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For the next milestone …

20/4/2021

9 Comments

 
Picture
Photo: Philemon Yalamu
By Neil Daly

IT’S hard to know what George Bass would think if he sailed into Western Port now, for much has changed, but he would probably be heartened by the Andrews government’s decision not to proceed with the AGL gas import terminal at Crib Point.
​

Perhaps the most important speculation is what the original custodians of this region would think of this decision – I could say they would be pleased.
It would be fair to suggest that, as well as the 6058 individuals and groups that made submissions to the AGL inquiry, there are many other Victorians and others across Australia and beyond who are pleased.

It’s a great moment, and to all who helped the government reach this milestone, take a breather – but not for too long.

For as Anne Heath Mennell, one of the many who helped thwart the AGL proposal, said, “Now is the time to put in place a Western Port Strategic Management Plan, to ensure that no-one needs to go through another undertaking like this ever again to protect Western Port, arguably Victoria’s most important Blue Wedge.  The environment is the key to Western Port’s economic future, not its industrialisation.”

Anne’s plea is echoed in the replies to “Hello Spring Street, are you listening?”, “On centre stage”, and “Some have heard the call”.

Thank you to all for your comments, for your commitment and support, which has seen the Western Port Strategic Management Plan concept “reach the Premier’s desk”.

Even though we are still some time out from the next state election, it is important to keep focusing our MPs’ attention on the long-term wellbeing of Western Port.

As Julia Stockigt commented, “Save Westernport hopes to use the momentum of the extraordinary community engagement resulting from the No AGL campaign, which we know influenced the decision to stop AGL. 

“Working with other local groups, we want to see awareness and appreciation of the rare and remarkable ecosystem that is Westernport Bay continue to grow.”

And so, to the next milestone:
  • the Government’s reply to the Sustainable Australia Party’s question; and
  • a response from the Liberal Nationals to the WPSMP proposal.

While we wait, perhaps you may like to say what the next milestone(s) should be. 
9 Comments
Anne Heath Mennell
23/4/2021 01:18:09 pm

Hi Neil,
Yes, I suspect a 'breather' will be short and the original euphoria has already faded. As readers will know from previous articles in the Post, here in the Waterline area we are already in a battle to prevent the extension of sand - mining below ground-water level which is likely to have impacts on creeks and water-flows into Western Port, as well as other detrimental effects on the local environment. Persistence, persistence, persistence and please, dear reader,add your voice to support our efforts.

Reply
sunny
25/4/2021 04:11:32 pm

Well done all involved to stop AGL now lets stop the sand mining expansions. We need to protect our natural environment which locals and tourist come here to enjoy.

Reply
Gunner
26/4/2021 03:04:40 pm

Hi Neil, keep up the good work. I think the next milestone should be that the State Government Commission Infrastructure Victoria start preparing a Western Port Strategic Management Plan, and for example, state what has to be done and why, what environmental value it will be for the people of Victoria and how will it's outcome be measured.

Reply
Vanessa Shipway
28/4/2021 09:15:58 am

Thank goodness for public awareness of these issues. Who knows without articles like this raising awareness, what the government would try and slip by us!

Reply
dr john lippmann
28/4/2021 12:21:31 pm

Congratulations to all those involved in a great battle to prevent the proposed AGL potential disaster at Cribb Point. However, the war is likely not over and it makes good sense to support an appropriate Strategic Management Plan for Western port to protect its spectacular and sensitive marine ecosystem.

Reply
Barb Oates
28/4/2021 04:10:48 pm

We must ensure that all roads (so to speak) lead to Western Port Strategic Management Plan
Western Port and the surrounding coastline is unique and must have protection from all that threatens this delicate ecosystem.

Reply
Stephen Brend link
3/5/2021 04:37:32 pm

We fully support the call for a Strategic Management Plan for Western Port. With reoccurring threats from industry, the huge recreational fishing and boating communities who love the bay, legislative requirements to protect the Ramsar listed wetlands, the climate-change buffering potential of the bay's 'blue carbon' and an expanding population, among many other reasons, it is important for us to plan for the future.

Reply
Meg Smith
6/5/2021 03:08:56 pm

Thank you Neil for informing us on what is happening. For years Westernport was seen as a bay not worthy of protection, the "bridesmaid" to Port Phillip Bay. Western Port Bay and the land surrounding it is so deserving of protection. For the sake of this beautiful and unique environment we must not relax and drop our guard.

Reply
Ruth De Souza
9/6/2021 10:43:52 am

Thanks Neil for your continued commitment to the area. I appreciate locals like you!

Reply

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