks (1)
Develop Murray River Trail (5) for walking (4) and horse riding (1) and appropriate facilities. Utilise Rail trail (1)
Improved but controlled vehicle (4) and pedestrian (5) access. Include strategic access for RVs (1). Road closures (1), 4WD management (2)
Increase formal licenced tour operator activities (4) and education (2)
Privacy for river campsites plus habitat (revegetation) (1)
Grantham’s Bend use (7)- water and boating issues (5), 4WD (2)
Good fishing due to re-stocking (1) Blue Green Algae – tourism impacts (1) Beach maintenance (2) Concern of public access on private
land at parks (4)
Partnerships with Yorta Yorta for education and interpretation (4) and cultural heritage management (2)
More Indigenous staff involved in Park Management (2)
Midden site protection, current bank works may bury (1)2
Scar trees (1) Mining – bonds
must include adequate rehabilitation work (1).
2 Person who reported this: Alan Pleitner 02 6033 3763 (evening session)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
8.9 Melbourne
Number of people in attendance: 14Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning AreaStation 2
EnvironmentStation 3
Visitors and TourismStation 4
Culture and UsesStation 5
Fire Management Improve
environmental watering and monitoring (13) for floodplain vegetation, habitat for river and wetland health (11), and address dense sapling regrowth (7). Particularly Nyah-Vinifera Park (7).
Protect the River Red Gums, large old trees and forest health (11)
More controls and facilities for dispersed camping (7), inc. toilets (1), firewood access (1) and associated education (7).
Appropriate, consistent signage (7)
Additional staff and resources to manage the Park effectively (7).
Next steps: ensuring effective implementation of the plan (1)
Increased and secure funding for Parks Vic to monitor, maintain and manage natural and cultural assets in partnership with the local community (6)
Additional staff and resources to manage the Park effectively (7). Green Army support (1)
Collaborative management- regular community forums (2)
More education and engagement: environmental, site information, appropriate use, cultural, links to recreation (5).
Protect the River Red Gums, large old trees and forest health (11)
Environmental watering and monitoring (13) for floodplain vegetation, habitat river and wetland health (11) and address dense sapling regrowth (7). Particularly Nyah-Vinifera Park (7).
Unintended consequences of environmental watering (flooding of private land) (2); water regulation making farmers along the Murray leave (1).
Active management of pest plants (5)
More on ground resources and staff to manage/monitor use and illegal activities (4)
Appropriate, consistent signage required for different reserves, status, uses, rules (7)
Water skiing and boating user safety concerns (1)
Improved boat ramps and mooring required (2). Lower Goulburn River- no ramps (1)
Should be able to boat the length of the Murray (1).
Water safety education (1) Better communication re: use
and rules for which Parks (1). Digital information (1)
Hunting – link to camping, fishing and dogs in parks (4).
More controls and facilities for dispersed camping (7), inc. toilets (1), firewood access (1) and associated education (7). Expand camping (1).
Litter management (3) Campfire management (4)
lndigenous joint co-management arrangements be instituted for Nyah-Vinifera Park with Wadi Wadi Traditional Owners – own plan required (4)
Sustainable Firewood collection (4), including ceasing it entirely (1) to using as a by-product from ecological thinning (1)
Sensible water allocations for domestic and stock use (1)
Attachment to place – cultural heritage of European and Traditional Owners (1)
Communication with stakeholders and user groups when burns organised (1)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
MELBOURNE (Continued)Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
As above Zoning- multiple use boundaries (conservation, recreation, dogs permitted, Game Reserves, etc.) (3)
Incorporation of previous planning and consultation (4)
Better communication and engagement with stakeholders and user groups (6)
Managing for conflicting uses (5) e.g. recreation, conservation
Cross tenure landscape management planning with other stakeholders (e.g. State Forest, local government) (1).
Active management and maintenance of pest animals, include pigs, goats, foxes, rabbits and carp (5). Multi-faceted approach, inc. link to hunters (2)
Ecological thinning - Targeted management of floodplain sapling regrowth (6). Not support such thinning – ensure natural processes (e.g. water flows) instead (3).
Bank erosion (1), impacts of water skiing and speed boats (2)
Healthy use and experiences dependent on heathy forest and river (2).
Improved but controlled vehicle (5) and pedestrian (3) access. Ensure maintained to agreed standards (5). 4WD access (2) and/or designated areas (1) – clubs assist.
Healthy use and experiences dependent on heathy forest and river (6).
Support existing walking opportunities and management (2).
Prefer walking cross country – off track (2)
Increase formal licenced tour operator activities and education (2)
Link tourism to RAMSAR wetland education and parks to provide new and different ‘experiences’ to visitors (4)
Increase meaningful volunteering opportunities and adequately resource (e.g. volunteer co-ordinators) (5)
Promote multi-day walks (2) and develop a Murray/ Goulburn River Trail (4)
Grazing to continue in reserves (1).
As above
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
MELBOURNE (Continued)Top Topics Overall Station 1
About the Planning Area
Station 2Environment
Station 3Visitors and Tourism
Station 4Culture and Uses
Station 5Fire Management
As above Liaise with key stakeholders during the development of the draft plan (4)
NSW manage the river – lack of power of Victoria to manage (1)
State Forest, local government) (1).
Liaise with key stakeholder during the development of the draft plan (4)
NSW own/manage the river itself – concern of lack of power of Victoria to manage (1)
Adjoining land – good neighbour policy. Boundary issues require better, equitable stakeholder/ landholder relationships (1)
Snag management (4): Concern over snag clearing but balance with recreational water uses. Maintain snags for fish (2).
Threatened species and bird monitoring by user groups (e.g. Field and Game, 4WD, Bushwalkers) (6)
Good revegetation programs in Barmah NP, Gunbower Island, SGR (? Game Reserve) near Kerang – continued support (2).
How the plan will adequately manage RAMSAR wetland sites and waterbirds (2).
Murray Cod story should be told (2)
Against development of Murray River Trail – negative impact on licenced water frontage and landholders (1).
Develop a River Red Gum Drive for 4WD (2)
Manage multi- use – timing and associated education: walking, and mountain bikes (1), camping (2) hunting (4).
Snag management – maintain snags but balance with recreation water uses (2). Remove snags to create a middle channel for boats (1).
Communicate with user groups when natural features are at their best (1).
Explore ‘Campground Hosts’ options (4).
Better management of hunting and conservation values (e.g. wetlands closed at start of duck season due to Bitterns present) (2)
Fishing (2)
As above As above
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
9. TOP LINE FINDINGS OVERALL BY THEME
Following are the top 10 topics across all themes from the Station Response Sheets and Community Surveys according to theme. See Section 5 for more information regarding these topics under the relevant theme heading.
Please note: In relation to the column titled ‘Number of people commenting’, this refers to the number of people who made a comment on this issue via various Open House activities. The same person may replicate comments using different feedback tools or via multiple Stations so some double-up is expected which would boost the ranking of this topic.
Ranking No. of people commenting
Theme Topic Page for more information
1 82 Visitors and Tourism Improve litter management -“carry in/ carry out” policy is not working. Reduce the dumping of domestic rubbish.
p.57
2 81 Visitors and Tourism Camping and visitation – respect people’s rights to camp – maintain camping access; provide controls and facilities for dispersed camping (designated areas), and for condensed camping during peak seasons, to support the provision of quality camping experiences that have low environmental impacts.
p.58
3 75 Visitors and Tourism Camp fires are essential for a genuine camping experience - manage camp fires and generators to reduce fire risk.
p.60
4 72 Culture and Uses Allow sustainable firewood collection but significantly improve the regulation and management of collection.
p.73
5 70 Visitors and Tourism Provide passive recreational opportunities, short-term and long-term options. Manage multi-use challenges.
Develop day-use recreation areas and facilities, inc. toilets.
p.61
6 67 About the planning area Increase the current and future allocations of staff and resources to improve the management of the Parks and to facilitate implementation of this plan.
p.43
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Ranking No. of people commenting
Theme Topic Page for more information
7 53 Environment Conduct environmental watering, ensuring water availability and flows. Conduct flooding regimes to improve environmental health.
p.50
8 47 Culture and Uses Allow controlled / managed grazing. p.75
9 44 About the planning area Conduct educational activities in relation to park values for the community, schools and visitors.
Conduct meaningful engagement initiatives via programs, activities, tools and opportunities to encourage responsible use, connection to nature and park values.
p.44
10 44 Visitors and Tourism Improve track access and maintenance. Improve Park entrances. Emergency access – see under Fire Management
p.63
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
10. DETAILED OVERVIEW OF FINDINGS BY THEME The information in this section is a collation of the results from the Station Response Sheets and Community Surveys to identify the top issues, opinions, and suggestions for new management approaches. A separate summary of the Community Survey responses is available in Section 2.3, and a full outline by location is available in Appendix 4. An outline of the Top Line Findings from the Station Response Sheets can be found in Section 3.
Please note:
Observation indicated that some participants made the same points at multiple Stations, or attended multiple Open Houses or replicated their views using different activities. In the data collation process, it is not possible to determine how much ‘double up’ has taken place. This should be considered when analysing the ‘number of people commenting’ column.
Management strategies were not identified for all concerns / issues raised. Numbers included after a dot point indicate the number of people who made the same point (particularly included where there are conflicting views).
10.1 Theme: About the Planning Area
THEME: ABOUT THE PLANNING AREANo. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
67 Staff and resources:
for current and future management requirements
Effective management
People Knowledge –
local, technical, practical and scientific
Visitor experience
Increase staffing and on-ground resources, including more rangers (top priority for this topic)
Parks Victoria does well with very limited resources. (6)
Current staff are great. Lack of on-ground works Effectively incorporating staff knowledge
and ideas into park planning and management
New plan will lift the area’s profile within Government to help attract funding.
Provide additional staff and resources to manage the Park effectively
More ranger patrols required – everyday; especially in peak periods; weekends – for education and compliance
Feedback loops between local rangers and contributing to management.
Green Army support Practical mentoring programs Training and support to deal with a range
of situations and behaviour. User pays system required for resourcing.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ABOUT THE PLANNING AREA (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
44 Education re: River
Red Gum Parks values and use: community, schools, users and visitors.
Meaningful engagement and communication: Programs, activities, tools and opportunities: responsible use, connection to nature and park values
Ecosystem health Cultural heritage Visitor experience Junior Rangers
and staff: community interaction
Health and safety Cover all themes
and values (overarching policy)
Not enough educational tools available to visitors (top priority for this topic)
More activities to connect people with parks to create a healthier, sustainable connection. (top priority)
The River Red Gum parks and values – not well known and/or appreciated. Promote better.
More knowledge exchange -gathering local knowledge and imparting it on.
Should be prominent in the plan. Management and experiences for multi-
lingual users Work closely with Traditional Owners
and other stakeholders (including Migrant Resource Centres)
Junior Rangers – highly successful at Cobram. Interaction with Rangers, but lack of coordination and poorly advertised.
More family holiday products More school based programs –
connecting to nature Linked to meaningful volunteering
programs Innovation and creative solutions (e.g.
phone apps, social media)
See also Theme: Visitors & Tourism, Plan and Manage for Passive Multi- Use Recreation More staff and resources providing
education – on ground and local More information / promotion of
opportunities, parks values, events, and access via the internet, including maps and links to contacting local people/staff for further information.
More community events, open education days and more activities, especially in school holidays – expand Junior Rangers.
Tie in with volunteering opportunities Link with tourism providers Links to school curriculum (all levels and
across all subjects), simple but thorough and engaging education kit and activities
Hands on, citizen science, research. Multi-lingual signage, information,
communication, interpretation and education
Collaboration, including Traditional Owners
Mentoring and buddy systems. Interactive maps, readily accessible at an
appropriate and detailed scale. User friendly.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ABOUT THE PLANNING AREA (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
24 Ongoing partnerships, communication and collaborative management including community and Traditional Owners
People and place Local knowledge Expert knowledge Empowerment
and collaboration
Improve communication and engagement with stakeholders, particularly local communities and local governments. Listen to the locals. (top priority)
Cross-tenure collaborative landscape planning and management between stakeholders e.g. DELWP, local government, NSW and SA Depts.
Consistent risk management and messages (dangerous trees, fire) across stakeholders
Feedback from previous planning – not communicated adequately to local communities.
No quick fixes – long term solutions Build better relationships for
management between states (Vic and NSW)- boundaries
NSW manage the river – lack of power of Victoria to manage
Supporting local solutions, experts and collaboration of stakeholders, including cross-border, for local issues and values, including Landcare and other interest groups.
Liaise directly with key stakeholders and interest groups during the development of the draft plan and its implementation (4)
Regular community forums, community days and activities (3)
Close collaboration with local government to find realistic solutions on joint issues (e.g. toilets, litter management)
Better communication, maps and information available.
Involve recreational and tourism planners (local government and regional bodies) in plan development and implementation
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ABOUT THE PLANNING AREA (continued)No. of people
commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
23 Plan boundaries and zoning - Producing an effective management plan across a large area, and at local scales
People and place Local knowledge Expert knowledge Empowerment
and collaboration
Clearer definition of plan boundaries and zoning (top priority)
Area is very large to manage (top priority) Explain the process of how boundaries were defined –
e.g. based on a particular ecosystem. Effective fire management - scale of parks and reserves
too large for Parks Victoria to manage alone (1) – zoning, partnerships, resourcing.
Zone specific areas depending on use and conservation priority.
