Future of Victoria's State forestsFriday 14 Nov 2025
We have listened carefully to the community–and support their vision to share the benefits of the forests –focusing on building regional economies, maximising tourism and recreation opportunities, while also protecting forest values and supporting Traditional Owner self-determination. Our commitment is clear: the outdoors is there to be experienced and admired, not locked away. Our focus is on bringing more families and individuals to the bush and more jobs to the regions – while still protecting our environment. Whether it’s camping with family, casting a line on a quiet river, hiking through our world-class national parks, four-wheel driving, boating on our lakes, or setting off on a weekend adventure – outdoor recreation is part of the fabric of Victorian life. It keeps us active, boosts our mental health, and connects us to nature and community. The Great Outdoors Taskforce did not consider large-scale change to land tenures and the creation of new national parks. Victoria’s state forests will continue to maintain the same access our communities have always enjoyed. Our state forests are already home to environmental protections, cherished recreation spaces, and local economic activity. We’ll continue this balanced approach – protecting what matters while ensuring communities can keep enjoying and caring for these landscapes. We share the same goal – thriving,healthy forests that can be enjoyed and cared for by everyone. We’ll continue monitoring forest health and biodiversity to ensure our approach adapts as needed over time. With the end of large-scale commercial native timber harvesting, the Victorian Government delivered landmark protection for precious biodiversity and endangered species. Our commitment is to create more opportunities for people of all abilities to enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors, and to work with communities to make Victoria’s natural assets healthy and resilient. The Victorian Government is adopting a holistic, inclusive and collaborative approach to forest management. The Taskforce built on previous work from the Eminent Panel of Community Engagement, which engaged closely with local communities and provided advice to government on forest management, planning, and governance in the Central Highlands of Victoria, the Strathbogie Ranges and Mirboo North. The Taskforce and Eminent Panel have made it clear that planning for and managing forests needs to put community and Traditional Owner knowledge at the centre. The Taskforce’s input makes it clear: Victorians care deeply about our forests, and they expect them to be cared for and remain accessible for future generations. We will also make our forests more attractive destinations for sustainable, nature-based tourism and investment, supporting wellbeing and livelihoods in regional communities. The Victorian Government’s response consists of 4 actions:
Source: State Government of Victoria | ||
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