Parks Victoria staff close gates at metropolitan and regional parks

50 of Victoria's metropolitan, state and national parks are closed this weekend as a result of industrial action by Parks Victoria staff.

Rangers have refused to unlock park entry gates in their bid for higher pay from the Victorian Government. Staff have taken part in industrial action since Christmas with the dispute escallating last week, with rangers banning fire reduction burns.

According to Community and Public Sector Union spokesman Julian Kennelly, this weekend, they have refused to unlock gates at parks across Victoria, in a bid to get the government to negotiate in good faith.

Victorian Minister for Environment and Climate Change Ryan Smith issued a statement reading "it is extremely disappointing to hear that the unions are trying to lock Victorian families out of our parks this Easter weekend", adding "we urge Parks Victoria staff not to be dictated to by the unions and abandon any industrial action that has the potential to spoil thousands of family holidays."

Parks Victoria Staff not participating in the industrial action have been working to maintain public access to certain parks although The Age newspaper reported that about 70 cars were turned away from the Tower Hill Reserve, outside of Warrnambool, on Good Friday morning.

Image: Tower Hill Reserve, Warrnambool