Ensure correct mapping (Warby-Ovens area incorrect)
21 Next steps: ensuring effective implementation of the plan and actions, including adequate resourcing and funding
Resourcing Increased and secure funding for Parks Vic to monitor, maintain and manage natural and cultural assets in partnership with the local community. (top priority)
Long term continuity of Parks and their management Length of time between Parks being declared (2009) and
management plan development (now) No quick fixes – long term solutions Use more science and research to back up reasons for
undertaking particular actions Ensure more research and scientific data is collected as
an action of the plan. Identify gaps, research priorities and potential partners.
Develop a plan, resource and implement it
Improve communications (positive and negative) regarding the plan and opportunities.
Make connections as to what and why needs to be managed, and for what outcome.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ABOUT THE PLANNING AREA (continued)No. of people
commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
14 Links to existing planning, projects and programs
Incorporation of previous planning and consultation
Existing planning and consultation
Link with the following plans existing plans and consultation – VEAC; Murray River Trail; River Connect Paths Master Plan; Regional waste plans CMAs e.g. Biodiversity Management Plan, Biodiversity Action Planning; State: Cultural Values of Water, Water for Victoria; Goulburn Constraints Program (top priority)
Too long between Parks being declared (2009) and management plan development
Feedback from previous planning – not communicated adequately to local communities
Better communication and information regarding the plan and process.
Offer from NCCMA – biodiversity mapping works
11 Ensure all values of Parks are managed long term according to their objectives, beyond visitor management
National Parks and associated legislation governing Reserves and appropriate management.
Managing for conflicting uses, e.g. recreation, boating, grazing, conservation (top priority)
No quick fixes – long term solutions Use more science and research to back up reasons
for undertaking particular actions
Enact recommendations from previous plans (e.g. VEAC), building on previous work.
Proper resourcing of people on ground to manage camping, environmental education, holiday programs, enforcement (e.g. an information management officer, camping permits and registration system).
Stakeholder collaboration
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ABOUT THE PLANNING AREA (continued)No. of people
commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
11 Wider landscape links and building this into appropriate planning
Agricultural requirements
Wider catchment Broader
biodiversity links Other reserves
and protected areas (e.g. State Forests, covenanted land)
Cross-tenure biodiversity links and restoration potential
Planning approach to consider adjacent areas to promote consistency
Guttrum State Forest and Benwell State Forest Reserves (located at Koondrook and Murrabit) are missing and not referred to within this plan – significant areas
11 Meaningful volunteering programs
Ecosystem health Health and well
being Visitor experience
Volunteers are a valuable management resource that could be used better
Short term, once off as well as longer term, returning.
Visitors, locals, individuals, Friends of groups Increase meaningful volunteering opportunities
and adequately resource Want to help but find it hard to know how to
get involved, and how Lack of engagement and use of volunteer
groups. As a friends group (Merbein Common), need
more access to a PV ranger to make better use of volunteer resources
Explore ‘Campground Hosts’ options (4).
Allocate ‘Friends of’ groups to reserves to manage/ take ownership
Ongoing resourcing and staff/staff training: Volunteer co-ordinators – state and regional level; on ground, work with rangers (6)
‘Adopt a track’ by volunteer bushwalkers (4)
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ABOUT THE PLANNING AREA (continued)No. of people
commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
10 Adjoining land – good neighbour policy (both directions)
landscape health water quality agriculture
requirements and values
pest plant and animal control
fire management
Ensure good management and landscape health Water use and availability Ensure control of adjacent development Delineating tenure boundaries in floodplains Boundary issues require better, equitable
stakeholder/ landholder relationships Vegetation clearing of boundary fences (adjoining
private landholders) Fire management and water point access
-
8 Community engagement processes for this Plan (Open Houses, etc.)
Effective community engagement
Great and interesting session (3) Impressed with the format of the Open House (2) Information on the website indicates a good
process is in place Not effectively consulting with the community and
capturing their opinions and ideas. (3) Where are all the people? Ensure that the contributions made via this process
will be incorporated into planning – sense that the government/Parks Victoria have already made decisions and this is lip service
Session layout feels disjointed Not user friendly Too much small print Maps and other information inadequate Feedback from previous planning – not
communicated adequately to local communities.
Better, more detailed maps. Improved venue lighting
(Mildura session) Better communication and
information regarding the plan and process.
Use more effective consultation methods, including information sessions.
Managing expectations of what an open house is
Prefer an information session, instead of smaller groups
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ENVIRONMENTNo. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
53 Environmental
watering, water availability and flows
Flooding
Fishing Iconic River Red
Gum landscape Ecosystem
health(river and forest)
Threatened species
Healthy habitats (aquatic and terrestrial)
Fish, birds, wildlife
Agricultural requirements of surrounding land
RAMSAR wetlands and habitat
Large River Red Gum trees
Bee keeping Recreation
(access)
Not enough water to satisfy all users (top priority for this topic)
Complex plans and political imbalances impacting water management (top priority)
Major concern – should be watering more reliably and consulting more (with CMA)
Timing of water flows. The ‘right’ time. September flooding.
Flooding low lying areas 3-4 times / year confuses wildlife
Concerns of black water management (6) and associated ecological impacts (e.g. pest plant and animals, fish)
Siltation (2) Salinity concerns - groundwater and river
levels. Risk of investment into environmental
water not being recognised and/or advocated for.
Better feedback loops on achieving intended outcomes (e.g. lack of waterbirds at Hattah Lakes).
Current environmental watering program very good
The Lower Murray is a good example to showcase for further investment.
Should mimic natural cycles and events.
Run the big pump at Hattah only at night.
Improve communications/media regarding environmental watering opportunities.
More effective monitoring and adaptive management.
On-going monitoring (e.g. water quality, bird surveys)
Expand into SDC area. Partnerships and collaborative
approaches required. e.g. with NCCMA for funding, support and water discussions.
Increase terrestrial ecosystem management e.g. pest plant and animal control.
More understanding and action regarding impacts of water management on interplay between aquatic and terrestrial systems.
10.2 Theme: Environment
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ENVIRONMENT (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
As above Environmental
watering Flooding
(continued)
As above Balance between aquatic and terrestrial ecosystem management.
Water flow and Blue Green Algae (5) Unintended consequences (flooding of private
land) (2); Water regulation making farmers along the
Murray leave Stock and domestic pumping licence
(Goulburn Water), sensible water allocations for domestic and stock use (2)
Decision making process, partnerships, communication.
Values at specific sites e.g. Loch Gary, Barmah NP.
Flooding and environmental water – large event, not small ones, to better reflect natural flow regimes
Inland River Red Gums, beyond the river River flow inhibited during floods- forest
debris build up (2) Manage fuel loads caused by flood waters Impact on recreation and camping Flooding regimes to reduce sapling density (4) Cultural heritage links Use more science and research (with partners)
to back up reasons for undertaking particular actions, in consultation with the MDBA
Communication to businesses, users and wider community regarding openings and camp site accessibility – required to plan tourism (2).
Blackwater management: More research required - cool burns to reduce leaf litter prior to flooding.
Incorporating and education of environmental values using Indigenous knowledge
Algae management: alternative flows, reverse flows (but impact of delays) especially in hot weather, no rain.
All weather access maintained during environmental watering events.
Flooding – ensure flood to the highest levels (1956), not the lowest for multiple outcomes – weed management
Listen to local knowledge about flooding impacts and events, and use to inform management (visitor, conservation and emergency management) (3)
Floods not occurring at correct time to allow flowering, which is impacting bees and honey production. Not a natural regime and impacting other values.
Water should be out of the forest by mid- late October.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ENVIRONMENT (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
39 Retain large old River Red Gums in the landscape
High River Red Gum sapling/tree density
Ecosystem health (forest and river)
Protect the River Red Gums, large old trees (11)
Recreation access
Cultural connections
Visitor experience
Fire reduction
Protect the River Red Gums (top priority) Concern of saplings choking areas
available for recreation and biodiversity values (top priority)
Decline in forest health due to high sapling/tree density.
High sapling density also increases fire risks.
Impact of altered water flow Use more science and research to back up
reasons for undertaking particular actions Identify gaps, research priorities and
potential partners
Ecological thinning (14): Undertake regular manual thinning and utilise as firewood.
Undertake trials/research of different options to reduce sapling density (links with tertiary institutions and local knowledge
Targeted management of floodplain sapling regrowth (6). Not support such thinning – ensure natural processes (e.g. water flows) instead (3).
Ecological burning to reduce sapling growth
Flooding – ensure flood to the highest levels (1956), not the lowest to manage RRG seedlings and promote large trees.
Grazing as a management tool: Implement to reduce sapling growth (3)
Incorporation and education of Indigenous environmental knowledge
Ongoing monitoring of tree death, water flows and River Red Gum health, use to inform adaptive management
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ENVIRONMENT (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
36 Pest plant and
animals (terrestrial) Ecosystem
health Biodiversity
More on-ground action required (top priority)
More pest animal control (goats, pigs, foxes, deer, wild horses, cats, rabbits, myna birds) (top priority)
More pest plant control (Bathurst Burr, Blackberry, Chilean Needle Grass, date palms, phalaris) (top priority)
Four spotted cup moth (invasive species) –impacts of a changing climate
Foxes particularly around turtles More weeds since grazing excluded Control on river frontage Impact on and from adjoining landholders Importance of landscape approach –
adjoining areas and continuity of management.
Active management and maintenance. Weed control program to be
implemented and maintained. Multi-faceted approach, including links
to hunters and other community and user groups who can assist in control
Flooding to control Fire to control More on ground staff, funding and
resources. Implement bush care crews to
undertake works. Fox baiting Sporting Shooters Association programs Good neighbour approaches
55
River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ENVIRONMENT (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
34 Aquatic
biodiversity conservation
River health and environments
RAMSAR wetlands and habitat
Ensure environmental water for wetlands (see above) (top priority)
River is the jewel of the area. Protection and education of fish breeding habitats RAMSAR values are not well highlighted. Flora and fauna monitoring and education Biodiversity conservation planning and monitoring –
ecological models not current. More resources required to do this well. Promote reference areas Research and links with tertiary education and RRG
biodiversity values (e.g. Gunbower) How the plan will adequately manage RAMSAR
wetland sites and waterbirds (2). Erosion issues and losing beaches, especially caused
by boating (1) Bank erosion (6), impacts of water skiing and boating (4)- zoning (2) Removal of willow trees may not have been a good idea.
Snag management (4): Concern over snag clearing but balance with recreational water uses. Maintain snags for fish (2).
Murray Cod story should be told (2) Grazing impacts on native vegetation and wetlands No hunting/duck shooting in wetlands, particularly
RAMSAR sites. Use more science and research (with partners) to
back up reasons for undertaking particular actions
Physical structures to protect aquatic wildlife - fish passage at new regulators
River health (7), including installing litter traps
Education of all users and adjoining landholders
Education, protection and promotion of RAMSAR wetlands
Incorporating and education of environmental values using Indigenous knowledge
Goulburn Murray Water to install guards on their pumps to prevent platypus being sucked through the pumps.
Work with and support the CMA re: monitoring and water flow
Retain snags and other aquatic habitat
Aquatic and wetland vegetation restoration
Ongoing monitoring and research of ecological values
Monitor erosion and look for solutions
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ENVIRONMENT (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
29 Terrestrial biodiversity conservation
Birdlife and wildlife Vegetation and
flora Threatened species
Biodiversity and habitat conservation
Mallee Emu Wren
Landscape scale, cross tenure restoration projects
Ensure biodiversity conservation, flora and fauna monitoring, especially birds, and education links ‘citizen science’ (7) (top priority)
Inappropriate burning regimes (intervals, intensity) impacting biodiversity, including species such as the Mallee Emu Wren
See Blandowski/Museum Victoria/NC CMA surveys, pop up museum (at Cohuna/Kerang) (2)
Grazing impacts on native vegetation and wetlands Bioscan: In 1846 Glenesey camped with Traditional
Owners and recorded plants and wildlife. Plan to come back and re-do monitoring and compare change over time (Gunbower Island).
Ecological models not current Cross-tenure landscape scale biodiversity planning:
Links to vegetation corridors Vegetation clearing of boundary fences (adjoining
private landholders) Threatened species and bird monitoring by user
groups (e.g. Field and Game, 4WD, Bushwalkers) (6) Research and links with tertiary education and RRG
biodiversity values (e.g. Gunbower) More resources required to do this well. Promote reference areas Use more science and research (with partners) to
back up reasons for undertaking particular actions
Ecological burning (where appropriate) to promote grasslands
Cross-tenure vegetation management and restoration
Grazing to maintain habitat
Good revegetation programs in Barmah NP, Gunbower Island, State Game Reserve near Kerang – continued support
Incorporating and education of environmental values using Indigenous knowledge
Involvement and assistance with Bioscan and other monitoring
Restoration of understorey species along river frontage
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: ENVIRONMENT (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
21 Healthy use and experiences dependent on heathy forest and river
Direct link: healthy environments and healthy cultural sites
Forest health Cultural
connections Visitor
experience and recreation
Balancing environmental values and visitation (top priority for this topic)
More protection of sensitive areas and natural values
Keep the Parks as natural as possible.
6 Control of carp Pest plant and
animals (aquatic)
Water quality and river health
Biodiversity Fishing
River health Control/eradicate carpe.g. throw dead carp back into river to prevent eggs hatching
Carp Herpes Virus – use in conjunction with other measures.
Active management and maintenance Multi-faceted approach, inc. link to hunters
6 Tree hollows Hollow logs
Birds and other wildlife
Loss of large hollow producing trees and lack of replacement.
Negative impacts on Indigenous bird and wildlife breeding and populations.
Mount hollow logs on trees to create artificial hollows.
