The community wins - for now. A bold new community plan aims to make it permanent.
By Jeff Nottle
COMMUNITY action to preserve and protect Western Port from inappropriate industrial development has a long history. The Phillip Island Conservation Society has been involved in defending Western Port since it was formed in 1968. Key community champions have also weighed in, including Neil Daly writing in the Post.
The engagement and unity of our community hit a high water mark with the unprecedented unity and strength shown in opposing AGL’s plans to build a gas import terminal at Crib Point. In a record response, more than 10,000 people, key stakeholder groups, councils and tourism operators either signed a petition or made representations to the independent planning panel.
COMMUNITY action to preserve and protect Western Port from inappropriate industrial development has a long history. The Phillip Island Conservation Society has been involved in defending Western Port since it was formed in 1968. Key community champions have also weighed in, including Neil Daly writing in the Post.
The engagement and unity of our community hit a high water mark with the unprecedented unity and strength shown in opposing AGL’s plans to build a gas import terminal at Crib Point. In a record response, more than 10,000 people, key stakeholder groups, councils and tourism operators either signed a petition or made representations to the independent planning panel.
In less than a decade governments (under both major parties) and industry have spent over $200 million on consultants, planners, lawyers, engineers and communications teams in failed attempts to industrialise Western Port. Following community input, these proposals have been independently rejected by Infrastructure Victoria and the State Planning Minister.
Unfortunately the cost to government and industry was matched and exceeded by the thousands of volunteer hours our communities around Western Port put in to inform the independent inquiries. The community has spoken loud and clear. We should not be expected to make such significant contributions again.
Last week, a broad alliance of conservation, tourism, local business and community groups from right around Western Port launched a bold new plan to guarantee the future of Victoria's second largest bay.
A Strategic Framework for the Future of Western Port Bay sets out clear steps to protect the bay, an internationally recognised Ramsar wetland, from inappropriate industrialisation and development, pollution and climate disruption.
Unfortunately the cost to government and industry was matched and exceeded by the thousands of volunteer hours our communities around Western Port put in to inform the independent inquiries. The community has spoken loud and clear. We should not be expected to make such significant contributions again.
Last week, a broad alliance of conservation, tourism, local business and community groups from right around Western Port launched a bold new plan to guarantee the future of Victoria's second largest bay.
A Strategic Framework for the Future of Western Port Bay sets out clear steps to protect the bay, an internationally recognised Ramsar wetland, from inappropriate industrialisation and development, pollution and climate disruption.
| The new framework would:
The steering committee that developed the framework includes the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), Western Port Biosphere Foundation, Phillip Island Conservation Society and Save Western Port. | “There is growing momentum behind the campaign. We're confident everyone vying for election in November will get on board with these common sense measures to protect one of Victoria's natural treasures and the livelihoods that depend on it.” “A comprehensive and scientifically supported plan for Western Port is essential to taking action on climate and maintaining the region’s rich biodiversity, while promoting a healthy lifestyle and creating new opportunities and jobs.” “We have long awaited more protection for Western Port Bay, which has three to four times more marine life than Port Phillip Bay. A thriving tourist economy for our local region relies on the local environment and a healthy bay with local businesses.” |
More information about the framework can be found at www.actforwesternportbay.au. Groups, businesses and individuals can also sign up to support it at the website.
I am confident, as a minimum, the 10,000-plus AGL objectors would also like to see all political parties backing the plan for Western Port ahead of the November 26 state election.
Jeff Nottle is president of the Phillip Island Conservation Society.
I am confident, as a minimum, the 10,000-plus AGL objectors would also like to see all political parties backing the plan for Western Port ahead of the November 26 state election.
Jeff Nottle is president of the Phillip Island Conservation Society.
Communities on both sides of the bay rallied to stop it becoming an industrial dumping ground.