Assessment of the Economic, Social and Environmental Impact of the Proposed Great Forest National Park to the Yarra Ranges Municipality

THE creation of a Great Forest National Park will have little or no positive impact on the Yarra Ranges region and could see more than 260 jobs lost. The Yarra Ranges Council’s own commissioned $33,000 independent report, says economic modelling indicated the loss of the employment associated with logging and sawmilling would result in a net loss of 264 jobs if timber harvesting was to be banned in the proposed national park. And of course would be larger if the jobs associated with support and transport services are also included. The Yarra Ranges Council’s independent report showed parks and state forests made a “significant” contribution to the Yarra Ranges economy generating more than 2700 jobs but stated the economic impact of the proposed GFNP “is in question” because it would need to generate tourist numbers well above the 500,000 who visit each year NOW. All the ecotourism activities being proposed by the GFNP proposal can be achieved with our present magnificent National Parks and State Forest systems in the Yarra Ranges and without the creation of a Great Forest National Park. ‘The proposed park would have little impact on the outcomes of the Yarra Ranges Council’s Health and Wellbeing Strategy or its Recreation and Open Space Strategy beyond the impact that is generated by the existing Parks and/or State Forests.

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Council's decision to commission a report by an independent external consultant on the ‘Great Forest National Park’ proposal.
Yarra Ranges Council meeting minutes 13th October 2015.

Great Forest National Park Assesment Report

VOTE 1 JIM CHILD - O'SHANNASSY WARD.

YARRA RANGES COUNCIL - COUNCIL ELECTIONS.
If you have not received, lost or damaged your ballot material, at this late stage in the voting process it would be best for you to attend in person and vote at the Yarra Ranges Shire Council Election Office, Community Link 110 River St Healesville 3777.
Open till 8:00pm TONIGHT Thursday and 6:00pm on Friday.Call 1300 589 389 For more info.........
https://www.vec.vic.gov.au/YarraRangesElection/#RO

Please remember, to avoid the risk of being penalised for failing to vote..........
Completed ballot material must be posted or hand-delivered to the election office by 6.00 pm Friday 21 October.

Please support the Sponsors of the 2016 Yarra Ranges Living with Bushfire Community Conference.

Melbourne Water - Community Grants Program

Volunteer community groups play an important role in protecting and improving local rivers and creeks. Find out if your group is eligible for funding and how to apply.​​

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Vacancy - Yellingbo Conservation Area Coordination Committee Volunteer Community Representative

Yarra Ranges Council are seeking an expressions of interest for an exciting and unique opportunity to fill a vacancy as a volunteer community representative to take part in the Yellingbo Conservation Area Coordinating Committee. 
Applicants will have experience as a local landowner and / or be well connected in the rural community.

Please click on image for more information and to apply:

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VOTE 1 JIM CHILD - Distribution of Ballot Packs commenced on Tuesday 4th October.

VOTE 1 JIM CHILD - Distribution of Ballot Packs commenced on Tuesday 4th October.
This is a postal election. Ballot packs will be posted to all enrolled voters in the O'Shannassy Ward between Tuesday 4 and Thursday 6 October 2016. Follow the instructions in the ballot pack so that your completed ballot material is in the mail or hand-delivered to the election office by 6.00 pm on Friday 21 October. To be assured your vote counts return your ballot material asap

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