The Allan Labor Government has been caught out after widespread campground and national park closures over the King’s Birthday long weekend directly contradicted assurances given by Environment Minister Enver Erdogan in Parliament just one day earlier.
During Question Time on Wednesday, Shadow Minister for Outdoor Recreation, Melina Bath, questioned whether the Allan Labor Government’s ongoing dispute with park rangers and public sector staff was affecting the management of Victoria’s public land.
The Minister rejected the suggestion.
Today, Victorians have been told that campgrounds, walking tracks, toilets and visitor facilities across the state will be closed as Parks Victoria staff take industrial action amid a bitter pay dispute with the Allan Labor Government.
The closures affect popular destinations across regional Victoria, including the Otways, Yarra Ranges, Murray River region and Wilsons Promontory.
Ms Bath said Victorians deserve answers.
“Yesterday the Minister dismissed concerns about the impact of this dispute. Today, families planning to enjoy Victoria’s great outdoors are discovering parks and campgrounds are being closed because of it,” Ms Bath said.
“Either the Minister was unaware that these closures were imminent, or he failed to provide Parliament with the full picture.”
“Victorians should not be locked out of public land because the Allan Labor Government has failed to resolve a dispute with the very workers responsible for keeping our parks safe, accessible and open.”
Ms Bath said the closures would also impact regional communities and businesses that rely on visitors during long weekends and holiday periods.
“The Allan Labor Government has allowed this dispute to escalate at the expense of Victorian families, campers, outdoor recreation users and regional tourism operators.”
Ms Bath called on the Allan Labor Government to urgently resolve the dispute and provide clear advice to Victorians about access to parks and recreation facilities over the long weekend.
