Darren Baldyga

Parks Victoria

Parks Victoria is a statutory authority of the Victorian Government acting in accordance with the Parks Victoria Act 2018. Parks Victoria recognises the value and importance of working in partnership with Traditional Owners to manage parks and reserves in a culturally sensitive and ecologically appropriate way. Parks Victoria is responsible for managing a diverse estate of more than 4 million hectares including 3,000 land and marine parks and reserves making up 18 per cent of Victoria's landmass, 75 per cent of Victoria's wetlands and 70 per cent of Victoria's coastline. Victoria's parks are home to more than 4,300 native plants and around 1,000 native animal species. Parks Victoria's estate attracts more than 100 million visits every year and we are committed to providing accessible, enjoyable, diverse programs and destinations while protecting and enhancing environmental and cultural values. It is our primary responsibility to ensure parks are healthy and resilient for current and future generations. For more detail on our strategy and direction, please read our Corporate Plan 2018-21 and Business Plan 2018-19. We work in partnership with other government and non-government organisations and community groups, catchment management authorities, private land owners, friends groups, volunteers, licensed tour operators, lessees, research institutes and the broader community. Research suggests spending time in nature improves concentration, learning, problem solving, creativity and has physical and mental health benefits. Parks Victoria developed and named this approach Healthy Parks Healthy People which recognises the health of nature and the community is interlinked. Further information about our management responsibilities and activities can be found in our Annual Report. To view Parks Victoria's social media guidelines and policy, please visit: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/contact-us