Momentum is building to give Western Port the same recognition and co-ordinated management as Port Phillip. Photo: Victorian National Parks Association
By Greg Johnson
FOR 10 of the past 12 years, Western Port’s rich marine ecosystem has been under threat from a succession of major development proposals.
FOR 10 of the past 12 years, Western Port’s rich marine ecosystem has been under threat from a succession of major development proposals.
The proposed Hastings Container Port in 2014 threatened a dramatic expansion of shipping. In 2017, AGL proposed a floating gas import terminal that would have discharged large volumes of chlorinated seawater into the bay. Both proposals were ultimately abandoned after strong community opposition.
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Now attention has turned to the proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at Hastings, which would involve land reclamation, dredging and pile driving to support offshore wind projects.
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The Future of Western Port Public meeting, Berninneit, Sunday, July 19, 1pm |
While renewable energy is essential in addressing climate change, alternative construction sites and assembly methods should be considered to minimise impacts.
The past 12 years show that we need a better way to ensure the survival of Western Port’s unique marine environment than reacting to threats on a project-by-project basis.
Known to the Bunurong as Wurnmarrinh, Western Port supports more than 20,000 migratory waterbirds and is recognised internationally as a Ramsar wetland. Its extensive seagrass meadows, mangroves and mudflats make it one of Australia's most biodiverse bays.
Yet unlike Port Phillip Bay it has no overarching environmental management plan to balance environmental protection with future development.
The Victorian National Parks Association argues that the Victorian Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and the Victorian Marine and Coastal Strategy already provide the basis for this kind of whole-of-bay planning. It has developed a proposed Western Port Bay Framework that would establish environmental "guard rails" to prevent the cumulative impacts of future development.
The past 12 years show that we need a better way to ensure the survival of Western Port’s unique marine environment than reacting to threats on a project-by-project basis.
Known to the Bunurong as Wurnmarrinh, Western Port supports more than 20,000 migratory waterbirds and is recognised internationally as a Ramsar wetland. Its extensive seagrass meadows, mangroves and mudflats make it one of Australia's most biodiverse bays.
Yet unlike Port Phillip Bay it has no overarching environmental management plan to balance environmental protection with future development.
The Victorian National Parks Association argues that the Victorian Marine and Coastal Act 2018 and the Victorian Marine and Coastal Strategy already provide the basis for this kind of whole-of-bay planning. It has developed a proposed Western Port Bay Framework that would establish environmental "guard rails" to prevent the cumulative impacts of future development.
The Phillip Island Conservation Society supports this strategic approach and on Sunday will host a public meeting at Berninneit to explore the options for Western Port's future.
Six speakers with expertise in marine science, conservation and planning will discuss the challenges facing the bay and possible ways forward.
Speakers
Please come along if you can. The meeting will conclude with an opportunity for attendees to discuss and express their preferred approach to protecting Western Port.
Greg Johnson is president of the Phillip Island Conservation Society.
Six speakers with expertise in marine science, conservation and planning will discuss the challenges facing the bay and possible ways forward.
Speakers
- Shannon Hurley, Victorian National Parks Association
- Mel Barker, CEO, Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation
- Sharee Marris, marine biologist
- Mike Cleeland, marine geologist
- Dr David Sharley, senior research fellow, RMIT
- Terry Nott, co-ordinator, Protect Western Port Action Group, and vice-president, Phillip Island Conservation Society
Please come along if you can. The meeting will conclude with an opportunity for attendees to discuss and express their preferred approach to protecting Western Port.
Greg Johnson is president of the Phillip Island Conservation Society.
Weedy Seadragon, Western Port. Photo: Shannon Hurley, VNPA Western Port Down Under
As momentum builds to give Victoria's forgotten bay the same recognition and co-ordinated management as Port Phillip, Bass Coast Shire Council is investing $55,000 in a campaign to showcase the underwater wonders of Western Port.
Councillors have approved a partnership with Western Port Down Under to help fund a feature documentary and an interactive "Living Book" showcasing the ecology of Western Port.
The project brings together scientists, naturalists, filmmakers and writers to document the bay's underwater world, including marine life, seagrass meadows, mangroves and saltmarshes.
As momentum builds to give Victoria's forgotten bay the same recognition and co-ordinated management as Port Phillip, Bass Coast Shire Council is investing $55,000 in a campaign to showcase the underwater wonders of Western Port.
Councillors have approved a partnership with Western Port Down Under to help fund a feature documentary and an interactive "Living Book" showcasing the ecology of Western Port.
The project brings together scientists, naturalists, filmmakers and writers to document the bay's underwater world, including marine life, seagrass meadows, mangroves and saltmarshes.