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TheGreat Forest National Park is a proposednational park in easternVictoria, Australia. It is envisaged that the park would protect the forests of theCentral Highlands and species of conservation concern such as the endangeredLeadbeater's possum.[1][2] The concept was developed by regional community groups and forest ecologists and researchers fromAustralian National University and theUniversity of Melbourne.
The park would extend betweenKinglake National Park (west) andBaw Baw National Park (east),Lake Eildon National Park (north) andBunyip State Park (south).[3] It would encompass 355,000 ha of land, including theYarra Ranges National Park and existing state forests such as theCathedral Range State Park andToolangi State Forest.[4]
AReport produced by the Nous Group found that the establishment of the Great Forest National Park with three different investment scenarios could generate as much as 379,000 additional visitors to the region. The Report identified that investment could also lead to as much 740 new full time jobs and added economic benefit of $71.1 million in local GDP.
In November 2022, aLonergan poll taken in accordance with the ISO 20252 standard, and in compliance with the Australian Polling Council Quality Mark standards, found 76% of Victorians support the creation of the Great Forest National Park.
The proposal is supported by 30 environmental and scientific groups, including theRoyal Society of Victoria,Australian Conservation Foundation andThe Wilderness Society.[5] Prominent environmentalists supporting the park includeDavid Attenborough,[6]Jane Goodall,[4]Tim Flannery andBob Brown.[7]
The proposal was a key topic in the2014 Victorian state election. While the incumbentLiberal-National Coalition ruled out support for any new national park, the proposal was supported byThe Greens.[4] TheLabor Party was divided on the issue and did not actively support the plan during the election campaign.[8] In 2015 environment ministerLisa Neville expressed support for the national park.[9]