A DRAFT Victorian Environmental Assessment Council report will be the primary focus of a debate between Ripon candidates on Sunday.
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The Prospectors and Miners Association of Victoria will host the event at Beaufort.
The association wants its members to make informed decisions regarding the potential increase of park land at the expense of state forest.
Association executive committee member Leanne Kamp said she thought people did not realise what could potentially result from draft recommendations.
“It could mean a stop to prospecting, shooting, mining and wood chopping amongst other things in many areas,” she said.
“Little towns like Beaufort, St Arnaud, Daylesford and Avoca rely on the tourists brought in by some of these recreational activities.
“The main focus is to find out where the parties stand on these issues.”
The Liberal Party, National Party, County Party, Democratic Labour Party, and Shooters, Fishers and Farmers Party will all be represented at the debate.
The Labor and Greens candidates for Ripon were invited to take part, but were unavailable.
Mrs Kamp said it was important parties were represented even if they were not putting forward a candidate in the Ripon electorate.
“There is more and more land being locked up in parks across the state and its important we know where the parties stand who we’ll have the opportunity to vote for the in legislative council,” she said.
“We need to keep our forests because people need to be out in the fresh air. It’s great for general physical and mental health.”
The event in Beaufort Town Hall will start at 1pm, with audience questions to follow the debate.