Great Forest National Park
A$71,965
of $60,000 targetyrs ago
Successful on 11th Nov 2014 at 10:01PM.
The Great Forest National Park (GFNP) proposal is a vision for a multi-tiered park system for bush users and bush lovers alike. It is a park that protects and maintains important ecosystem functions critical for the health and well being of all Victorians. The proposal intends to amalgamate a group of smaller parks and add a recreational and ecosystem management plan overlay. The GFNP's gateway in Healesville is only 60 kilometres from Melbourne's MCG in the Central Highlands of Victoria, stretching from Kinglake through to the Baw Baws and north-east up to Eildon. The proposal is backed by 30 years of research from Laureate Professor David Lindenmayer AO and his team from the Australian National University. The Park proposal adds approximately 355,000 hectares to the current 165,000 hecatres in reserve. This will bring Melbourne up to a little over 500,000 hectares of reserve, nearly half the size of Sydney's reserve system. It is an ambitious project that is gaining momentum by the day.
Why a Great Forest National Park
The GFNP proposal contains the largest tract of Mountain Ash forest on mainland Australia. The towering Mountain Ash tree is the tallest flowering plant in the world and has been historically recorded at heights that supersede the Redwoods of California. Adding to the regions list of attractions is the lands geographic attributes like a 370 million year old giant volcano caldron that is adorned in waterfalls and rainforest and boasts incredible panoramas from its jagged peaks on Mt Torbrek and the Cathedral Ranges. Towns like Marysville actually sit in the volcanos caldron. So large was this volcano that when it blew it altered the entire planets weather patterns.
The majority of Melbourne's clean drinking water is collected from the Ash forests within the proposed Great Forest National Park. These forested catchments provide clean, fresh water and percolate the water down stream to feed the homes and businesses of Melbourne. This massive water source also feeds the agricultural and irrigational needs of Victoria's food bowl, both north and south of the divide. Old forests produce larger quantities of water so the Great Forest National Park is a plan to maximise water into Victoria's rivers by allowing the young, logged and burnt forests to mature into water producing old growth forests.
Other benefits like the carbon storage function of these forests is a benefit just waiting to be recognised. Scientific studies have shown these trees are the best in the world at locking up carbon - holding 1000 tonnes of carbon per hectare in older Ash forests. A Great Forest National Park is an important carbon bank for Melbourne and has the potential, if left to age, to draw billions of tonnes of carbon out of the atmosphere. A critical activity in averting dangerous climate change.
Unfortunately some areas of these have been managed poorly for a long time. There is only 1% of Mountain Ash forests remaining in an old-growth state. Nearly half of all the Central Highlands Ash forests have been subject to logging, and today around 90% of the tree's taken are sent to be pulped for paper or burned. Scientific studies on clearfell logging in the region has shown a 25% increase in the intensity of bushfires in logged regions compared to untouched areas. The roll on effect is contributing to a biodiversity collapse in the region, which would have profound effect on all Victorians. A Great Forest National Park seeks to prevent further degradation and end the logging of these vital ecosystem
The effects of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires forced us to rethink how we manage these forests for peoples safety and wildlife. The Black Saturday bushfires burnt huge swathes of habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife like Victoria's faunal emblem - The Leadbeaters Possum (or Fairy Possum as it's known). The possums nest in old growth Mountain Ash tree's, like many forest animals, but is on the brink of extinction due to extensive logging and bushfires destroying old trees. Other wildlife like the Tiger Quoll, Sooty Owl and Barred Galaxias fish are all facing an intrepid future but we can change this by declaring a Great Forest National Park and protecting their habitat.
Locally, the creation of a multi tiered park in the region will benefit small towns by creating new sensitively placed infrastructure, diversify regional economies, drive new investment and in doing that it will create local jobs and conserve the ecosystems of the Central Highlands of Victoria. It is a extraordinary legacy that we can leave future Victorian's and one that we believe we can achieve with a promotional budget helped along by you.
The majority of Melbourne's clean drinking water is collected from the Ash forests within the proposed Great Forest National Park. These forested catchments provide clean, fresh water and percolate the water down stream to feed the homes and businesses of Melbourne. This massive water source also feeds the agricultural and irrigational needs of Victoria's food bowl, both north and south of the divide. Old forests produce larger quantities of water so the Great Forest National Park is a plan to maximise water into Victoria's rivers by allowing the young, logged and burnt forests to mature into water producing old growth forests.
Other benefits like the carbon storage function of these forests is a benefit just waiting to be recognised. Scientific studies have shown these trees are the best in the world at locking up carbon - holding 1000 tonnes of carbon per hectare in older Ash forests. A Great Forest National Park is an important carbon bank for Melbourne and has the potential, if left to age, to draw billions of tonnes of carbon out of the atmosphere. A critical activity in averting dangerous climate change.
Unfortunately some areas of these have been managed poorly for a long time. There is only 1% of Mountain Ash forests remaining in an old-growth state. Nearly half of all the Central Highlands Ash forests have been subject to logging, and today around 90% of the tree's taken are sent to be pulped for paper or burned. Scientific studies on clearfell logging in the region has shown a 25% increase in the intensity of bushfires in logged regions compared to untouched areas. The roll on effect is contributing to a biodiversity collapse in the region, which would have profound effect on all Victorians. A Great Forest National Park seeks to prevent further degradation and end the logging of these vital ecosystem
The effects of the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires forced us to rethink how we manage these forests for peoples safety and wildlife. The Black Saturday bushfires burnt huge swathes of habitat for threatened and endangered wildlife like Victoria's faunal emblem - The Leadbeaters Possum (or Fairy Possum as it's known). The possums nest in old growth Mountain Ash tree's, like many forest animals, but is on the brink of extinction due to extensive logging and bushfires destroying old trees. Other wildlife like the Tiger Quoll, Sooty Owl and Barred Galaxias fish are all facing an intrepid future but we can change this by declaring a Great Forest National Park and protecting their habitat.
