Dear Parks Victoria,

I hope this email finds you well. I am again writing to follow up on a previous communication that I sent to your office some time ago. Despite receiving an acknowledgment of receipt, I have yet to receive any further information or response.

Over the past year or more, I have attempted to contact Parks Victoria via email several times, yet unfortunately, my inquiries have gone unanswered. As a concerned individual seeking clarification on a matter of importance, this lack of communication is concerning.

I understand that organizations like yours can experience high volumes of inquiries, but I am left with no choice but to escalate this matter until the requested information is received, in whatever form that may take.

I sincerely hope that we can resolve this matter promptly and effectively. Your attention to this issue is greatly appreciated.

Warm regards,

Peter Symons

Dear Sir/Madam,
I am writing to express my concerns regarding the recent changes in access requirements at the Discovery Bay Coastal Park in Portland, Victoria, managed by the Portland Dune Buggy Club of Victoria (PDBC). My name is Peter Symons, and I am an avid enthusiast of remote travel, bushwalking, and four-wheel driving across Victoria and Australia.
Previously, I have enjoyed visiting the Discovery Bay Coastal Park and have been a regular visitor, often exploring the area with my Melbourne-based 4WD club. However, the recent changes introduced by the PDBC committee have severely restricted public access to the dune area. These restrictions include the refusal to issue permits during long weekends and other high-demand periods, with vague criteria for determining "successful applicants." (Permits (portlanddunebuggyclub.com.au))
Of particular concern is the usage of public roads within the park, including the parking and camping areas. As per my understanding, these roads are gazetted by Vic Roads and thus require vehicles to be both registered and roadworthy. It has come to my attention that the dune buggies operated by the PDBC on these roads are neither registered nor roadworthy.
Furthermore, I have heard claims that Parks Victoria has granted the PDBC permission to operate unroadworthy and unregistered vehicles on these public roads at any time, regardless of whether an official "event" is scheduled. Additionally, there are allegations that Parks Victoria has provided the PDBC with unchecked authority to restrict or limit access to the park, potentially even discriminating against indigenous members of our four-wheel drive club.
In light of these concerns, I respectfully request access to the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Parks Victoria and the Portland Dune Buggy Club. It is crucial for myself and others to verify the claims made by the PDBC regarding their permissions to operate vehicles on public roads within the park and their authority to restrict public access unreasonably.
I trust that you will consider my request seriously and provide transparency on this matter. Ensuring fair and equitable access to public recreational areas is essential for maintaining the enjoyment and safety of all visitors.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely, Peter Symons

Yours faithfully,
Peter Symons