Policy for Sustainable Recreation and Tourism on Victoria's Public Land
The Sustainable Recreation and Tourism on Victoria's Public Land Policy provides strategic policy direction to the Government and public land management agencies on managing recreation and tourism activities on public land and waters within an Ecologically Sustainable Development framework.
Public land includes our national parks estate, State forests, Crown land reserves and unreserved Crown land used for recreation and tourism activities.
The Policy provides guidance to the tourism industry, recreation organisations and the community as to how the Victoria Government intends to facilitate access to public land for recreation and tourism activities in a way that protects the values of public land for the future.
The Policy identifies fundamental principles for the management of recreation and tourism on public land in Victoria. It aims to:
- Provide equitable access to public land for a diverse range of recreation and tourism opportunities;
- Plan, manage and monitor recreation and tourism use of public land to minimise impacts on natural and cultural values;
- Provide and maintain recreation and tourism services and facilities on public land to foster visitor enjoyment and education and to ensure visitor safety; and
- Encourage, facilitate and promote opportunities for recreation and tourism use on public land through research, communication and stakeholder consultation
The then Department of Natural Resources and Environment developed the Policy in 2002 in consultation with key stakeholders including outdoor recreation and environmental peak organisations, the nature based tourism industry and relevant government agencies.
A copy of the 2002 Policy is available below:
Policy for Sustainable Recreation and Tourism
[PDF File - 649.7 KB]
A review an update of the Policy commenced in April 2010. The review is an action listed in the Victorian Government’s Nature Based Tourism Strategy 2008 – 2012 and is being led by the Department’s Public Land Division. The review will be undertaken in consultation with government departments, public land management agencies and stakeholder groups.
It is anticipated that the updated policy will be released in 2011.
For further information on the Sustainable Recreation and Tourism for Victoria's Public Land Policy contact:
Manager Recreation and Tourism
Department of Sustainability and Environment
PO Box 500
East Melbourne VIC 3002