Locally, the creation of a multi tiered park in the region will benefit small towns by creating new sensitively placed infrastructure, diversify regional economies, drive new investment and in doing that it will create local jobs and conserve the ecosystems of the Central Highlands of Victoria. It is a extraordinary legacy that we can leave future Victorian's and one that we believe we can achieve with a promotional budget helped along by you.
How The Funds Will Be Used
The Great Forest National Park proposal has two main objectives.
1. Regional community outreach
To enhance community engagement within the GFNP region. To achieve this we will be running consultation sessions with stakeholders - including many owners of local businesses in the area.
We will also hold community awareness meetings in many townships across the region to facilitate discussion with communities living in the region. This will enable us to provide people with the scientific research behind the decision for the GFNP, answer questions and receive community feedback.
Some of the funds raised will also be used to develop materials for education and communication ie. postcards and maps.
2. To increase awareness of the issue to the broader Australian public.
To achieve this we will conduct an extensive online and social media campaign. A key component of this will be the creation of educational videos, including viral YouTube videos and distributing these online.
We will engage the media to ensure traditional and mainstream channels are utilised, thus capturing traditional audiences that are lower online users.
A contribution to the ongoing efforts of scientific research in the region will also be made to ensure the area will be backed by current research to further conserve the forests.
Some funding will also be dedicated to an economic feasibility study.
1. Regional community outreach
To enhance community engagement within the GFNP region. To achieve this we will be running consultation sessions with stakeholders - including many owners of local businesses in the area.
We will also hold community awareness meetings in many townships across the region to facilitate discussion with communities living in the region. This will enable us to provide people with the scientific research behind the decision for the GFNP, answer questions and receive community feedback.
Some of the funds raised will also be used to develop materials for education and communication ie. postcards and maps.
2. To increase awareness of the issue to the broader Australian public.
To achieve this we will conduct an extensive online and social media campaign. A key component of this will be the creation of educational videos, including viral YouTube videos and distributing these online.
We will engage the media to ensure traditional and mainstream channels are utilised, thus capturing traditional audiences that are lower online users.
A contribution to the ongoing efforts of scientific research in the region will also be made to ensure the area will be backed by current research to further conserve the forests.
Some funding will also be dedicated to an economic feasibility study.
The Challenges
The biggest challenge the Great Forest National Park faces is the transition needs of the pulp industry. Part of our campaign will be to assist in the development of a transition plan for the foresting industry. Some locals fear the park will mean a loss of jobs effecting local communities and economies. Creating a Great Forest National Park enables local business to benefit from a sustainable tourism & recreation industry generated by the park. To ensure viability we'll develop an economic analysis of the park. In local areas we'll also hold community and industry consultation sessions to ensure transparency and give locals a voice in the proposal.
Another key challenge the proposal faces is the ability to run a public awareness campaign on a limited budget. We must educate Victorians on the current issues the ecosystems in the area face, as well as the accessibility and benefits the region can provide as a National Park. In the lead up to the Victorian State Election, much of the advertising space is also very expensive. To combat this we’re implementing a strategic social media and online marketing campaign to keep advertising costs low.
For more information please visit http://www.greatforestnationalpark.com.au/
Another key challenge the proposal faces is the ability to run a public awareness campaign on a limited budget. We must educate Victorians on the current issues the ecosystems in the area face, as well as the accessibility and benefits the region can provide as a National Park. In the lead up to the Victorian State Election, much of the advertising space is also very expensive. To combat this we’re implementing a strategic social media and online marketing campaign to keep advertising costs low.
For more information please visit http://www.greatforestnationalpark.com.au/
Founding Supporter
Your name on a Great Forest National Park plaque! Share a space in history as a founding supporter of the GFNP with your name engraved on a plaque to be placed in the forest.
301 chosen
Est. delivery is Mar 15
Leadbeater Supporter
Invitation to launch party + name on GFNP plaque. We would love you to join us for an afternoon of festivities on Sunday 23 November from 3pm. Come meet the team and fellow supporters!
169 chosen
Est. delivery is Oct 14
Lyrebird supporter!
GFNP T-shirt + Invitation to launch party + Name on plaque. Be a real trend setter with a super fashionable GFNP T-shirt. Available in XS-XL sizes
228 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
Mountain Ash Supporter
GFNP Tour! + Launch party + Plaque. Come on a guided tour of the Great Forest National Park by one of our awesome volunteer team members. Your chance to hug one of the tallest flowering trees in the world! Tours will be held monthly from November - May 2015
70 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
Legacy supporter
Donations over $500 will receive a limited edition GFNP print from photographer Michael Woods. Your choice of image from the collection in a 60x90cm landscape ready to be framed. Launch party invitation + Plaque included
21 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 14
Dinner with David
Have you ever wondered what it's like to be an internationally renowned, Laureate Professor of science? How would you like to find out? An intimate dinner with Professor Lindenmayer has become available for donors of $3,000. Here's your chance to share a Pinot, delicious dinner and exclusive conversation with Professor Lindenmayer. Don't miss out on this rare opportunity. Dinners will be based out of Victoria at earliest convenience.
1 chosen
Est. delivery is Nov 15
Lindenmayer Luckydip!
Receive one of David's outstanding Australian ecology books, signed and delivered. Limited to first 50! + Invitation to launch party + Plaque
50 chosen / 0 available
Est. delivery is Nov 14