Almost 40% of Victoria is public land, with approximately 8 million hectares of forests, parks and reserves. These wonderful environments are home to many of our native species and habitats which are under sustained pressure from threats such as climate change and habitat degradation. Victoria’s environment is fundamental to our wellbeing, and it has been great to see more Victorians using public land for recreation over the last few years.
The Conservation Regulator plays an important role in protecting our forests, parks and reserves for future generations. We are responsible for regulating timber harvesting, biodiversity, fire prevention and public land-use.
Our aim is to make sure everyone has safe and equitable access to our state forests and natural assets, while also protecting them for future generations to enjoy. We focus on how public land is being used, how wildlife is being treated and how to prevent harm.
Each year, we undertake a risk assessment to determine our key regulatory priorities for the year ahead. Elevated public land use, population growth and climate change remain key driving factors of environmental decline, influencing our risks and actions into the future.
More people are using public land for camping and recreation in Victoria than ever before and at the same time Victoria is becoming warmer and drier.
The impacts of these pressures were highlighted in the State of the Environment: Biodiversity Update 2021 Report. The report found that major threats from invasive species, bushfires, climate change and habitat loss are causing a decline in Victoria’s ecosystems. For us as a regulator this means responding to the competing demands for the environmental values we are trying to protect. We need to understand the increased threats and demand for access to public land for the effective prioritisation of our resources.
At the Conservation Regulator, we will continue to use data and intelligence to direct our effort to where it will have the most impact. We will use a range of approaches to address key harms caused by non-compliance, from engagement and education to investigation and enforcement action. Collaboration with our key regulatory partners and the community is central to these activities. We will also continue to contribute to key government legislation reform that enables us to be an effective regulator.
I look forward to continuing our important work to conserve and protect our environment and wildlife for future generations.
Kate Gavens, Chief Conservation Regulator
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