STRZELECKI RANGES, VIC. — The Victorian Government has protected another 2,155 hectares of native forest, safeguarding and connecting some of the region’s most significant natural areas by adding it to the Brataualung Forest Park in South Gippsland’s Strzelecki Ranges.
This expansion of Brataualung Forest Park is an important milestone for the community, which has long advocated for stronger protection of the Strzelecki Ranges.
The addition contributes to the return of 4,455 hectares to public management and advances the Victorian Government’s broader commitment to return 8,000 hectares and establish a new conservation reserve.
In 2008, the Victorian Government and HVP Plantations agreed to return 8,000 hectares, known as the Cores and Links, to public management.
The agreement protects ‘core’ areas of high natural value and connects them through forest habitat ‘links’.
A further 15,000 hectares of native forest surrounding the Cores and Links was permanently protected from timber harvesting within the HVP Plantations estate.
To date, 4,455 hectares of the 8,000-hectare commitment has been returned to public management, with the remainder to be transferred by 2028.
Regional Manager Forest and Fire Planning, Gippsland, Ryan Incoll said Brataualung Forest Park included ‘core’ areas of endangered cool temperate rainforest and significant stands of mountain ash.
These forest areas also provide habitat links between Gunyah Rainforest Reserve and Tarra-Bulga National Park, protecting important habitat and supporting the movement of plants and animals through the Strzelecki Ranges.
The park provides habitat for significant species, including the slender tree-fern, koala, powerful owl and Strzelecki burrowing crayfish.
Brataualung Forest Park was declared in 2018 and named following engagement with the community.
‘The survival of animals and plants depends on connections between areas of good habitat,’ he said. ‘This declaration is a small but significant step to help them.’
