Wilsons Promontory National Park is one step closer to becoming Victoria’s largest conservation sanctuary with a new 10km exclusion fence to keep destructive animals out.
Announced by the Minister for Environment, Ingrid Stitt, the proposed new fence is to be erected to keep out predators like foxes, feral cats and deer.
Ms Stitt said the fence would prevent invasive species from entering the national park and assist ongoing conservation programs, including large-scale invasive species control, large-scale habitat restoration and threatened species recovery.
“Wilsons Promontory is home to a number of threatened species including the Eastern Bristlebird, Eastern Pygmy-possum, Ground Parrot, Growling Grass Frog, Hooded Plover, New Holland Mouse, Southern Brown Bandicoot and Swamp Skink,” Ms Stitt said.
“Once complete, the fence will establish a 50,000-hectare protected biodiversity sanctuary, ensuring the safety of the park’s unique and abundant wildlife,” she said.
“And the good news isn’t only for our native wildlife – with upgrades already underway to the Tidal River visitor precinct, the park’s main hub, and new accommodation options in the park.”
Ms Stitt said a new Telegraph Saddle trail to connect Tidal River and Mount Oberon is also planned, along with an all-abilities track upgrade of the Wildlife Circuit.
She said Parks Victoria would be working with Traditional Owners and specialist consultants throughout the project to ensure natural and cultural values were protected.