Ensure hollow logs are left during firewood collection (4) or stop collection for ecological reasons (blanket ban or specific places)
5 Climate change impacts
Ecosystem health and resilience
Biodiversity
Concerned about climate change Appropriate monitoring of changes:
drought, Phytophthora, flora and fauna e.g. four spotted cup moth (invasive species) – environmental impacts in changing climate
Regularly re-flood the flood plains Undertake more scientific analysis and
research (with partners) to back up reasons for undertaking particular actions
Adaptive management strategies required for all park values, particularly biodiversity.
4 Over-abundant native wildlife
Ecosystem health
Cockatoos Kangaroos Potential koala pressure
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
10.3 Theme: Visitors and Tourism
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISMNo. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
82 Litter management
Domestic rubbish dumping
Ecosystem health Public health Visitor experience Well maintained
parks Tranquillity
Litter ‘carry in, carry out’ approach not working – improve litter management. (top priority for this topic)
Peter Walsh MP: Raised in Parliament. Costs Gannawarra Shire $70,000 p.a. (impacted on by rate capping).
Domestic dumping – mattresses, asbestos
Improve management of litter for large events (eg. Southern 80)
Greater investment in infrastructure. No litter collection points Local councils funding litter servicing (3) Bins are not the answer (6) Skip bins at peak times quickly fill, then
rubbish is piled up. Once skips removed, rubbish is left.
Pressure on council resources – people take rubbish but dump in the bin closest outside the park/ not nowhere to put it.
Rubbish issues have improved drastically
Support behavioural change Information on hygiene and
environmental impacts
More on ground resources and staff for education and enforcement – behavioural change required.
Need bins in parks- not a sustainable option (14)
Strategic, collaborative approaches between Parks Victoria and local councils (8).
Surveillance cameras (4) Role for/with Sustainability Victoria and
Waste Management Groups (6) Larger fines Consistent and more signage, education and
interpretation Multi-lingual signage, information,
communication and education, especially littering, camping and river safety
Free council drop-offs, collection Tip vouchers Skips – solar, coin operated Service club pick up options Encourage users to bring their own toilet and
rubbish bins when camping Separating recycling from general waste
would see great reductions to costs.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
81 Camping and visitation – ensuring low impact but appropriate services
Dispersed camping controls and facilities
Passive recreation Visitor experience Remoteness Tranquillity Ecosystem health Biodiversity Maintaining
access 4WD Ensure family
friendly places and activities
Special places e.g. Warby Ranges, beach areas
Respect our right to camp. No locking up – give quality access and experience. Ensure local and family access (top priority)
Damage caused by dispersed camping. (top priority)
Condensed camping in River Red Gum river bends is causing damage to tracks and habitat. And problems in other locations at certain times of year.
Itinerant campers (see long term camping below)
Security: safety risk to staff and users from unruly, intoxicated campers (2)
Greater investment in infrastructure. Management and experiences for multi-
lingual users Event management (e.g. Southern 80) Partnerships with police e.g. suspicious
activity, unregistered cars/vans. Monitor illegal activity (4)
Existing: Good facilities, good signage (3); Poor facilities (2)
Designated camping spots – pros and cons, e.g. happy with self-selected, unstructured camping options.
Practical dispersed camping arrangements on river bends and beaches.
More on ground staff and resources providing education and enforcement (6), especially during summer, as per other states.
User pays – introduce park entry fees Consider seasonal camping bans, e.g. fencing
to control (1 participant supports, 1 against). Better protection and education of sensitive
areas (cars parking on turtle nests, Gunbower)
Permit, registration and/or fee (user pays) system- in support of (6), against (6). Use income to regulate what’s happening in the area (e.g. rubbish issues). If there’s fees, there needs to be a service
Registration system (no/minimal cost), made available on-line, plus compliance for overstaying. Maximum nights.
Well-thought through access that protects areas and also concentrates campers
On-going maintenance and resources to ensure this
More camping facilities
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
As above Camping and visitation (continued)
As above Negative impacts of flooding on camp sites
Unsafe tree risk management (2) Privacy for river campsites plus habitat
(revegetation) Expand camping opportunities Critical to small rural communities
together with camping and recreational opportunities (4)
Camping with dogs (see below) Campfire and generator management –
reduce fire risk (see below) Firewood for users/campers and
associated education (see below) Managing long-term camping (see
below)
Provide more information about where can camp
Better, advanced warnings and updated maps with camps and facilities available easily to the public – including when natural events/environmental watering happening/planned (6)
Consistent and more signage and interpretation – multi-lingual (8)
Explore ‘Campground Hosts’ options (4) Clearer communication, education and
management re: use and rules for each Park (digital information: phone apps) (8)
Better connection with Visitor Information Centres e.g. updated maps and park information: multi-language (8)
More educational (schools, visitors and community) opportunities
Cabins that are hired out – managed by Parks and/or private
Investigate the feasibility of a Murray River Camping Pass. Provides revenue back to river and parks management.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
75 Camp fires and
generator management
Visitor experience Forest health Public safety
Camp fires are important for the camping experience. Camping without a fire wouldn’t be camping (top priority)
Prominent cause of fires in public areas (top priority)
Reduce the risk factor Concerns over banning and associated
loss of tourism Do we set limits to manage risk re:
camping and associated fire?
Summer fire ban/none during restricted periods (21)
Allow, but maintain buffer zones Provide purpose built fireplaces (16) –
remove/repair/replace damaged fire places. e.g. 44-gallon drum cut in half, steel ring fixed in ground, fire pits
More staff and resources providing education and enforcement (17) including surveillance cameras, promote safe campfire regulations
More signage, education and interpretation (8)
Multi-lingual signage, information, communication and education (4)
Permits Education on negative impacts of remove
coarse woody debris from around campsites
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
70 Plan and manage for passive multi- use recreation, short term and long term options
Develop day use recreation areas and facilities, inc. toilets
Visitor experience – diversity and quality
Tourism connections Remoteness Iconic River Red Gum
landscape and large old trees
Holiday programs and Junior Ranger Programs
Camping Fishing River health Tourism
opportunities Bird watching Photography Bush walking Cycling Mountain biking Canoeing Endurance running,
triathlons, orienteering
Nature study Horse trail riding Trail development
Manage multi- use – timing and associated education: walking, and mountain bikes, camping, hunting (16) (top priority)
Provide more recreational opportunities, but ensure they are low impact and do not impact each other (top priority)
Provide a greater ranger presence for education and compliance (top priority)
Ensure family friendly places; more family holiday products
Junior Rangers – highly successful at Cobram. Interaction with Rangers, but lack of coordination and poorly advertised.
More responsible recreation opportunities
Healthy use and experiences dependent on heathy forest / river
Don’t restrict cycling and mountain biker – they will be the bushwalkers of tomorrow.
Cycling tracks and tourism, including along river frontage (4) - good example: tracks on NSW side of river.
Mountain bike use for well-managed tourism product (4)
More staff and resources for education and enforcement – more patrols
Establish more day use areas (2) Install more facilities for RVs that are close
to toilets Manage river front for multiple passive
uses. Clarify Game Reserve use for other
recreational besides hunting The work done at Kings Billabong WR Appropriate track surfaces for multi-use to
ensure safety Develop and promote multi-day trails (7),
including horses (2); develop an iconic trail e.g. Murray/ Goulburn River Trail (7) and appropriate facilities –o Walking track from Murray
Sunset/Hattah to the Warby Ranges would be a great long term goal.
o Include camping hubs with other users.
Create/upgrade tracks for cycling (1). Develop Murray River Trail and
appropriate facilities (1). Cycle loop from Wangaratta Train Station
to Killawara Forest be developed, camping on the Lower Ovens in Warby-Ovens NP and facilities – route map and signage.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
As above Plan and manage for passive multi- use recreation (continued)
As above Support existing walking opportunities and management
Prefer walking cross country – off track (2)
More day use areas (10) e.g. Scotts Beach, Mooroopna side of river
Against development of Murray River Trail (multi-use) – negative impact on licenced water frontage and landholders (2).
Kings Billabong – great place for multiple passive use
Appropriate education and activities More promotion / communication
about places to visit, activities, etc. Management and experiences for multi-
lingual users Work closely with Traditional Owners
and other stakeholders (including Migrant Resource Centres).
Market in conjunction with North East Cycling Tourism
Formalise mountain bike use to reduce impacts on parks, and turn into a well-managed tourism product
Dedicated tracks for specific uses (e.g. walking only). Make narrow/dirt/use bollards to discourage vehicle use.
A-downloadable educational phone app (so it works where there’s no service) that connects kids/teenagers to nature. Basically a digital ranger that guides them through activities/facts around key values and natural assets.
Promote and support activities (directly and via other groups) that are low impact and passive, getting people enjoying nature and the Parks.
More information on opportunities, parks values, events, and access via the internet, phone apps including maps and links to contacting local people/staff for further information.
Better promotion and more activities, especially in school holidays – expand Junior Rangers.
Better connection with Visitor Information Centres, e.g. updated maps and park information: multi-lingual (8)
Ensure key entrances to Parks are visible, become focal points to convey information re: values and use.
Install mooring posts along the river’s edge
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
44 Track access and maintenance
Vehicle inc. 4WD, RVs
Passive recreation
Emergency access – see under Fire
Fishing Camping Emergency access Cultural connection Ecosystem health Visitor experience
Maintain tracks and roads to agreed standards (top priority)
More access and facilities would encourage more visitation (top priority)
Currently no/limited access for aged and disabled
Do not lock up Parks / limit access Track system good (around Kerang) Have multi-use tracks/areas, and other
areas dedicated to particular uses (e.g. tracks just for walkers).
Require better river frontage access Concerned about the public accessing
private land (4) Flooding impacts on recreation and
access (2) Recreation access where conservation
plantings (2) Critical to small rural communities
together with camping and recreation al opportunities (4)
No need for more road tracks – maintain what already have.
RV access and opportunities – including dump sites nearby (2)
Secure extra funds for roadworks Ensure routine track clearing and
maintenance Maintain controlled access- limit off-track
driving/walking Regular tree thinning to maintain access. Use
thinnings for firewood (2) Rationalise entrance points and tracks –
review. More frequent road grading Happy Valley access rough All weather access for roads (5), including
during environmental water events. Multi-lingual, consistent signage,
information, communication and education re: trails.
More information on opportunities and access via the internet, including maps.
Open MVOs (Management Vehicle Only tracks) to 4WD
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
As above Track access and maintenance(continued)
Connection and appreciation of nature
Large old trees(continued)
4WD access and/or designated areas - establish seasonal closures, they can do a lot of damage.
4WD clubs: camping, access and relationship development. 4WD only areas. High and low driving loops. (3)
Develop a River Red Gum Drive for 2WD and/or 4WD
Maintain access to Merbein Common and King Billabong.
Maintain access to Saplings Bend (Robinvale)
Event management (Southern 80) Vehicles - dangerous to passive
recreation users (walkers, etc.) Bridges removed and not replaced
4WD access (2) and/or designated areas – clubs assist.
4WD clubs ‘adopt a track’ to maintain Road closures- more information and
communication (2) Ensure key entrances to Parks are visible,
become focal points to convey information re: values and use.
Work with organisers re: events access (Southern 80)
Dedicated tracks for specific uses (e.g. walking only). Make narrow/dirt/use bollards to discourage vehicle use
38 Appropriate, consistent signage (regulations, place names, closures, etc.), suitable for multi-lingual users
Effective and culturally appropriate signage
Signage to guide park management (regulations) and experiences for multi-lingual users, including Traditional Owners (top priority)
Trail markers, uses, rules, heritage, state of roads, place names
Signage pollution- reassess. Ensure consistent and planned.
Has improved, but could be better and more consistent (3)
Likes the Goulburn River signage and interpretation.
Install consistent signage and interpretation across the management plan area, including multi-lingual
Appropriate Aboriginal naming of beaches and other features (2) include Bangerang as well as Yorta Yorta as appropriate. (See Theme: Culture & Uses, Cultural Heritage)
Install signage to convey regulations Temporary signage for events, high usage
periods – keep people up dated. Entrance sign: Reedy Swamp missing
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
34 Tourism opportunities
Tourism Visitor experiences Connection to nature Recreation values
Ensure tourism opportunities adequately explored within the plan’s scope. (top priority)
How to manage an increase in tourism and use (top priority)
Identify strategies for management and experiences for multi-lingual users
Tourism development on adjacent land – opportunities to link into on-park experiences and RAMSAR (3)
Critical to small rural communities together with camping and recreational opportunities (6)
Increased over past 18 months (The Gateway Info centre, Cohuna- first opened 5 – 6 visitors, now 50 – 60 visitors /day).
From Shepparton to Echuca (Goulburn meets the Murray) not many visitors when there should be
Tour operators have a responsibility for their clients, including renting suitable gear
Links to regional tourism planning and stakeholders (2)
Better connection with Visitor Information Centres e.g. updated maps and park information: multi-language (8)
More on ground staff and resources providing education and enforcement (4),
Creation of a River Red Gum Scenic Drive (2) Clearer communication and management re:
use and rules for which Parks (digital information: phone apps)
Increase formal licenced tour operator activities and education
Environmental watering: communication to businesses, users and wider community regarding openings and camp site accessibility – required to plan tourism (2).
