Deer hunters greatly value their hunting experiences in the Greater Alpine National Parks. Deer are introduced species which are present across the entire planning area. Although fallow deer are present in some locations, sambar are the most abundant and widely distributed species of deer and they have been traditionally hunted in many of these areas since the mid 1900's. Sambar are revered by hunters as one of the most challenging game species to hunt in the world. 

Follow this link to the Recreational Deer Hunting Discussion Paper

The Greater Alpine National Parks provide for a wide variety of activities, from short walks to ski touring and hiking, from camping to scenic driving and 4WD touring. Parks Victoria is seeking your thoughts about your experiences, the types of recreation the parks provide, what are the trends in outdoor activities, and how these can managed to ensure the parks are protected to can continue to be enjoyed by all visitors.

Horse riding in the high country has a strong tradition and remains a popular way to explore the mountains, rivers and high plains, whether as a recreational or club rider or as part of a tour group. This discussion paper looks at existing management and considers future directions. Follow this link to view the Discussion Paper.

The Natural Environments Discussion Paper looks at natural values and ecological processes, as well as the impact of existing and potential threats to those values. The discussion paper refers to the Monash University, Centre for Biodiversity and School of Biological Sciences report, Greater Alpine National Parks Study Area Review and Evaluation of Ecological Knowledge, which was recently commissioned by Parks Victoria.

Community Open Houses will be held during October 2009 to provide you with the opportunity to ask planners and rangers questions about the plan and what matters you would like to see the plan address. The Community Open Houses will be held from 4PM to 7PM at the following locations:

Orbost - Monday 5th Ocotober 2009
Orbost Football Club, Lochiel Street, Orbost
Omeo - Tuesday 6th October 2009
Omeo Shire Hall, Day Avenue Omeo
Bright - Wednesday 7th October 2009
Senior Citizens Hall, Cobden St, Bright
Melbourne - Thursday 8th October 2009

The Water and Catchments Discussion Paper looks at the important role the Greater Alpine parks play as water catchments. It also discusses the potential impacts of drought and climate change and ends with directions for future management.

• How can resources be better integrated to manage catchment and water assets through climate change?

Australia's alpine country and eastern highlands connect people with the spectacular Australian Alps and eastern highlands. The parks provide some of the most spectacular and challenging four wheel driving in Australia.  The Roads and Access Discussion Paper and Four Wheel Driving Discussion Paper details this road and track network and four wheel driving network.

• What changes to the four wheel drive network would improve your experience?
• What new communication tools could be used to improve your experience?

The Greater Alpine parks of Victoria are one of the most inspirational landscapes in the world - at least I think so.

When we undertake a major planning program such as this - one of the key elements to get right is the vision. It sets the tone for the rest of the plan, the actions and attempts to describe how we would all - as a community - like to see the parks in years to come.

The draft vision gives some background statements and then provides a short statement for discussion. It should end up as an inspirational statement for the rest of the plan's actions to follow!

Please contribute, add your suggestions and let us see what unfolds.

Chris Rose

Using a wiki is new to both Parks Victoria and our stakeholders. Parks Victoria has invited many stakeholders to attend one of two training sessions where you can learn how to use the wiki to join us in planning for these important parks. The training will be held at Parks Victoria’s office, Level 10, 535 Bourke Street Melbourne:
2:30 – 3:30 Wednesday 2 September 2009
10:30 – 11:30 Monday 7 September 2009

Please contact Louise Rose via email or on 8627 4685 if you'd like to attend one of the above sessions.

The Victorian Alpine Traditional Owner Reference Group (VATORG) has proudly developed a draft statement of ongoing connection and vision for the Greater Alpine National Parks. The Draft Vision by the Victorian Alpine Traditional Owner Reference Group was endorsed by VATORG in July to be shared with the wider community. It expresses many important sentiments for a way toward constructive reconciliation and building stronger relationships between Traditional Owners, Parks Victoria and the wider community.