Friday 1 December

The Strzelecki Ranges’ newest conservation reserve needs a name!

Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing today announced a naming competition to celebrate the newly established reserve, with all members of the community encouraged to enter.

Known locally as ‘Cores and Links’, the reserve covers areas of endangered Cool Temperate Rainforest and significant stands of mountain ash, and links between the Gunyah Rainforest Reserve and Tarra-Bulga National Park to protect important habitat and permit the movement of plants and animals through the Strzelecki Ranges.

Around 2,300 hectares of land formerly leased by HVP Plantations in the ‘Cores and Links’ area of the Strzelecki Ranges has now been handed back to public management for the new reserve, marking an important milestone in implementing a 2008 agreement between the Brumby Labor Government and HVP Plantations.

The return of this area to public management also marks an important milestone for the community that has long advocated for improved protection of the Strzelecki Ranges.

The area is part of Brataualung Country of the Gunaikurnai people.

The naming process will be completed in three stages, and will be overseen by a community panel who will determine the shortlist of names and the final recommendation. The names will be evaluated based on the principles of Naming Rules for Places in Victoria.

The final recommendation will require compliance checks, audit and gazettal by the Victorian Office of Geographic Names. The name will be incorporated in an Order of the Governor-in-Council for the establishment of the new reserve.

The nominations start Tuesday the 5th of December and conclude on the 14th of January 2018.

It’s expected that at least one person will suggest Reserve McReserveface, or an ode to everyone’s favourite netballer Sharon Strzelecki, but to make sure that you have your say on the most fitting name for this stunning reserve, please go to: www.engage.vic.gov.au/strzelecki-reserve and complete the questionnaire.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Region Harriet Shing:

“The new reserve will protect important areas of Cool Temperate Rainforest and Damp Forest. It will provide habitat for threatened species including Slender Tree-fern, Koala, Powerful Owl and Strzelecki Burrowing Crayfish.”

“Now it needs a new name that reflects its values and significance, and we’re asking the community to help us find the most suitable name for this important new reserve.”