Event management- Southern 80 (13). Work with organisers re: risk management, access, camping and associated high use management. Includes ensuring adequate phone signal (permanent/temporary) for large events (high digital data usage in a short space of time)
67
River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
As above Tourism opportunities(continued)
As above Potential for short and long tours and trails (2) Parks offer the opportunity to camp and explore
nature at little cost. Attract Melbourne visitors Concern over community access to areas with
tourism potential. Event management e.g. Southern 80. Generates
$18 Million in 5 days to local economy. Actually held in NSW – require joint management approaches
Poor experiences will lead to less users over time (e.g. not mitigating bad user behaviour, poor maintenance, etc.)
Develop trails and different opportunities (see passive recreation opportunities below)
As above
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
32 Toilets and waste management
Ecosystem health Public health Public amenity Visitor experience
Not enough facilities – impact this is having on the surrounding forest and river. (top priority for this topic)
Would like to see on every bend, but how maintain.
Toilet management and maintenance issues (e.g. lack of paper)
Ecological, sustainable options
Consistent and more signage and interpretation, including multi-lingual
Install more toilet facilities in appropriate places, including environmental toilets
User pay systems Work with local government to find solutions More educational (schools, visitors and
community) tools and opportunities, including responsible use and events
Event management- Southern 80 and peak periods – portable toilets
Encourage users to bring their own toilet and rubbish bins when camping
At least one toilet block per site27 Firewood for
users/campers Forest health Visitor experience
Low availability Limited ability to bring your own
firewood Removing habitat (fallen logs and
standing trees- dead and alive) from park surrounding camp areas (2)
Sustainable resource use Illegal timber removal
See campfire management (e.g. ensure seasonal)
Encourage local businesses to sell firewood for campers
Education regarding firewood for camp use, negative impact on remove coarse woody debris from around campsites
Multi-lingual signage, information, communication and education
More on ground resources and staff for education and enforcement
69
River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
27 Hunting and shooting
Recreational hunting
Duck hunting Biodiversity and
ecosystem health. Visitor experience Remoteness
In support of hunting Allow to continue in Parks (top priority) Lack of hunting opportunities. Now shooting
closer to towns due to limited hunting areas Lack of information on where hunting is
permitted In 2013, hunting contributed $400 million to
the Victorian economy. Not enough duck breeding sites, particularly
large hollow trees. Shoot pest animals instead of ducks (4) Hunting – link to camping, fishing and dogs in
parks Flourishing in multi-cultural communitiesAgainst Ban hunting (1)Allow hunting and manage better Excessive legal shooting at certain times
(opening of season) Better regulation for win-win situation. Better management of hunting and
conservation values (e.g. wetlands closed at start of duck season due to Bitterns present)
Manage multi- use – timing and associated education: walking, and mountain bikes, camping and hunting.
More Game Reserves, areas and opportunities to hunt (9), away from other recreational areas/activities (4)
More information about Game Reserves and when hunting permitted and under what conditions.
Clearer communication and management (5) re: State Game Reserves hunting and camping rules (especially in hunting season), use and rules for which Parks (digital information: phone apps)
Ensure State Game Reserves have water or pressure will be on National Parks and Nature Reserves.
Add nest boxes to wetlands. Allow to occur at all inland waterways in
Parks Allow hunting at Wallpolla Green (2) Better policing, enforcement and
regulation. More on ground staff and resources
providing education and enforcement. Duck hunting: do not permit in National
Parks, wetlands, RAMSAR sites or small reserves (2).
Duck hunting: do over a number of open days, not a season.
Create a ‘stupid activity area’
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
25 Watercraft, motor boat and houseboat management
Ecosystem health (forest and river)
Public safety Maintain access Visitor experience Canoeing (11) Remoteness
Damage to river, beaches, banks, forest and individual trees (top priority for this topic)
Improve facilities for boating to minimise environmental impacts / improve safety (top priority for this topic)
Misuse of camping and recreational facilities (refer to camping, litter and campfire management)
Ensure safe landings Concerns regarding water skiing, jet skiing
and boating important, but erosion impacts (6) plus impact on other users
Safe canoeing opportunities and management- trail development, safe landings (4)
Improved boat ramps and mooring required (2). Lower Goulburn River- no ramps
Water safety education – swimming and water crafts
Make sure opportunities continue; should be able to boat the length of the Murray (2)
Way to get boats through Yarrawonga Weir Canoe trails – Torrumbarry to Koondrook via
Gunbower Creek (schools, family friendly) -Easy access, good camping; Murray River islands; between Ovens and Murray Rivers (Wangaratta to Peechlebar) - but lack of information and facilities about destinations / opportunities
Purpose-made moorings (to avoid using trees) (3)
Run education programs aimed at houseboat operators and owners
More staff and resources providing education and enforcement
River only access picnic and camping areas (example: Glenelg River) (2)
Snag management – maintain snags but balance with recreation water uses (2). Remove snags to create a middle channel for boats
De-snag Ovens River for motor boats (3) Do not support ski boats and jet skis due to
their wake – environmental, safety impacts Multi-lingual signage, information,
communication and education -targeted education programs for migrants/new arrivals.
Work with tourism sector to create canoe trails and opportunities.
Link to other passive recreation (e.g. cycling and walking trails)
Signage at boat ramp destinations by canoe.
Boating zones to protect banks from erosion or move to lakes only
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
21 River frontage use and access
River access for people and stock
Install fencing between freehold land and river frontage
Unnecessary fencing of river frontage, as river and floods will change course and wash such infrastructure away.
Public use comes with certain responsibilities.
Grazing leases from Wodonga to Yarrawonga preventing a Murray River Trail happening from Wodonga to Corowa
Impact of Trail on licenced water frontages and farms
Visitors vandalising farm infrastructure Landholders should have precedent over
visitors and tourists Public entering private property when transit
to the park
Don’t fence. Allow people and stock to access Pest plant and animal control Work towards a long term strategic plan
that brings the community together Do not allow the Murray River Trail to go
ahead (2) See ‘Manage long-term camping’ below
16 Dogs in parks Dogs on holiday / recreation
Allow camping with dogs (2) Do not permit -education Allow dog friendly places (3) Permit for hunting (5) Walking along the river – dogs off leash
(specific areas) Have to be controlled, not hurt wildlife Clean up after dogs (fines).
More staff and resources providing education and enforcement
Information – where dogs are allowed and what restrictions exist (available easily via internet, phone app)
Multi-lingual signage, information, communication, interpretation and education
72
River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
14 Fishing Appropriate
fishing infrastructure
Fishing River health Fishing in Ovens
River (3)
Good fishing due to re-stocking More resources required to do this well. Murray Cod story needs to be told (2)
Protection and education of fish breeding habitats
Habitat and fish monitoring Maintain direct relationship with VR fish
throughout draft management planning processes
Maintain snags for fish habitat Multi-lingual signage, information,
communication and education Physical structures to protect aquatic
wildlife - Fish passage at new regulators Re-stock fish and crayfish stocks Recreational Fishing Handbook – code of
conduct for people fishing.12 Manage long
term camping Forest health Visitor experience River and beach
environments
Itinerant campers and workers Seasonal workers utilising Links to camping issues (rubbish, campfires,
illegal collection of firewood for fires) Cannot understand/read signs and get into
trouble- river dangers Site damage More than 30 different nationalities in
Robinvale Users extending their stay Decrease opportunities for families and local
access
Reduce on going access for long stay campers (maximum nights)
Limit length of stay (5) Just limit outside of school holidays (e.g. 2
weeks) will help ensure camp clean up every two weeks.
Multi-lingual signage, information, communication and education, especially littering, camping and river safety
More on ground resources and staff: education and enforcement
Registration system (no cost) Pay for service, or long stay only
73
River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
THEME: VISITORS AND TOURISM (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
5 Motorbikes in parks
Access vs Environmental values
Linked to other activities and should be permitted – camping, hunting, fishing. (2)
Should be able to use motorbikes away from people
Damage to the environment Dangerous to passive recreation users
(walkers, etc.)
Refer to hunting More staff and resources providing
education and enforcement – more patrols.
4 Healthy use and experiences dependent on healthy forest and river
Ecosystem health (forest and river)
Blue Green Algae – tourism impacts Beach maintenance Clean, well-maintained parks
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
10.4 Theme: Culture and Uses
THEME: CULTURE AND USESNo. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
72 Sustainable
firewood collection
Note that this topic was dealt with by the Northern Vic Home Heating Project Station hosted by DELWP in Echuca and Shepparton – the results are not included in this report
Forest health Large old trees Lock 9
(Mildura) Asset
protection (adjoining property)
Sustainable resource access and use
Fire management and asset protection
Importance of free, local collection for domestic use (6)
Ecosystem health
In support of firewood collection Make firewood collection available (45) (top
priority for this topic) Clean up the wood/resource ‘just lying around’
(11) - Fire hazard by leaving (9) Firewood collection can improve forest health Against firewood collection Firewood collection should stop or slow down
dramatically (top priority) Accelerated removal of large/mature River Red
Gums without replacement Removal of fallen logs and hollow logs – leave
for habitat (5) Standing tree felling is taking place (6)- wildlife
habitat destruction Kerang - uncontrolled collection taking place is
unsustainable (2). Firewood collection is competing with a
potential rural industry. Kerang on gas in 18 months’ time. Make natural gas to Cohuna a future goalSupport collection but needs to be better managed Illegal timber removal- Halt illegal collection (9).
Look on social media to see illegal sales. Commercial trucks seen leaving forest at nights
Refer above: Firewood for users/campers
Support collection but needs to be better managed Reintroduce firewood collection and
ensure there’s an effective permit system, appropriate resourced and monitored (31), possibly restrictions and zones.
Locals with natural gas access should pay for firewood.
Priority for local domestic users (14) especially where gas/alternative fuels not available (Koondrook, Cohuna). Use shire rates notices and postcodes to determine. Pensioner considerations.
Reduce volume per household permitted.
Make permits free (12). If pay, use money to go back into parks management
Enforce compliance – more patrols, resources and staff (12).
Communication around collection, accessibility, education and enforcement (8) – social media, etc.
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THEME: CULTURE AND USES (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
As above Sustainable firewood collection(continued)
As above Support collection but needs to be better managed ( continued ) Commercial and illegal collection
impacting honest domestic collection (2). Prefer dispersed firewood collection
compared to concentrated areas Using alternatives would allow firewood
for campers then Lack of on ground staff to educate and
enforce. Timing of firewood season Removal of permit system is being abused
by commercial firewood operations. Cross- border collection (NSW) Alternative options: Declining supply, high
demand and appropriate management (e.g. agroforestry)
Reference: ‘The Art and Science of Shepherding’ (USA Parks and fire hazard reduction) – a must-read for Parks Victoria.
Mixed messages communicated regarding timber harvesting/firewood.
Don’t be as strict as previous systems; log book, notice to be placed on vehicle windscreen.
Utilise cameras (2) Policy and legislation change to support better
management. Ensure hollow logs are left during firewood
collection (2) For every permit issued, holders should plant
replacement River Red Gums seedlings. Put the firewood collection season back –
staggered release (2) Undertake regular manual thinning (ecological
thinning) and utilise as firewood (12). Lock 9: thinning, remove as firewood, especially
where Chowilla dam proposed reduce fire risk (9)
Increase areas available to harvest. Places mentioned for potential collection (as
timber ‘lying around’): Lock 9, Wandella Forest (2), Leaghur Forest, Gunbower- Cohuna; clean up from storm damage, e.g. Lake Cullulleraine
Ban firewood collection Funding and support for sustainable
alternatives - farm forestry on private land (4) Promote/assist with alternative fuel sources.
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THEME: CULTURE AND USES (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
47 Grazing Maintain multiple values and for multiple outcomes.
Forest health Asset protection Ecosystem health Economic
In support of grazing Concerns about removal of grazing licences
(top priority for this topic) Advantages of grazing - reduces fire hazard;
weed control and suppression (5); reduces River Red Gum dense sapling regrowth
Quality of management: park management concerns – leasees versus government inc. weed management (7)
Concern over way phase-out was handled- prefer knowledge of phase-out prior to purchasing farming property.
Continue grazing in areas that are not camping zones
Not see much change over the years caused by grazing (but is incremental change occurring?)
Reference: ‘The Art and Science of Shepherding’ (Managing fire in USA Parks) - a must-read for Parks Victoria.
Against grazing Leases restrict potential trail linkages In support of grazing, but needs better management Ensure any grazing is appropriate- not open
slather and well managed Crash grazing options
In support of grazing Allow/re-introduce controlled grazing
(18) – fuel reduction and forest health (20)
Re-issue grazing licences (4) with creek/river frontage including Goulburn River, Ovens River to maintain multiple values.
Change legislation to allow grazing and recreation
Use grazing licenses to control rabbits Allow stock into certain areas: Barmah
NP; Goulburn RiverOther Improve communication with leasees
so they are aware of possible cancellations
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THEME: CULTURE AND USES (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
21 Aboriginal cultures
Conservation Visitor
experience and education
Incorporation and education of Indigenous knowledge into landscape management
Joint park management, partnerships and collaboration with Traditional Owners
More involvement of Aboriginal communities in park management (top priority for this topic)
Encourage people to respect cultural sites – signage and/or other methods. (top priority)
Bridge the gap between Traditional Owners and wider community in positive ways.
Links to tourism Should encompass contemporary and
traditional use and management Currently good, despite financial
constraints and large scale. Overcoming language barriers with
Traditional Owners Direct link between healthy environments
and healthy cultural sites Cultural values of water, River Red Gums,
landscapes, specific places and various other assets
Local government and Traditional Owners seeking funding to implement education facilities and programs e.g. Yorta Yorta and Moira Shire Council seeking funding from MDA and state to build an education centre and site interpretation - lots of artefacts on Lake Mulwala
More day trip accessible areas and associated education and interpretative opportunities
Proper resourcing of people and programs on ground providing visitor experiences and informing/undertaking park management
Appropriate Aboriginal naming of beaches and other features (2) include Bangerang and Yorta Yorta languages as appropriate
Also traditional naming on maps and tourist information
Potential sites: Northern beaches and floodplain (25 heritage trees at least)
Education programs/social media/YouTube channel like ‘Totally Wild’. Exist in Northern Territory, none in Victoria.
