A SINGLE agency for outdoor activities has been formed, merging the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) and the Game Management Authority (GMA) into the Outdoor Recreation Victoria (ORV).
Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced the change in December, which aims to simplify access to bushland, waterways, and recreational activities while keeping all existing staff in their jobs.
ORV will initially focus on promoting activities such as fishing, hunting, boating, four-wheel driving, and off-grid camping. Over time, the agency plans to expand its reach to support a wider range of outdoor recreation opportunities.
The agency will serve as a central point of information for bushland and waterway users, offering a streamlined digital hub, the state government said.
In addition, ORV will establish a Land Access Panel, made up of both stakeholders and government representatives, to enhance public access to Victoria’s parks, waterways, and recreational areas.
The government said it would consult with industry stakeholders and introduce legislation to formally establish ORV on 1 July 2026.
More than one million Victorians currently participate in fishing, hunting, and boating.
According to the government, the new agency aims to encourage even more residents to take up four-wheel driving and camping – activities that support tens of thousands of jobs and generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity across the state.
“The excellent work of the VFA and GMA will be expanded to support even more outdoor enthusiasts through Outdoor Recreation Victoria – creating better experiences for Victorians, visitors, and businesses,” Dimopoulos said.
“Outdoor Recreation Victoria will unlock opportunities for more Victorians to access the great outdoors – while ensuring all jobs are retained.”
First published in the Mornington News – 20 January 2026