ENVIRONMENT and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings has dismissed claims from a coalition of 20 environmental activist groups that the State Government will abolish the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council.
Mr Jennings said VEAC was one of 13 state bodies covering the environment that the Government was looking at streamlining to reduce overlapping of responsibility.
He said their reorganisation would be discussed over the next year or so.
"The changes were announced in December last year and won't be implemented until 2011. There will be plenty of opportunity for people to have their say," Mr Jennings said.
"Very importantly, the powers and independence VEAC has to protect environmental values and to make recommendations to the Government about land management will continue - that is unequivocal."
Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel said it was vital to retain VEAC to protect Victoria's wild places for future generations. He said the future of planning for the protection of native plants and animals was under threat.
"As VEAC released a ground-breaking discussion paper - possibly one of its last - a coalition of 20 environment groups called on the Brumby Government to abandon plans to abolish the highly respected council," Mr Ruchel said.
Wilderness Society Victorian campaigns manager Gavan McFadzean said Croajingalong National Park, Grampians National Park and the new River Red Gum parks were among those protected thanks to VEAC's advice.
