Long weekend parks chaos looms

Frontline Parks Victoria workers in the Colac and Otways region are prepared to take protected industrial action over the long weekend, as negotiations continue over ranger reclassification and pay.

The Australian Workers’ Union said the outcome would depend on whether Parks Victoria management committed to a pathway to resolve the dispute during talks today.

The union said the dispute followed more than 12 months of negotiations, with workers seeking recognition for the skilled and demanding duties carried out by rangers and operational staff.

Members who may take part include workers who build and maintain park infrastructure, carry out rescues, respond to emergencies, protect wildlife, and keep parks safe and accessible for visitors.

AWU Victoria Secretary Ronnie Hayden said frontline workers had waited too long for their roles to be properly recognised.

“These workers are the reason our parks stay safe, clean and open. They do complex, hands-on work and they have been waiting far too long for management to properly recognise it.”

“Rangers do not want to ruin anyone’s weekend. That is not what this is about. This is about Parks Victoria management making a decision to properly reward workers who consistently deliver for this state. That decision sits with the executives, and it always has.”

If the action proceeds, it will include bans on enforcement activities, cleaning park amenities and facilities, and rubbish collection, as well as closures at selected sites.

Potentially affected sites in the Colac and Otways region include:

• Addis Bay Picnic Ground
• Jamieson Campground
• Sheoak Falls Carpark
• Allenvale Campground
• Allenvale Carpark
• Sheoak Picnic Ground Upper and Lower Carparks
• Blanket Leaf Picnic Ground
• Erskine Falls Access Road
• Big Hill Campground

AWU organiser Lisa Pearce said members were united after a long-running dispute.

“Our members are proud of what they do. They are not asking for special treatment. They are asking to be paid and classified in line with the skilled, demanding work they actually perform, and they are standing together to make that case.”

The AWU said Parks Victoria’s 2024-25 Annual Report showed ongoing staff numbers had fallen from 880 to 801 full time equivalent positions, while executive remuneration rose to $7.7 million and executive numbers increased from 28 to 30.

The union said the report also showed the organisation’s total recordable injury rate had risen to 21.4, against a target of 11.5.

Mr Hayden said the figures showed why reform was needed.

“The numbers in Parks Victoria’s own annual report tell the story. Fewer frontline staff, a growing executive pay bill, and rising injuries among the people doing the physical work. Management knows what the problem is. They simply need to act on it.”

The AWU said it remained ready to resolve the dispute. The union’s position is that the current offer on the table, combined with a firm commitment to the ranger reclassification, would meet the core needs of frontline workers and was consistent with the Victorian Government’s wages policy.

Mr Hayden said retaining experienced rangers was also important for the long-term management of Victoria’s parks and reserves.

“Every time Parks Victoria loses an experienced ranger, it loses years of local knowledge that is not easily replaced. A fair agreement is also good management.”

The union has called on Parks Victoria’s leadership to come to negotiations with a genuine commitment and deliver an outcome that reflects the value of the work performed by frontline staff.