Premier John Brumby and Environment and Climate Change Minister Gavin Jennings made the announcement today and said the decision would help to secure the Murray's future and represented one of the largest upgrades to the National Park system in decades.

"Along with the creation of other protected areas and the expansion of existing national parks, a massive 160,000 hectares will now be protected in conservation reserves along Victoria's Murray, Goulburn and Ovens Rivers corridor," Mr Brumby said.

Mr Brumby said the Victorian Government would spend $38 million over four years to create the new protected areas and help local communities adjust..

"Climate change and drought mean the River Red Gums are in trouble, with estimates that as many as 75 per cent of trees on some stretches of the Murray are either dead or dying," he said.

"We have to take action to protect this precious heritage, but in doing so we also have to take a balanced approach that supports local communities and protects and enhances recreational opportunities in these regions."

The proposed new red gum national parks are:

• Barmah National Park
• Gunbower National Park
• Lower Goulburn River National Park
• Warby-Ovens National Park

The announcement follows a three-year investigation conducted by the Victorian Environmental Assessment Council (VEAC) on protecting River Red Gums in northern Victoria. Following the release of the final report, the Government appointed a Community Engagement Panel (CEP)to work through VEAC's recommendations.

Mr Brumby said the CEP report and VEAC both supported environmental protection for stressed red gums, but not at the expense of traditional recreational and lifestyle activities in the region.

"We have ensured that Victorians will continue to have the opportunity to camp among the red gums on a river bank, light a camp fire, catch a fish and go hunting, while at the same time ensuring that the red gums will be protected for future generations to enjoy," he said.

Mr Jennings said the CEP Report endorsed many of VEAC recommendations while making sensible, balanced changes to some boundaries. He said it also differed from VEAC by rejecting a summer campfire ban and supporting camping with horses.

"Following carefully managed changes to current commercial activities, these areas will remain much as they’ve always been - great places to camp, relax and enjoy the great outdoors – with these activities protected in legislation," Mr Jennings said.

"Additionally in the Murray River Park, regional parks and state forests, there will be plenty of areas for horse riding and camping. Walking with dogs will also still be allowed along 75 per cent of Victoria's Murray River frontage."

Mr Jennings said the new Murray River Park, with significant recreational opportunities, would extend in various forms from Wodonga to the west of Mildura.

"We understand how important this area is for the generations of families, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, who've worked, managed and lived on this land," Mr Jennings said.

"The Victorian Government acknowledges the aspirations of Traditional Owners to co-manage public land on their country. I look forward to working with Indigenous communities on progressing this historic opportunity for greater participation in land management decisions.

"I also encourage all Victorians to visit this unique part of the state, which is being protected for future generations."

For more information, visit the www.dse.vic.gov.au or call the Department of Sustainability and Environment 136 186.