Victorian Coalition Government hands down response to Victorian Environmental Assessment Council’s (VEAC) recommendations for recreational prospecting
The response expands existing prospecting and gem hunting areas in national parks
Prospecting has been enjoyed in national parks since 1972.
A response to recommendations made by the state's independent environmental assessment body, the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC), finds a balanced approach to recreational prospecting in national parks.
Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith said that prospecting in national parks has been enjoyed by Victorians since 1972 and is already open in over 60,000 hectares.
"This response supports recommendations made to the Victorian Coalition Government by the state’s independent environmental assessment body, the VEAC," Mr Smith said.
"This allows Victorians to get maximum enjoyment from our state’s world class natural assets and we recognise that this needs to be balanced with environmentally appropriate use of the land.
"During its time in government the Victorian Labor Government approved prospecting in more than 10 parks listed in the National Parks Act 1975.
"The Victorian Coalition Government is allowing a modest new area in three national parks and fixing environmental protection that Labor never even bothered to look at.
"The Coalition Government is ensuring Victorians can continue to enjoy prospecting responsibly by removing the use of mechanical equipment.
"We are taking the step of no longer allowing mechanical equipment, with the exception of metal detectors, to be used for prospecting.
"Additional allocation of prospecting areas include two in the Lerderderg State Park, one in the Lake Eildon National Park and five in the Alpine National Park."
The response will be monitored during the first year of introduction. Visit www.premier.vic.gov.au for more news
Media contact: Elise Huck 0477 365 912 elise.huck@minstaff.vic.gov.au