That’s the view of James Dunbar, a Deakin University professor who was outraged when he took his seven-year-old grandson to see Harmans Valley three years ago, only to find that a local farmer has destroyed some of the lava flow through rock crushing.

Professor Dunbar took up a campaign to conserve the valley to ensure future generations were able to enjoy its volcanic features and gained strong support both locally and at a wider level.

Two years ago, the state government stepped in to impose a temporary significant landscape overlay (SLO) on the area to protect it and an independent state planning panel last month recommended the overlay become a permanent one, though across a smaller area.

The panel recommended that part of a landholder’s property that includes a dwelling and outbuildings be excluded from the SLO and Professor Dunbar said he was happy with such a change.

Under the proposed permanent SLO, a council permit will be required for any building, works and earthworks such as rock crushing.

The planning panel’s recommendation will next month go to Southern Grampians Shire Council for consideration. The council could decide to adopt the panel’s recommendation as it is, adopt it with changes or abandon it.

The council’s decision will then go to state planning minister Richard Wynne for approval or rejection.

Professor Dunbar said the south-west volcanic landscape had great potential to attract tourists if it was conserved.