The State Government policy in phasing out leasehold land along the Murray River must be reviewed, The Nationals Member for Murray Valley , Ken Jasper, said today.

Speaking in the Parliament, Mr Jasper called for a cooperative approach on this issue to achieve a practical outcome.

Mr Jasper confirmed that landholders who lease land along the Murray River who had contacted him on this issue had expressed major concerns with proposals by Parks Victoria to resume this land progressively to September 30, 2014 .

It appears from the information they have been given that virtually all leasehold land along the river will be resumed to create the Murray River Parks, he said. This is a massive task, establishing freehold and Crown land boundaries and being able to negotiate satisfactory outcomes.

He told Parliament, Members will be aware of the investigation undertaken by the Victorian Environment and Assessment Council which, despite the huge logical opposition resulted in a major recommendation to establish four red gum national parks, with legislation proceeding through the Parliament despite the strong opposition of The Nationals.

Parks Victoria officers currently negotiating to resume leased land in the new national parks have been experiencing great difficulty because of the opposition from landowners who have managed this land effectively for decades, even generations.

However, the State Government, through Parks Victoria, has contacted virtually all landowners along the Murray River and indicated all leased land will be resumed to create the Murray River parklands, Mr Jasper said.

Landowners have contacted me expressing outrage at this further expansion by Parks Victoria in seeking to resume the leased land along the Murray River . These landowners have effectively managed these areas over decades, in conjunction with many farming operations and concern has been expressed that the government cannot manage Crown land areas now, without adding further areas, he said.

Areas of concern put to me to be resolved include the provision of stock water, bridge and public access, private land being landlocked and, critically, future management, including the issue of funding for fencing and its protection or replacement in the event of flooding.

The cost for fencing, surveying to ensure correct boundaries and provision of substitute water has been put at $30 million, with Parks Victoria intimating fencing assistance and watering arrangements would be considered on a ‘case by case’ basis. This means that, ultimately, the landowners will be up for at least part of the cost.

Whilst opposed to the unilateral action being taken by the State Government and Parks Victoria, Mr Jasper said appropriate compensation and funding support must be paid in the interests of adjoining landowners who would be surrounded by Crown land areas not managed effectively.