As many readers may know there has been a concerted struggle by a number of local community groups to improve the way government manages the Strathbogie Forest. It began in 2014 with a grass-roots campaign to stop industrial logging in the forest and more recently it’s been about calling to account government decisions relating to fuel reduction burning in the forest in areas that are known to be inhabited by the Southern Greater Glider, an Endangered species and Australia’s largest gliding mammal. This campaign even ended up in the Federal Court (another story).
After the state-wide cessation of native forest logging in 2019, the big question was – how should Victoria’s extensive forest estate be managed? In 2022, the Victorian Government appointed a panel to “provide independent advice on the future uses of state forest in eastern Victoria.” This Eminent Panel for Community Engagement’ (I know – what a name!) met locally with many community groups, organizations and individuals, as well as with Traditional Owners, the Taugurung Land and Waters Council. The panel’s report published later that year recommended the creation of a Cultural Reserve to cover the entire 24,000 ha Strathbogie State Forest.
Just a few days ago, the Victorian Government announced its intention to accept the Eminent Panel’s recommendation to create a Cultural Reserve for the entire Strathbogie State Forest.
In the words of the Taungurung Land and Waters Council (TLaWC):
“(We) welcome the announcement of an important step in creating a cultural reserve in the Strathbogies on Taungurung Country. This step begins a pathway of shared decision making and collaborative management between the local community, key agencies and TLaWC. This partnership is focused on creating healthy Country for all Victorians” and “TLaWC is excited by the opportunity to work closely with the communities of the Strathbogies to care for Country for the benefit of all Victorians.” (TLaWC media release link)
Save Our Strathbogie Forest and Strathbogie Ranges Conservation join in congratulating TLaWC on their passion, determination and advocacy to reconnect with Country and to share that journey with all who want to walk that path. We look forward to working collaboratively to enable healing of Country – this is a momentous occasion! While there are still many details to be worked through, this is an exciting time. The Strathbogie State Forest is the first place this co-management approach will be applied – anywhere in Victoria. Great name, too: Yawang – Stone Country.
Helen McKernan – President, Strathbogie Ranges Conservation
Bertram Lobert – President, Save Our Strathbogie Forest
For more information:
Eminent Panel for Community Engagement (2022) Future use and management of Mirboo North and Strathbogie Ranges Immediate Protection Areas, Final Report. Victorian State Government.
Eminent Panel for Community Engagement (2025) Future use and management of state forests in the Central Highlands, Final Report. Victorian State Government.
Premier of Victoria (21st Oct. 2025) https://www.premier.vic.gov.au/our-plan-victorias-great-outdoors
TLaWC Media Release (October 2025). The Future of Taungurung Forested Country – Stone Country Activation. https://taungurung.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Media-release-Stone-Country.pdf