Language project in local schools lndigenous joint co-management
arrangements be instituted for Nyah-Vinifera Park with Wadi Wadi Traditional Owners – own plan required and Memorandum of Understanding (4)
More collaboration and communication from planning to implementation to maintenance phases
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THEME: CULTURE AND USES (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
16 Cultural heritage – communication and interpretation
Attachment to place and more education, interpretation and information – cultural heritage, European and other cultures as well as Traditional Owner story lines
More infrastructure, facilities to form cultural connections
Incorporate stories from all cultures – strong connection to place, people and history
Learn more about how Aboriginal groups adapted to European settlement (2)
More day trip accessible areas and associated education and interpretative opportunities
Proper resourcing of people and programs on ground providing visitor experiences.
Tell the stories that look to the future, not only the past.
More tour guides to talk about cultural heritage
8 Cultural heritage site protection, including scar trees, burials and midden sites
Scar trees Burial sites Midden sites
Yorta Yorta - no signage of cultural heritage sites. Encourage respect of sites through signage.
Partnerships with Yorta Yorta for education and interpretation (4) and cultural heritage management (2).
Midden site protection (2), current bank works may bury
Scar trees Cultural Heritage assessments – engage youth,
partnerships
More cultural signage (3)
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THEME: CULTURE AND USES (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
6 Barmah National Park
Environmental conservation
Wild horses in BNP – approx. 150 – 200 horses. Concern about ecological impacts – research and monitoring (2)
Weed management Allow managed stock grazing into certain areas in the park A disgrace Lack of access – disabled and aged Weed control, especially peppercorn trees. Flooding and environmental water – large event, not small
ones, to better reflect natural flow regimes. Concentrated firewood collection at BNP
Review access, more funding and resourcing re: fire management works, strategic road access (more than South Boundary track and Gulf track) and bridge upgrades.
Secondary Track to be prioritized for CFA access.
4 Bee keeping Ecosystem health
Economic
Continue to support bee-keeping in parks. Permits: bee-keeping Floods not occurring at correct time to allow flowering, which is
impacting bees and honey production. Not a natural regime and impacting other values.
Maintain/more communication and one on one meetings
Thinning/harvesting operations impacting bee sites – collaboration prior to works with apiarists
Water should be out of the forest by mid- late October.
3 Mining Visitor experience
Ecosystem health
Economic
Minimise commercial mining (sand, gypsum) Small scale ok – not large. Opposition to mining and prospecting Amateur prospecting ok, provided monitored and allocated
specific areas and strict conditions
Bonds must include adequate rehabilitation work to meet community and ecological expectations reviewed annually (3)
Resources and staff to manage commercial and amateur enterprises.
2 Indigenous employment in NRM sector
Indigenous knowledge of country
Ensuring young Indigenous people are involved/employed Cultural Heritage assessments – engage youth, costs,
partnerships More Indigenous staff involved in Park Management (2)
-
1 Bandi-grubbing collection
Ecosystem health
Now illegal Damage caused by machinery digging Impact on insect unknown
Education Enforcement
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10.5 Theme: Fire Management
THEME: FIRE MANAGEMENTNo. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
Campfire management, including camp firewood
REFER VISITOR AND TOURISM
Firewood collection REFER CULTURE AND USES
37 Fuel reduction to reduce wildfire risk and improve forest health
Public safety Asset protection Forest health Passive
recreation Sustainable
resource use (firewood)
Reduce wildfire risk through fuel reduction but better management of fuel reduction. (top priority for this topic)
Would increase safety of wildlife Risk -based policy working. 5% was not a
good policy. Appropriate burning for all values (e.g.
habitat, plus asset protection) - regime, intervals, frequency, extent, etc.
Manage fuel loads caused by flood waters
Planned burns – intervals and fuel loads Risk based burning -processes on where
and when park areas are burnt (2) Want to understand the decision making
process in why areas are burnt, and why some excluded (2)
Account for all types of assets
Remove fuel via firewood collection
Planned burns – areas should be opened as firewood collection areas.
Remove fuel via fuel reduction burns- some for, some against
Research project: Burning and carbon going into the River.
Risk based burning -processes on where and when park areas are burnt
Remove fuel via manual thinning and utilise as firewood
Remove fuel via grazing (more than 20 responses in favour of this- refer to Grazing under ‘culture and uses’)
Remove fuel via slashing Remove fuel via environment
water and natural water flows
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THEME: FIRE MANAGEMENT (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
22 Emergency track access and maintenance, signage, bridges and water points
Track access and maintenance
Improve emergency track access and maintenance (top priority for this topic)
Also benefits other uses: camping and fishing access
bridge loads and one-way access River frontage Public: private land interface
Ensure routine track clearing and maintenance Ensure tracks and access suitable for tankers. Regular tree thinning Access to river frontage to protect private interface
boundary Appropriate appliances, resources and staff for the
terrain Shift tracks where Ovens River encroaching Increase awareness and /updated information and
communication re: access11 Fire
emergency and evacuation plans, risk and access across the landscape and for key areas
Effective fire management – Zoning
Effective planning, management and communication processes
Establish a fire emergency plan and protocols for campers - inc. education
Fire risks and planning Risks to communities, e.g. no fire
plan for residents of the Golf Links, Cohuna.
Fire management with urban interface
Particular Parks sites mentioned: 9-Mile Creek, Ulupna Island (2nd access point required), Lock 9, Top Island (Barmah NP), Quinns Island, Cobram
Challenge producing an effective management plan across a large area
More strategic fire breaks; increase fire break width Better communication re: planned burns Better connection with Visitor Information Centres,
including updated planned burns (multi- lingual) Emergency evacuation and risk plans required for
the Park area, prioritising high use/risk areas. Work in partnership with CFA and Victoria Police to develop. Consider border issues and collaboration with NSW
Stakeholder collaboration – town fire plans (e.g. Cohuna).
Encourage realistic and effective personal fire plans CFA to invite Parks Victoria staff to local meetings
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THEME: FIRE MANAGEMENT (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
7 Fire impacts to parks from adjoining private land
Neighbouring properties
No issues with fires from within reserves – issue with fires coming from private land into reserves.
Fire management and fire water points on adjoining land (2)
Good neighbour policy with CFA, landholders, (3)
CFA/state regulations impacting private landholder development/planning. Control and expense of restrictions on private land.
Better communication re: planned burns (2)
More collaboration and communication Financial assistance for adjoining private
property owners to provide tanks for fire water points and access.
Work together e.g. weed spraying and fire management
Explore grazing opportunities
6 Adequate resourcing and staffing
Appropriate resources and equipment (2) Collaborative fire management and
planning Experienced staff required. Current program working well Echuca.
Extend seasonal Project Fire Fighter programs (2)
More funding and resources required to plan/manage effectively
6 Collaborative fire management and planning
Collaboration CFA and government (2), inc. events and response times
Risk based burning -processes (2) Want to understand the decision making
process in why areas are burnt, and why some excluded (2)
Account for all types of assets
Better communication re: planned burns with stakeholders, user groups and wider community
Better connection with Visitor Information Centres, including updated planned burns (multi- lingual) (3)
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THEME: FIRE MANAGEMENT (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
4 Incorporate Indigenous knowledge into fire management
Indigenous knowledge
- Ensure Traditional Owners and Indigenous knowledge involved in fire planning and implementation
Employ Indigenous youth and groups in fire planning and management
3 Impact of fire on biodiversity
Threatened species and habitat
Ecosystem health
Birdlife, wildlife and flora
Mallee Emu-Wren
Weed management Intervals – plant regeneration after fire Shouldn’t be burning in River Red Gum
forests (2), or needs to be appropriate managed to minimise impact on biodiversity values.
-
2 Ecological burning Forest health
Passive recreation
Decline due to high sapling/tree density Reduced passive recreational use due to
high tree density Must protect large old trees
Undertake manual thinning and utilise as firewood.
Appropriate ecological burning
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10.6 Special Places Mentioned
Below is a map of sites with specific issues which were identified by participants who preferred to see their feedback written directly onto a map. The key is on the following page.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
No. Issue / Strategy1 Hunting/Shooting – information and maps required2 Bike paths required – not bitumen3 Black water
Blue green algae Climate change Illegal removal of wood Issue with motorbikes off tracks Need to educate users re: fire regulations and firewood collection Signage needs to be the same the entire length of the region plus
international signage Understand the need to protect values Lake Lalbert W.R – see table below for more details Reedy Lake – see table below for more details Guttrum/Benwell State Forest– see table below for more details
4 Gunbower State Forest – see table below for more details5 Fuel load – fire risk issues
Canoe launch facilities required6 Koalas in RRG need protection from dogs
Long stay camper issues/patrol campers Junior Ranger program important
7 Camping issues – trucks, access, signage, culverts needed8 Significant Aboriginal cultural sites – information needed
Dogs on leashes only required – wildlife injuries Camping facilities upgraded
9 Top of river system issues – willows, erosion, silt, carp, farm run off Include Upper Murray (East of Hume Dam) in plan
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Below is a collation of participants’ feedback related to specific sites in the planning area gathered through the Stations and Community Surveys:
SPECIAL PLACES MENTIONEDNo. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
18 Gunbower Creek
(particularly Spences bridge to Koondrook) and Gunbower Island
Gunbower National Park
Cockatoo Lagoon, Horseshow/Safes Lagoon, Taylors Lagoon
Natural environment
Visitor experience Conservation
value Recreation and
tourism opportunities
Birdlife
Pest plant and animal control (goats, pigs, foxes). Lots of weeds.
Concern about feral goats and pigs getting established in Gunbower.
Bioscan opportunity: Biodiversity conservation, flora and fauna monitoring, especially birds, and education links ‘citizen science’: see Blandowski/Museum Victoria surveys (3)
Firewood collection (local and commercial) (4) All weather access roads More fireplaces Complete lack of compliance controls in the NP Great canoeing – safer than the river, sunset
beautiful, birds Easier to access and camp compared to the
river, therefore getting higher use (Cohuna Visitor Information Centre send people here)
New development (s) in Cohuna - increase in visitation and use of Gunbower Island.
Education opportunities RAMSAR and wetlands Encourage more birdlife Research and links with tertiary education,
student projects and RRG biodiversity values.
Update old directional signage (plus check for consistency)
Improve communications and media regarding this place
Cultural heritage to be protected and promoted: pre and post European
Manage illegal firearm use Manage appropriate firewood
collection (education and enforcement, staff and resources)
Management of red gum saplings – too dense.
Canoe trail – Torrumbarry to Koondrook via Gunbower Creek (schools, family friendly). Easy access, good camping.
Exclude sensitive areas from camping. e.g. fencing to control – for (1) against (1).
Better protection and education of sensitive areas (cars parking on turtle nests, Gunbower)
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SPECIAL PLACES MENTIONED (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
13 Ovens RiverLower Ovens Flood Plains and wetlands
River health Visitor
experience Fishing Remoteness
River health – Ovens River (3), inc. litter Ensure remains healthy and clean- concern over rubbish Use boats on the Ovens River Ovens River Heritage River – significant. Not regulated,
maintain natural flow (4) Concerns over Lower Ovens environment (native fish, weed
control – phalaris) and visitor management (3) Declining fish stocks Permit dogs in park Love the Lower Ovens Phalaris becoming dominant Carp an issue, especially as lots of native fish present
Ensure Ovens River identified as a natural river and valued as a highly significant place (4)
De-snagging to allow recreational motor boat use (example: Glenelg River) (3)
In-stream litter traps and rubbish removal
Enhance fish and crayfish stocks for recreational fishing (3)
Pest plant and animal control, including phalaris and carp, including Carp herpes virus.
10 Shaw’s Flat areaPolice Paddocks
Natural environment
Grazing
Weed infestation: Chilean Needle Grass. Increased since grazing excluded
Fire risk (manage by grazing) and access
Re-introduce appropriate grazing to reduce weeds and fire hazard
8 Lower Goulburn National Park Reedy Swamp, Shepparton
Natural environment
Signage
Domestic rubbish dumping Trail marker signage underway with Shepparton River
Connect project High fuel loads in National Park. Reinstate grazing or fuel
reduction burning Concern over lack of focus on this area Environmental water/ability to keep water within the
wetland for longer. Rubbish issues Most beautiful part of the park Feral pigs
Entrance sign: Reedy Swamp missing
Use of surveillance cameras re: rubbish dumping.
Investigate options for water and natural processes
More funding and resources required to plan/manage effectively
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SPECIAL PLACES MENTIONED (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
7 Granthams Bend Environmental health
Heavy use, dispersed camping controls and visitor facilities, inc. toilets and security (3)
Water and boating issues (5) 4WD access (2)
More funding, resources and on ground staff providing education and enforcement
7 Warby RangesWarby Ovens National Park
Visitor experience
Remoteness Tourism Canoeing Fishing Walking and
other passive recreation
Recreation, camping and tourism opportunities – everything is run down
Bicycle access on tracks and trails, and to/along Ovens River frontage
High fire risk, especially with urban interface
Better facilities Different types of opportunities More staff and resources to maintain Track maintenance required. Cycle loop from Wangaratta Train
Station to the Killawara Forest be developed, camping on the Lower Ovens in the Warby-Ovens NP and appropriate facilities – route map and signage.
