The School of Architecture and Built Environment’s, Dr Ursula de Jong, has been appointed to advise Parks Victoria and its Board on the implementation of projects outlined in the Point Nepean National Park Master Plan.

Advisory Committee members were carefully selected by Parks Victoria based on their skills and capabilities to provide advice regarding the implementation of the projects outlined in the Master Plan over the next two years.

The Point Nepean Master Plan seeks to ensure the unique natural qualities of the park are protected and enhanced and the complex cultural stories are valued and expressed.

The State Government released the Point Nepean National Park Master Plan in January with $3.7 million in funding to implement a package of early initiatives from the plan.

Two key areas of focus for the committee are to establish a world class interpretative experience at the Quarantine Station and the introduction of a well-considered camping experience within the park.

The new Advisory Committee members are:

  • Kate Vinot (Chair), Parks Victoria Board Member
  • Helen Weston, Parks Victoria Board Member
  • Kate Baillieu, community advocate
  • Dr Ursula de Jong, highly experienced leader/academic, with a focus on environmental and cultural sustainability, and heritage skills.
  • Andrew Paxton, Local Government Director and Board Member of Phillip Island Nature Park
  • Tracey Cooper, Chair of Mornington Peninsula Regional Tourism Board
  • Cr Hugh Fraser, Councillor at Mornington Peninsula Shire
  • Dr Rohan Henry, Traditional Owners’ representative, Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation
  • Shelley Penn, Landscape Architect with heritage and community engagement skills
  • Stuart Hughes, Director Park Planning & Policy, Parks Victoria, and
  • Craig Stubbings, Executive Director – Melbourne, Parks Victoria.

The Advisory Committee will be providing advice to Parks Victoria as it implements the approved Point Nepean National Park Master Plan, which will aim to transform Point Nepean into a world class park and visitor experience.

Quotes attributable to Parks Victoria Board member and Chair of the Management Advisory Committee, Kate Vinot:

“We are fortunate that the community has provided significant input into the creation of the visionary Point Nepean Master Plan. It aspires to protect the park’s unique natural qualities and share its many stories with visitors. The plan took several years to develop, and was released by the State Government in January 2017. We look forward to the Advisory Committee supporting Parks Victoria to deliver this vision.”

“The Parks Victoria Board has appointed this committee to represent the interests of the community provide technical expertise and advice to Parks Victoria to assist with implementation of the master plan”.

“Future development of facilities and visitor experiences at Point Nepean National Park will be delivered in accordance with the Master Plan, with a strong focus on protecting and enhancing the environmental and cultural values of this park. Parks Victoria will continue to consult widely with the community as plan implementation progresses.”