FOREWORD Great Otway National Park protects extensive forest and much of the coastline between opportunities to connect with each other in a Torquay and Princetown in south-west natural setting thereby reducing stress. Healthy Victoria. Otway Forest Park includes mountain Parks Healthy People is all about conserving and foothill forests on the northern fall of the the natural and cultural values to sustain Otway range, adjacent to the national park. communities. The Otways have always been, and will The parks are an integral part of Kirrae continue to be, a place for people. The creation Whurrong, Gulidjan, Gadubanud and of the parks represented substantial progress in Wathaurong Country, and Parks Victoria and achieving a major change in direction for the the Department of Sustainability and management of public land in the Otways. The Environment are working with Traditional parks make a substantial contribution to the Owners and other Indigenous people to conservation of biodiversity and cultural support greater involvement in management of values. They will also continue to be an parks. important aspect of local lifestyles and support This approved plan establishes a shared vision a broad range of nature based recreation for management and clear strategic goals for experiences and a vibrant regional tourism the long-term management of the parks. Ahead industry. lies a challenge to involve the wider Otway and Victorian communities, visitors and Parks play a vital role in ensuring the health government agencies in implementing the plan and wellbeing of society by providing clean air to achieve the shared vision of protecting the and water, protecting biodiversity and habitat parks for the enjoyment of current and future for native species, sequestering carbon and generations. other ecosystem services. Parks also provide
FOREWORD Great Otway National Park protects extensive forest and much of the coastline between Torquay and Princetown in south-west Victoria. Otway Forest Park includes mountain and foothill forests on the northern fall of the Otway range, adjacent to the national park. The Otways have always been, and will continue to be, a place for people. The creation of the parks represented substantial progress in achieving a major change in direction for the management of public land in the Otways. The parks make a substantial contribution to the conservation of biodiversity and cultural values. They will also continue to be an important aspect of local lifestyles and support a broad range of nature based recreation experiences and a vibrant regional tourism industry. Parks play a vital role in ensuring the health and wellbeing of society by providing clean air and water, protecting biodiversity and habitat for native species, sequestering carbon and other ecosystem services. Parks also provide opportunities to connect with each other in a natural setting thereby reducing stress. Healthy Parks Healthy People is all about conserving the natural and cultural values to sustain communities. The parks are an integral part of Kirrae Whurrong, Gulidjan, Gadubanud and Wathaurong Country, and Parks Victoria and the Department of Sustainability and Environment are working with Traditional Owners and other Indigenous people to support greater involvement in management of parks. This approved plan establishes a shared vision for management and clear strategic goals for the long-term management of the parks. Ahead lies a challenge to involve the wider Otway and Victorian communities, visitors and government agencies in implementing the plan to achieve the shared vision of protecting the parks for the enjoyment of current and future generations.
Great-Otway-NP-and-Otway-Forest-Park-Management-Action-Plan-accessible-version.docx