Market in conjunction with North East Cycling Tourism
Formalise mountain bike use to reduce impacts on parks, and turn into a well-managed tourism product
Map of Warby-Ovens area is incorrect: missing a Game Reserve, has wrong names (Alan Trott can give more detail).
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SPECIAL PLACES MENTIONED (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
6 Nyah Vinifera Ecosystem health
Environmental watering and monitoring for floodplain vegetation, habitat river and wetland health and address dense sapling regrowth.
lndigenous joint co-management arrangements be instituted for Nyah-Vinifera Park with Wadi Wadi Traditional Owners – own plan required (4)
Support intervention and environmental watering
Ongoing monitoring of River Red Gum health and water flows
More resources and funding to do good scientifically sound monitoring
6 Terricks Terricks Reserve/ Banyule Forest
Biodiversity values
Ecosystem health
Visitor experience
Threatened species (including Powerful Owl and Gilbert’s Whistler, observed around Stewart’s Bridge).
Current management – involves Trust for Nature
Lack of on ground staff, compliance, funding and resources
Toilet management – lack of paper Litter management Concerns over grassland burning and
impacts on wildlife/birdlife, particularly Fabians Paddock. Preference is not to burn (2) but need to manage River Red Gum sapling growth.
Prescribed burn planned, stakeholders invited to observe.
Parks Victoria should be managing Banyule (Kanyapella Basin)
Duck hunting not supported (e.g. Richardson’s Lagoon)
Increase staff, education and enforcement – more patrols
Banyule: reinstate stakeholder meetings. Track maintenance required.
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SPECIAL PLACES MENTIONED (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
5 Merbein Common and IslandsKing Billabong
Recreation and tourism
Recreation and camping opportunities Concern over changing to a National Park Sandbar closed to campers and RVs
Improve boat moorings Maintain access to Merbein Common and
King Billabong. More funding, resources and on ground
staff providing education and enforcement
4 Loch Gary Environmental health
Fire hazard - no water, dense sapling growth and weeds.
Forest needs management. Controlled grazing, not burns Environmental water options Campers removing fallen timber for
campfires.
Investigate fuel reduction options. Investigate putting water back –
environmental watering. Ban campfires from early spring –
summer.
4 Leaghur Forest/Lake Meran
Native grasslands
Lake and forest Cultural heritage
Promoting and protecting Poor response from adjoining land
managers in terms of this. Apiary site potential Protect but requires management re: fire
and fuel loads Allow firewood collection to ‘clean up’ Fire management – adjoining landholders.
Fire water access.
Joint community open day – education and engagement opportunity
Financial assistance for adjoining private property owners to provide tanks for fire water points (with DELWP, PV, CFA)
Assistance in creating a ‘Friends of’ group (Facebook Page exists)
Fencing and signage required More assistance and initiatives to
improve private land adjacent to the Reserves.
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SPECIAL PLACES MENTIONED (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of Suggested Management Strategies
2 Parolas Camp Environmental health
Better management and access required- turns to slush
Camping in State Game Reserves during hunting season
More funding, resources and on ground staff providing education and enforcement
Road maintenance required Clearer communication and management
(5) re: State Game Reserves hunting and camping rules (especially in hunting season), use and rules for which Parks (digital information: phone apps)
2 Moira Plains Grasslands Environmental health
Maintain ecosystem Encroachment of saplings
-
2 Wandella Forest (and Creek)
Environmental health
Reducing fire risk
Protect but requires management re: fire and fuel loads
Utilise the resource: Allow firewood collection to ‘clean up’ understorey fuel
Too big for Parks Victoria to manage alone – zoning
Used to allow: grazing (limited); fence post cutting permits
-
1 Lake Lalbert WR (from Kerang workshop)
Wildlife River Red
Gum/Box community
Cultural Heritage – scar trees
Fire – fuel management Should be preserved/added to the Parks
system
Scar trees need protection Allow monitored wood collection
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SPECIAL PLACES MENTIONED (continued)No. of people commenting
Topic Value Concerns / Support For CurrentManagement Practices
Summary of SuggestedManagement Strategies
1 Reedy Lakes system Cultural Heritage – middens
Need to respect Indigenous sites, but not draw attention to them while protecting them.
Protect middens- fencing will draw attention to them
1 Reedy Lagoon Fish health Protection of fish breeding Be specific about access: better communication and maps, where you can go safety, and activities that can be done (boardwalk, canoeing, fishing)
Partnerships and collaboration (inc. local government) for better on ground outcomes and management.
1 Broken Boosey State Park Access Discrimination against aged and disabled (access)
Fenced river frontage
Improve access
1 Bumbang Island Conservation value
Ecosystem health decline Declare as a world heritage listing
1 Lake Moodemoore Recreation - PV to manage water levels for Regatta (1) Walking Trail (1)
1 Cobrawonga No.2 BeachStretch between Yarrawonga to Picnic Point
Beaches Remoteness – not
a lot of traffic
- -
1 North Shepparton Access Need a walking bridge across the river Install a walking bridge across the river in North Shepparton.
1 Guttrum State Forest and Benwell State Forest Reserves (located at Koondrook and Murrabit)
Planning Area These reserves are not referred to within the planning area and are significant areas which should be included.
Include in the Management Plan
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APPENDIX 1: RESPONSE SHEETS FOR STATION LEADERS No. of participants in the conversation
TOPICS OF INTEREST What do they VALUE about the planning area (in relation to the
topics raised)?
CONCERNS / SUPPORT FOR CURRENT MANAGEMENT PRACTICES
SUGGESTED MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES (if any)
COMMUNITY OPEN HOUSE: River Red Gum Parks Management Plan RESPONSE SHEET
Location Date STATION NUMBER STATION LEADER .
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APPENDIX 2: COMMUNITY SURVEY RESPONSES BY LOCATION
NB. All figures refer to number of respondents. No survey responses were received at Robinvale or Melbourne.
Location Date No. of Respondents
MILDURA 12/4/16 8
1. Would you like us to contact you when the draft plan is released?
Yes 7 - details provided
No 1
2. What do you value about the planning area? Designated hunting and camping areas. Use of dogs (ie. walking, camping, hunting, fishing) x2 Preservation of flora and fauna. Hopefully management listens to locals. Wonderful area, very close to Merbein and Mildura. Environment, biodiversity, threatened species. Economic and social return.
3. What places in the planning area are important to you? Why? Wallpolla Island away from civilization. Mulcra possible areas of Hattah. The Lot Merbein common – tourism, cultural and environmental potential. Aboriginal and white
Australian heritage (Blandowski). Frequently visited by locals and grey nomads – facilities have improved but more needs to be done.
Wetlands and corridors for wildlife. Wallpolla Island, Lindsay Island and possibly parts of Hattah for hunting pest animals, even
possibly an open season for pest animals. Between Wentworth and Karadoc, as it’s where our business operates and we enjoy what’s on
our doorstep and why we choose to live in Mildura.
4. How often do you visit?
Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Several times a year
Not often
2 3 1 - - 2
Comments: Weekly or fortnightly – depending on seasons. Not often enough because there are very limited areas available for hunting
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5. How long are your visits on average?
1-4 hours 5-7 hours Full day 2-3 days 4 days or more
1 3 2 - 1
6. What are the main activities you undertake on your visits?
Activity No. of respondents
Activity No. of respondents
Fishing 4 Four-wheel-driving 2
Socializing friends/family 4 Bird/wildlife watching 2
Boating 4 Duck/game hunting 2
Walking dog 3 Walking/hiking 2
Camping overnight 3 Caravanning /campers 1
Campfires 3 Trail bikes 1
Waterskiing/wakeboarding 3 Horse riding 1
Camping with dog 2 Painting/drawing 1
Sight-seeing 2 Driving 1
Hunting pest 2
7. What would you like to see remain the same or changed about the planning area? More camping and recreational designated areas – easy access. Allow restricted grazing. Improved facilities for RV’s close to toilet. Improved signage directing visitors to the Common. Community education about taking your rubbish home after a visit. More places available for hunting instead of being forced to hunt so close to built-up areas. Same – open access, managed zones to protect variety of flora and fauna in a balanced way. Changed – rubbish receptacles and collection, managed fire pits and rings, more camping
facilities, mooring posts along river edge.
8. Are you satisfied with how the River Red Gum Parks are being managed at the moment?
Extremely satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Moderately dissatisfied
Extremely dissatisfied
1 4 2 - -
Five of the 7 respondents are either moderately or extremely satisfied with how the parks are being managed, with the remaining two respondents were non-committal.
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Comments: Roads and fences maintained but need to be more informative about areas permitted for
hunting and camping. Areas very large to manage. Overall pretty happy with how it’s run, would just like to see more areas put aside for some of
the things hunters would like to do. Do ok with limited resources (manpower) The public land needs to be enjoyed by the public and not shut up or excluded to anyone.
9. How do you think the management of the parks could be improved? Better signage of designated areas and maps to show exact area permitted. Allow controlled grazing – make those leases control rabbits – would be helpful to Parks
employees. Improved levels of communication. Sharing information with SA and NSW Dept., organising tri state forums, community days and
activities. More fire places, rubbish collection, more rangers to monitor behaviors. Better education to users. Fire management – really sad that Parks does not allow restricted grazing to reduce fuel loads.
Uses – why kick off the leasee?
10. Do you have any further comments? To allocate areas that are permitted to hunt, camp use, dogs, for social or sport.
Able to use motorbike - Away from tourist areas and civilization.
Main concern is climate change and possible long term implications. All the flood plain needs regular flooding to preserve the ecology. All Southern Australia is under pressure. Locally, according to MDBA figures, we have had a 33% reduction of inflows over 16yrs. (this is often equivalent to irrigation licenses).
Allow collecting of excess dead wood – especially west of Lock 9 where it had been felled.
It is hugely important that locals are listened to.
We are disappointed that access to a PV ranger has been limited – while attending our meetings (Friends of Merbein Common) he is limited in time allowed. We sometimes feel that PV does not value or make best use of us as a group keen to support and improve the area. Over the years I have been involved, the Common has seen some wonderful improvements – toilet, walking trails, boat ramp and river access. Keep it going!
Cultural heritage tours – tour guides to talk about cultural heritage.
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Location Date No. of Respondents
SWAN HILL 14/4/16 1
1. Would you like us to contact you when the draft plan is released?
Yes 1 - details provided
No -
2. What do you value about the planning area? Communicating with locals Limited access to remote areas (4WD) Caring for farming communities too
3. What places in the planning area are important to you? Why?------
4. How often do you visit?
Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Several times a year
Not often
- 1 - - - -
Comments: Live in Swan Hill. Visit most areas along the Murray.
5. How long are your visits on average?
1-4 hours 5-7 hours Full day 2-3 days 4 days or more
- - 1 - -
6. What are the main activities you undertake on your visits?
Activity No. of respondents
Activity No. of respondents
Fishing 1 Four-wheel-driving 1
Socializing friends/family 1 Bird/wildlife watching 1
Boating 1 Fossicking/Prospecting 1
Walking dog 1 Walking/hiking 1
Camping overnight 1 Photography 1
Campfires 1 Driving 1
Collecting firewood domestic 1
Camping with dog 1
Sight-seeing 1
Canoeing/Kayaking 1
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7. What would you like to see remain the same or changed about the planning area? Track maintenance to a point for safety reasons. Change water and wood practices, doesn’t make sense as far as farming communities go.
8. Are you satisfied with how the River Red Gum Parks are being managed at the moment?
Extremely satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Moderately dissatisfied
Extremely dissatisfied
- - 1 - -
9. How do you think the management of the parks could be improved? More communication. Great idea tonight but few people embraced the opportunity.
10. Do you have any further comments?
Great and interesting night but pity more people didn’t give it a crack. Good luck with other seminars.
Location Date No. of Respondents
KERANG 19/4/16 5
1. Would you like us to contact you when the draft plan is released?
Yes 4 - details provided
No 1
2. What do you value about the planning area? Birds, animals and trees Lake Meran and the Leaghur State Park Wonderful place to get together with friends and family Red gum forest environment Live in the area and spend lots of time in forests and lakes camping, fishing, duck shooting
3. What places in the planning area are important to you? Why? The lot – it’s great to think we have these areas to enjoy Born and bred here – a beautiful spot – passionate about improving it The whole area (river system) needs to be the same management plan for the sustainability for
the future. Areas close to Cohuna – possible developments will be good but will need to be managed to
protect environment and increase tourist interest/enjoyment Gunbower Forest/National Park
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4. How often do you visit?
Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Several times a year
Not often
- 4 - 1 - -
5. How long are your visits on average?
1-4 hours 5-7 hours Full day 2-3 days 4 days or more
1 - 1 2 -
6. What are the main activities you undertake on your visits?
Activity No. of respondents
Activity No. of respondents
Socializing friends/family 5 Boating 2
Fishing 3 Four-wheel-driving 2
Caravanning/campers 3 Duck/game hunting 2
Bird/wildlife watching 3 Hunting pests 1
Camping overnight 3 Walking dog 1
Campfires 3 Camping with dog 1
Sight-seeing 3 Bicycle riding 1
Walking/hiking 2 Waterskiing/wakeboarding 1
Driving 2
Collecting firewood domestic 2
7. What would you like to see remain the same or changed about the planning area? o Fire can do so much damage – allow firewood collection to reduce fuel loado Have open days to create a sense of belongingo More rangers patrolling to make people aware of environment (education)o Red Gum requires thinning – introduce thinning to National Parks to supplement
firewood supplies and improve forest health
8. Are you satisfied with how the River Red Gum Parks are being managed at the moment?
Extremely satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Moderately dissatisfied
Extremely dissatisfied
- 1 - 1 3
Comments: o After seeing the results of fire, fuel loads need to be reduced by issuing permits for
firewood collectiono Should still have sustainable logging
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o Thinning of saplings to allow growth for the betterment of the forest x2o Should have firearm access for pest animal controlo Dogs should be allowed in National Parko Extra funding should be provided for road workso Complete lack of compliance patrols in Gunbower National Park
9. How do you think the management of the parks could be improved? More community input – listen to knowledge of local people Sustainable and workable plans put into action More patrols by rangers Facilities at campsites - they were all removed by PV (BBQ’s, tables) Introduce thinning for domestic firewood
10. Do you have any further comments? Management of a natural resource is needed to remove fuel load Promote greater awareness to locals and visitors of the natural beauty of the area PV require more staff Lacking in on-ground work PV culture of ‘Locking it up’ should be changed Have seen no change to Parks since VEAC – where has all the money gone!
11. How did you find out about the Community Open House?
12. Have you visited the Parks Victoria website for the River Red Gum Parks Management Plan www.parks.vic.gov.au/redgumplan?
Yes 1
No 4
101
Through a friend/colleague
Newspaper Letter in mail
Other
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Location Date No. of Respondents
ECHUCA 20/4/16 4
1. Would you like us to contact you when the draft plan is released?
Yes 3 - details provided
No 1
2. What do you value about the planning area? The extent of the Red Gum community Invasive species Biodiversity and its connection to habitats and species x2 Water Open spaces Natural resources Community benefit The environmental, social and cultural values are immeasurable The peace and wonder of the place is wonderful
3. What places in the planning area are important to you? Why? Gunbower because it’s home Barmah has some species and the river Kangapella Basin Lower Goulburn parks Many areas for the environmental value x2 Recreation, tourism and cultural heritage
4. How often do you visit?
Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Several times a year
Not often
2 - - - 1 1
5. How long are your visits on average?
1-4 hours 5-7 hours Full day 2-3 days 4 days or more
- - 1 1 1
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6. What are the main activities you undertake on your visits?
Activity No. of responses Activity No. of responses
Photography 4 Caravanning/campers 3
Socializing friends/family 4 Walking/hiking 3
Sight-seeing 4 Canoeing/kayaking 2
Fishing 3 Bicycle riding 1
Camping overnight 3 Cultural practices 1
Bird/wildlife watching 3 Campfires 1
7. What would you like to see remain the same or changed about the planning area? Like that it’s based on ecosystem Access Ranger presence Stay as natural as possible See more protection of sensitive areas Beautiful environment and biodiversity of the land
8. Are you satisfied with how the River Red Gum Parks are being managed at the moment?
Extremely satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Moderately dissatisfied
Extremely dissatisfied
- 1 1 2 -
Comments: Not enough scientific data/evidence talking to MDBA about water More $$ should be put into surveys (see what’s there) before management decisions are made More education – environment, cultural, pest issues and control
9. How do you think the management of the parks could be improved? Knowledge/education – understand environment and biodiversity Greater ranger presence to oversee/manage visitor behavior and activity
10. Do you have any further comments? Like to know the species profile Need to connect to biodiversity strategy Work with other agencies to ensure consistency of message/actions Use landscape as a learning tool for education to public/schools
11. How did you find out about the Community Open House?
12. Have you visited the Parks Victoria website for the River Red Gum Parks Management Plan www.parks.vic.gov.au/redgumplan?
Yes 3
No 1
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Location Date No. of Respondents
SHEPPARTON 21/4/16 5
1. Would you like us to contact you when the draft plan is released?
Yes 4 - details provided
No 1
2. What do you value about the planning area? Being able to drive through – weather permitting Swamp areas Barmah Forest Intrinsic value, recreational opportunities x2 Wildlife Consultation leading to development of plan/guides River/vegetation Cultural values (Indigenous and European)
3. What places in the planning area are important to you? Why? Barmah National Park x2 Goulburn River (around Shepparton) x3 Reedy Swamp (Nth. Shepparton) Murray River – Echuca x3 Shepparton Regional Park Fire management Access/signage Kanyapella Basin
4. How often do you visit?
Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Several times a year
Not often
1 2 1 - 1 -
Comments: Weekly or fortnightly – depending on seasons. Not often enough because there are very limited areas available for hunting.
5. How long are your visits on average?
1-4 hours 5-7 hours Full day 2-3 days 4 days or more
2 - 2 1 -
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6. What are the main activities you undertake on your visits?
Activity No. of respondents
Activity No. of respondents
Fishing 4 Caravanning/campers 2
Socializing friends/family 3 Collecting firewood domestic 2
Bird/wildlife watching 3 Horse riding 1
Photography 3 Camping with dog 1
Camping overnight 3 Duck/game hunting 1
Walking dog 2 Driving 1
Campfires 2
Boating 2
Sight-seeing 2
Walking/hiking 2
7. What would you like to see remain the same or changed about the planning area? Protection of n/veg values Consider access for aged/disabled Boundary between park and private land management Pest, plant and animal control – more resources needed Less rubbish dumping Walk bridge across river in Nth. Shepp. More understorey planting More cultural signage To be managed – not left with Aboriginal sites with falling down fences
8. Are you satisfied with how the River Red Gum Parks are being managed at the moment?
Extremely satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Moderately dissatisfied
Extremely dissatisfied
- 1 1 - 2
Comments: Needs more resourcing Managed on an ad hoc basis – declared 2009 and no management plan in place until 2017 – an
absolute disgrace Bridges being removed not replaced Tracks not graded
9. How do you think the management of the parks could be improved? Develop a plan and implement it More staff on the ground Closer community involvement/participation A lot of maintenance has to be done
10. Do you have any further comments?
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Impressed with the format of the Open House Information on the website indicates a good process is in place Rubbish dumping – needs more policing, more cameras, 2 or 3 free tip vouchers in Shepp. and
hard rubbish day Why flood low lying areas 3 or 4 times/year?? Confusion for wildlife. One big flood early Spring would do twice the benefit – Moira grass would grow
11. How did you find out about the Community Open House?
12. Have you visited the Parks
Victoria website for the River Red Gum Parks Management Plan www.parks.vic.gov.au/redgumplan?
Yes 3
No 1
Location Date No. of Respondents
WANGARATTA 26/4/16 2
1. Would you like us to contact you when the draft plan is released?
Yes 2 - details provided
No -
2. What do you value about the planning area? The iconic red gums and everything they support Natural – River – Bridge – Proximity to Yarra, Wang, Rutherglen Gathering of like-minded persons
3. What places in the planning area are important to you? Why? Lower Ovens heritage river because of its environmental significance Parola’s on Ovens River near Bundalong – now Lower Ovens Game Reserve Allow recreational camping and domestic dogs all year inc. duck season (Easter and school
holidays)
4. How often do you visit?
Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Several times a year Not often
1 - - - 1 -
106
Through a friend/colleague
Newspaper Letter in mail
Other
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5. How long are your visits on average?
1-4 hours 5-7 hours Full day 2-3 days 4 days or more
- - 1 - 1
6. What are the main activities you undertake on your visits?
Activity No. of respondents
Activity No. of respondents
Fishing 2 Bicycle riding 1
Socializing friends/family 2 Camping with dog 1
Birdlife/wildlife watching 2 Walking dog 1
Photography 2
Camping overnight 2
Boating 2
Painting/drawing 2
Canoeing/kayaking 2
Walking/hiking 2
Caravanning/campers 1
7. What would you like to see remain the same or changed about the planning area? Like to see the Red Gums protected at all costs
8. Are you satisfied with how the River Red Gum Parks are being managed at the moment?
Extremely satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Moderately dissatisfied
Extremely dissatisfied
- - - 1 -
Comments: We understand Parks have a limited budget
9. How do you think the management of the parks could be improved? Via this consultation process and implementation of a solid plan
10. Do you have any further comments? ------
11. How did you find out about the Community Open House?
12. Have you visited the Parks Victoria website for the River Red Gum Parks Management Plan www.parks.vic.gov.au/redgumplan?
Yes 1
107
Through a friend/colleague Newspaper Letter in mail Other
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No -
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Location Date No. of Respondents
COROWA 27/4/16 5
1. Would you like us to contact you when the draft plan is released?
Yes 5 - details provided
No -
2. What do you value about the planning area? Discussion with professional staff who know and care Staff are very good listeners – river and adjacent forests are under great stress Concern for the future of the entire length of the Murray Keep the forest and river natural but still allow people to enjoy The river setting and natural environment
3. What places in the planning area are important to you? Why? The whole river system – it’s magical x2 Facilities for campers – ie. Toilets Natural forests, river beaches Barmah Yarrawonga to Cobram and its accessibility to visitors/locals Howlong to Malwala
4. How often do you visit?
Daily Weekly Fortnightly Monthly Several times a year
Not often
2 - 1 - 1 -
5. How long are your visits on average?
1-4 hours 5-7 hours Full day 2-3 days 4 days or more
- - 2 - 1
6. What are the main activities you undertake on your visits?
Activity No. of respondents
Activity No. of respondents
Fishing 4 Collecting firewood domestic 1
Boating 3 Bird/wildlife watching 1
Socializing friends/family 2 Walking dog 1
Caravanning /campers 2 Walking/hiking 1
Camping overnight 2
Campfires 2
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Canoeing/kayaking 2
Camping with dog 1
Sight-seeing 1
Waterskiing/wakeboarding 1
7. What would you like to see remain the same or changed about the planning area? Ban duck shooting and firewood collection More staff to patrol, manage and do works Better access roads and environmental toilets Rezone area from grazing Permit system for camping
8. Are you satisfied with how the River Red Gum Parks are being managed at the moment?
Extremely satisfied
Moderately satisfied
Neither satisfied nor dissatisfied
Moderately dissatisfied
Extremely dissatisfied
1 2 1 1 -
Comments: Considering limited budgets PV staff do a great job with very limited resources Maintain tracks, signage for cultural areas (promote respect) Fire pits to encourage safe camping Without funding PV cannot manage any other way User pay system required
9. How do you think the management of the parks could be improved? More weed and pest control and people management More staff x2 More support financially will improve outcomes More education
10. Do you have any further comments? Program for environmental toilets – over 5 yrs. selected sites New plan will help lift profile in govt. for more funding Limited by funds and manpower – use local volunteers Great job in forming the mgt. plan and getting input in an informal way
11. How did you find out about the Community Open House? Through a friend/colleague Facebook or Twitter Letter in mail Other
3 1 1 -
12. Have you visited the Parks Victoria website for the River Red Gum Parks Management Plan www.parks.vic.gov.au/redgumplan?
Yes 2
No 3
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APPENDIX 3: MEDIA AND COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM
ACTION TASK STATUS / CoverageCOMPLETEDMedia Release – Launch of the CE planning process
Media release sent to local media Sent 11/2
Newspapers ran story: 15/2 – Border Mail13/2 Sunraysia Daily15/2 Riverine Herald15/2 – Swan Hill Guardian17/2 Numurkah Leader9/3 Yarrawonga Chronicle23/2 Gannawarra Times 4/3 Mildura Weekly
TV – interview with Dan McLaughlin 26/2 Win TV – Shepp, Albury, Ballarat, Wang
Radio – interview with Brian Doolan ABC News – local radioSheppartonCentral VicWodongaMildura Swan Hill
Facebook post 12/2:Reach: 432456 likes 20 Shares 7 comments
Tweet 2 shares2 likes
Media Release: Open Houses – Mildura Swan Hill
Sent to local media 31/3
1/4 Sunraysia Daily 12/4 Mildura Midweek
Media Release: Open Houses – Kerang and other
12/4
23/6 Shepp News20/4 Cobram Courier (need a copy)18/4 3SR Shepp Radio news 20/4 Yarrawonga Chronicle 23/4 Shepp News23/4 Shepp News - editorial15/4 Riverine HeraldRed Gum Courier
Public NoticesSunraysia Daily 8/4Robinvale Sentinel 7/4Swan Hill Guardian 8/4Corowa Free Press 20/4Riverine Herald 13/4Shepparton News 14/4
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Shepparton Advisor 13/4Loddon Times 12/4Gannawarra Times 12/4Ovens and Murray Advertiser 20/4Wangaratta Chronicle 20/4The Age 23/4Herald Sun 23/4
Facebook postsRobinvale / Swan Hill 12/4Melbourne OH 27/4
Stakeholders – shared Parks Victoria’s Facebook post
Environment Victoria: https://www.facebook.com/environmentvictoria Discover Murray: https://www.facebook.com/DiscoverMurrayRiver/ Visit the Murray: https://www.facebook.com/Visit-the-Murray-701349953316547 DELWP Loddon Mallee: https://www.facebook.com/DELWPLoddonMallee/
Kerang Exchange Hotel Kerang: https://www.facebook.com/ExchangeHotel-Kerang-819296478139919
EchucaEchuca Moama: https://www.facebook.com/echucamoama Port of Echuca: https://www.facebook.com/PortofEchucaDiscoveryCentre Echuca Workers Club: https://www.facebook.com/Echuca-Workers-Services-Club-191622457527274 Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists: no Facebook page. Posted to Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc instead.Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc: https://www.facebook.com/Murrumbidgee-Landcare-Inc-286495091382796
Shepparton River Connect: no Facebook page. http://www.riverconnect.com.au Ethnic Council of Shepparton and District: https://www.facebook.com/Ethnic-Council-of-Shepparton-699919876688333 Shepparton Art Museum (SAM): https://www.facebook.com/SheppartonArtMuseum/ Shepparton Golf Club: https://www.facebook.com/sheppartongolfclub Goulburn Valley Health: https://www.facebook.com/Goulburn-Valley-Health-249043511813686 Goulburn River Valley Tourism: https://www.facebook.com/goulburnrivervalleytourism
Wangaratta Wangaratta Golf Club: https://www.facebook.com/wangarattagolfclub/ Wangaratta Indoor Sports and Aquatic Centre: https://www.facebook.com/wangarattaymca
CorowaCorowa Visitor Information Centre: https://www.facebook.com/CorowaVisitorInformationCentreCan’t post to page
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Notifications received on Parks Victoria’s Facebook post
Dee Sutton and Danny Roy McLachlan like your link on Echuca Moama Tourism's Timeline: "Come along to one of Parks Victoria’s..."
