New leadership for Parks Victoria

“This new leadership team inherits not only an organisation and a legacy, but the trust of all Victorians who expect Parks Victoria to safeguard our national parks and conservation estate for generations to come,” Victorian National Parks Association executive director Matt Ruchel said.

Mr Miezis was previously the CEO of Environment Protection Authority Victoria and has held senior executive roles across Victorian Government agencies an departments.

Victorian Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos said as a resident of regional Victoria and having started his career in forest management, Mr Miezis brings an appreciation of the practical challenges and opportunities that Victoria’s great outdoors offers.

Mr Dimopoulos said as CEO, Mr Miezis will oversee the management of Victoria’s diverse network of parks and reserves, ensuring they remain accessible and enjoyable for all visitors while protecting the state’s natural environment.

He will be supported by the new board, with incoming chair, Daniel Miller, to be joined by Kate Auty, Graeme (Gus) Dear, Trent Nelson and Chris Newton, while Lisa Marty and Gill Sparkes will remain as board members.

“I look forward to working with the team to ensure access to our beautiful parks, ensuring that future generations can enjoy the benefits of the great outdoors,” Mr Miezis said.

Mr Ruchel said national parks and conservation areas were created to protect nature first and foremost — not to be treated just as passive backdrops for recreation.

“Parks Victoria guards some of our state’s most precious natural places but is expected to do this critical work with less than 0.5 per cent of the state budget,” he said.

“That’s simply not enough to tackle the scale of challenges and threats, from feral pests to climate change.”

Mr Ruchel said the leadership changes at Parks Victoria follow last November’s unexpected departure of the previous CEO and a subsequent behind-closed-doors review with no public consultation.