The Liberal opposition is pushing for a cultural change within a government department that ordered the deliberate sabotage of protected crown land. 

Hundreds of trees were recently destroyed in the Whroo state forest by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning – a decision it says it took to prevent illegal motor cross riders using a trail in the forest.

The devastation, which uprooted native Ironbark and Grey Box trees, was labelled “environmental vandalism” by state member for northern Victoria, Wendy Lovell. 

“I have requested that she oversees a culture change within the department to ensure that nothing like this is repeated in future,” Ms Lovell said.

Environment Minister Lily D'Ambrosio told the Bendigo Advertiser she had ordered an urgent review state government’s track-blocking policy after not being informed of the department’s decision. 

“I've directed DELWP to immediately review its policy for track blocking and closures, this simply isn't good enough,” she said. 

Ms Lovell said residents counted 193 live trees, 92 dead trees, 33 branches and countless other species that had been destroyed.

“I have asked the minister (Lily D’Ambrosio) to ensure the review she says she has ordered is a thorough investigation into the destruction of the trees in the forest,” she said.

“I have also asked the she facilitates environmental repatriation of the area, as well as having the cycling, walking and riding track restored by professional track makers and then reopened.”

The environment minster was responsible for ensuring public forests were conserved, but also that the public are able to use and enjoy forests freely and appropriately, Ms Lovell said. 

“The minister must look into the situation to protect the environment from future actions, as well as allow the public fair access and use,” she said.

Works to rehabilitate the track were scheduled to start in the next few weeks, while permanent signs informing the public of the danger have been erected.