11:50
Victoria Evans likes your link on Environment Victoria's Timeline: "Come along to a one of our open house..."
10:57
Andrea Sonneman, Dan Ioannidis and Caine Muir like your link on DELWP Loddon Mallee's Timeline: "Come along to one of Parks Victoria’s..."
Tues Frances Raudino likes your link on Gannawarra Times's Timeline: "Come along to one of Parks Victoria’s..."
Tues
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APPENDIX 4: EXIT BOARD AND INFORMAL FEEDBACK (BY LOCATION)
Of the participants who provided feedback upon departure from the session, some wrote / ticked feedback on the Exit Board as they departed (see ‘Written Responses’ below). Others engaged in a discussion with a staff member at the Registration Desk who noted down their comments on a feedback sheet (ie. see ‘Exit Conversation Responses’ below). An overview of all responses can be found in Section 2.7.
MILDURA Number of people in attendance: 30
WRITTEN RESPONSES: No. of responses: 3. Tick a face to indicate how you felt about today’s session
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
1 2
EXIT CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 13
How did you hear about
today?
What did you like most about the session?
What could be improved about the session? Other comments, compliments and complaints
Radio – lots Local
newspaper
Fantastic networking opportunity. I see the opportunity to create partnerships and link different projects, including tourism.
Access to resources and information – thank you.
Felt heard, that all points and concerns I wanted to raise were listened to and noted
I liked being able to access hard copies of everything, particularly the community information sheet.
Felt today ticked all the boxes.
An online survey would be better, and give me time to think. Why is there more detail on some aspects of the plan in the
overview community information sheet compared to the individual topic sheets (e.g. fire?). Didn’t feel as if there was enough thought and useful detail in the information sheets.
I overheard that older folk (>65 years old) were unsure about the station set up, and felt it was like they were being interviewed and presented to, instead of it being a two- way discussion. This was their initial impression, but it may have changed by the end of the session after they spoke to more staff.
Lack of promotion re: open house – very poor. Felt this could have been drastically improved.
Very happy Very good – it’s my first
time seeing the information, so I didn’t want to provide feedback just yet.
I read the information sheets prior but found them vague and not providing much useful information that allowed the community to comment.
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How did you hear about
today?
What did you like most about the session?
What could be improved about the session Other comments, compliments and complaints
As above These processes help the community respect each other as different users of the Parks.
Today allowed me to express my ideas and feel like I’m meaningfully contributing to the plan
The consultation process could be done much more effectively. Disappointed that there have been no community presentations/ information sessions regarding the plan prior to asking us to comment.
I’d prefer if the session tied each station together better and provided an overview of the plan and process. e.g. slide show providing an overview of each of the information sheets
The one on one sessions (stations) do not allow the discussion you get in a group.
A greater understanding about what an open house is prior to the session would have benefited the community much more.
The A3 brochure with the map available to the community has no legend and no detail on what we’re actually looking at.
I’d much prefer to talk to people to find out what’s going on.
Thought it was advertised well.
Further comments (sticky notes) No. of responses: 4 Lack of notice/ promotion of the open houses (3) Venue lighting poor (1)
Other Observations (from staff at Registration Desk) People notably left happier than when they came in A few feel like there’s been no follow up with the community regarding the previous work (e.g. VEAC) since the Park was announced in 2009 Some people are suspicious of the process, perceived lack of promotion and think there’s a hidden agenda – that Parks Victoria don’t really want the public
to turn up and comment at the Open Houses.
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ROBINVALE Number of people in attendance: 8
WRITTEN RESPONSES: No. of responses: 5. Tick a face to indicate how you felt about today’s session
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
2 3
EXIT CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 4
How did you hear about today? What did you like most about the session? What could be improved about the session? Other comments, compliments and complaints
Word-of- mouth Local newspaper Direct contact from Parks
Victoria staff
Very happy. Felt listened to and that coming along was definitely worthwhile. My issues were addressed, and I learnt a lot about what I care about. The senior fire manager had some very good points that I’ll think about further.
Firewood issues and access where my main issues. Good opportunity to find out exactly what’s going on, beyond the rumours. Everything sounds promising, but concerned about whether it will convert to action. Hopefully common sense will prevail.
A-downloadable educational phone app (so it works where there’s no service) that connects kids/teenagers to nature. Basically a digital ranger that guides them through activities/facts around key values and natural assets.
Other Observations (from staff at Registration Desk) Local ranger Brad ensured that there was extensive media and social media coverage at the local level regarding the plan and the Open House sessions.
However, this did not convert to numbers.
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SWAN HILL Number of people in attendance: 10
WRITTEN RESPONSES: No. of responses: 4. Tick a face to indicate how you felt about today’s session
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
1 2 1
EXIT CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 4
How did you hear about today? What did you like most about the session? What could be improved about the session?
Other comments, compliments and complaints
Direct email Local newspaper
Loved the short films. Came to support my husband and have learnt a lot by watching the films.
Found today’s session very good. Good to talk to staff, raise issues and demonstrate what we value about the Parks. We’ll use today plus other avenues to lobby and ensure we’re heard.
Really worthwhile. Such a shame more people aren’t here making the most of this opportunity (to talk directly and meaningfully with Parks Victoria staff. If we don’t (get involved in such opportunities), how will the government know we care about the Murray and its Parks, and therefore recognise the need to give it the support and funding it requires to be managed properly.
The ad could have been bigger, and associated with a front page story for full impact.
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KERANG Number of people in attendance: 18
WRITTEN RESPONSES: No. of responses: 5. Tick a face to indicate how you felt about today’s session
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
1 2 2
EXIT CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 6
How did you hear about
today?
What did you like most about the session? What could be improved about the session? Other comments, compliments and complaints
TV interview
Local newspaper
Direct email
Word-of-mouth
My questions and concerns have been answered. Hope that the plan turns out good and factors in community feedback meaningfully.
I joined a councillor and a farmer at one station, and they asked lots of questions that I hadn’t even thought of, which gave me a different perspective on issues and an insight in how people value the Park differently.
Some questions answered. Did not get the chance to elaborate on some topics or discuss options further with staff like I wanted to.
Everyone listened to my whinging
Very happy. All my concerns and questions have been answered, and I learnt a lot too. Really appreciated the networking opportunity.
Other Observations (from staff at Registration Desk) Staff mentioned that it would be good to have some quality meaningful giveaway beyond brochures to give to participants, e.g. a canvas bag to be able to
put all their information sheets, etc. in; stickers with the right messages on them, pens. From discussion with participants over the past four sessions: what is an ‘open house’ and what does it involve? Some people are confused/not aware of the
concept. They generally assume that it is an information session that starts at 2pm, hence the small rush we’ve been getting at this time, Mildura in particular. Is there better terminology that described these sessions adequately?
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
ECHUCA Number of people in attendance: 25
WRITTEN RESPONSES: No. of responses: 6. Tick a face to indicate how you felt about today’s session
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
2 4
EXIT CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 8
How did you hear about
today?
What did you like most about the session? What could be improved about the session? Other comments, compliments and complaints
Local newspaper
Radio Word-of-
mouth Direct
contact
Great opportunity and I will comment based on today’s session, and get others to as well. Got a lot out of today – lots more information, and learnt a lot, e.g. CMAs have much more clout than I thought.
Good to see the students from Bendigo TAFE here.
Disappointed that some important interest groups (e.g. Beautiful Barmah) were not contacted directly regarding the sessions.
This was a very good opportunity to talk to people and get current information. Thank you.
Great opportunity. Very happy and impressed with the turn out.
Other Observations (from staff at Registration Desk) Asked re: whether there was an on-line survey. Think this would complement the Open Houses and provide people with another way to contribute, but feel
prompted to do so and provide the kind of information Parks Victoria is looking for. Bendigo TAFE students present in the afternoon session. Added a vibrancy and enthusiasm. First time the graffiti wall was used. Filled in lots of surveys.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
SHEPPARTON Number of people in attendance: 23
WRITTEN RESPONSES: No. of responses: 5. Tick a face to indicate how you felt about today’s session
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
5
EXIT CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 8
How did you hear about
today?
What did you like most about the session? What could be improved about the session? Other comments, compliments and complaints
Local newspaper
Word-of-mouth
Directly via Parks Victoria staff
Return participant. Went to Echuca last night, and returned today with my husband and friend once I had participated and understood the Open House layout and how the sessions worked. Being in small groups meant my husband could hear and contribute, which he’s done tonight. I like the Open House concept a lot.
Negative prior to today, but it has been a positive experience from the start. Signage outside made me feel welcome - positive, worthwhile experience.
Very happy Really good, but feel some
bigger issues are still in the ‘too hard basket’. It’s as good as it can be.
Staff can explain things from their perspective, and you have a good discussion. Been really good and worthwhile.
OTHER OBSERVATIONS (from staff at Registration Desk) Environmental awareness and education came up a lot today. Some people, especially the evening session, attended very specifically for firewood information Only session where journalists attended (Shepparton News)
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WANGARATTA Number of people in attendance: 17
WRITTEN RESPONSES: No. of responses: 4. Tick a face to indicate how you felt about today’s session
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
2 2
EXIT CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 12
How did you hear about today? What did you like most about the session?
What could be improved about the session? Other comments, compliments and complaints
Local newspaper Directly via Parks Victoria
staff Direct correspondence via
letter or e-mail
Fantastic! Set up really well. Great, but overwhelming. I’ll
read through everything and write a submission after I process it all.
Really good. Appreciated the opportunity. Definitely worthwhile.
Thanks for this – very informative
OTHER OBSERVATIONS (from staff at Registration Desk) CFA support is an indicator of a good working relationship with Parks Victoria. A CFA staff member attended the afternoon session, and texted other staff
and volunteers to say yes, it’s worthwhile attending and contributing, encouraging them to attend. This lead to at least another 2 CFA representatives attending and contributing.
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
COROWA Number of people in attendance: 21
WRITTEN RESPONSES: No. of responses: 6. Tick a face to indicate how you felt about today’s session
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
6
EXIT CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 18
How did you hear about today?
What did you like most about the session?
What could be improved about the session?
Other comments, compliments and complaints
Direct correspondence/ contact via Parks Victoria
E-mail Landcare/CMA
newsletter Local newspaper
Worthwhile coming along and great to find out more of what’s going on and contribute.
Appreciate the opportunity. Meant that I could drop in quickly prior to picking up the kids from school.
I’m taking information away to share with others involved (community and user groups) so they know more and can contribute too.
Disappointed by the turn out. There’s more Parks Victoria staff than community members. Poorly advertised to the public/media.
The only reason we knew about it was via the email the secretary of the Murray River Action Group forwarded to members at the last minute, and we made the time to attend.
The amount of public resources being used to do this (collect community opinion via the Open Houses) needs to be reviewed and questioned, especially considering the low turn-out. There should be more of the community here – why aren’t they. Is this process worth it, and can it be done more effectively to get a better result?
Very good…if Parks Victoria have actually listened, we’ll see if this comes out in the plan, and if the plan translates to action and truly captured what we’ve said, and make it happen. Bit sceptical that this will happen, and that this will be just another plan that sits on a shelf.
Parks are not just a ‘linear oasis’, but link into a shared landscape.
Can’t have the River Red Gum Parks without the River. Need to focus on it.
The potential of what could be is exciting and dovetails well with my aspirations (Murray River Trail(s))
It’s frustrating, as stakeholders should be cooperating, not complicating or competing against each other. There needs to be more of us working together for genuine outcomes that benefit us all.
Cross tenure issues need to be addressed, and putting things into perspective of the bigger picture (e.g. landscape links, importance of paddock trees).
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River Red Gum Parks Management Plan – Community Open House Report
MELBOURNE Number of people in attendance: 14
WRITTEN RESPONSES: No. of responses: 5. Tick a face to indicate how you felt about today’s session
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Neutral Satisfied Very Satisfied
2 3
EXIT CONVERSATION RESPONSES Total no. people commenting: 12
How did you hear about today? What did you like most about the session?
What could be improved about the session? Other comments, compliments and complaints
Social media Direct correspondence/
contact via Parks Victoria Newspaper E-mail Website Word of mouth from other
Open Houses
Went really well. Loved the station set up – very interactive. Liked the idea a lot. It was a great way to provide our ideas and be heard and feed into the planning process. When the draft plan is released, we’ll request a face to face meeting to continue the discussion. Very positive.
Very good, but I’ve learnt that government and Parks Victoria are still not brave enough to consider innovative actions that could have long term multiple benefits e.g. combine conservation with tourism, and think bigger around development.
More time required – double the allocated time preferred.
E-mail notification was last minute (this was mentioned at various Open Houses)
Very happy How much media
attention has the Open Houses actually attracted? Expect it to be more than what it maybe has been.
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