A suggestion from the community is for a 'State Emblems Park' to consolidate public land blocks and links for Leadbeater's Possum, Common Heath and Helmeted Honeyeater. Do you support this? How would this improve biodiversity protection?

Yes, I fully support this. It is evident that many species, not just those mentioned, are susceptible to being land locked in this peri-urban region. Consolidating the public land in the area, will allow for significantly better management and allow for the movement of species.

Absolutely!

Consolidating public land to allow genetic diversity for native species is critical for their longevity. There will be more freedom of movement for these species, and better management by government agencies, in conjunction with communtiy organisations.

The plan to create this Park has been well thought out, and has been a work in progress for some time, its realisation is essential.

Consolidating all the public land parcels (preferably under one land manager) should lead to an integrated approch to tackling the serious threats caused by pest animals (deer, rabbit, fox, etc) and pest plants (thistle, Ragwort, Blackberry, Ivy....). This should provide better protection of biodiversity than the current mix of public & private land ownership.

Linking Yellingbo Reserve to the other major parks/reserves in the area must surely provide for improved potential movement of species across the landscape. Pest species need to be managed regardless of who owns the land - joining the blocks of land (and allocating sufficient resources) would provide a better chance to control them & inhibit their spread.