By Neil Daly

THE late Dr Martin Luther King Jnr. in his famous speech “I have a dream”, helped change the course of history.

While I cannot emulate this great man, I, too, have a dream that one day Western Port and its water catchment area will be recognised as an interdependent bioregion, and its environmental protection, land-use planning and economic development will be guided by a legislated Western Port Region Strategic Management Plan. 

This dream is founded on the “Shapiro Report” and the tireless work of others who, since 1971, have tried to ensure Western Port and its surrounding lands are not desecrated by the desire of some to change the natural characteristics and social fabric of the region and turn it into an extension of Melbourne’s industrial and urban sprawl.

In his landmark research: “Westernport Bay Environmental Study, 1973-1974”, Professor Maurice A. Shapiro said in his closing remarks, “To paraphrase Mr Justice Holmes, who in a decision wrote, ‘a river is more than amenity, it is a treasure’.    Westernport Bay is more than an amenity, it is a treasure to be cherished for many generations to come.  It is in your hands.”

While Shapiro’s legacy may have been forgotten, his recommendations are still relevant, and those making executive decisions should take note of these words:

“Because of the immense biological wealth of the area and because initial findings of the Social Survey indicate that the ‘country atmosphere’ may be the single most important feature attributed to the area, one option stands out – ‘Leave the area as it is’.  On the other hand, an equally extreme option would be to devote the resources of the area entirely to urban, industrial, and port development at the expense of the natural ecosystems and the recreational resources.

“While these options are extreme and are probably unrealistic, many of the desirable features of the first option could and should, with careful planning, characterise any future development in the area.  In particular the preservation of the existing country atmosphere (e.g. bushland, forest, broad agricultural lands) should be a major objective in any future plans for the region.”

So far, over 3,600 people have joined the “dream”, by signing my online petition: Save Western Port: Protect Its Environment and Biodiversity from Urban Sprawl.

This is a significant community response and reinforces the call for a regional strategic management plan.  As one Facebook respondent said, “I support the idea of a Western Port Region Strategic Management Plan.  Our environment is too important to be managed through piecemeal decisions.  Let's hope this gains the support it deserves and encourages a long-term vision for protecting Western Port and its unique biodiversity.”

I have lobbied the major political parties to participate in this journey but, as is the way, asking them to consider a comprehensive approach seems to challenge their siloed methodology.

The Allan Labor Government said it understood the special significance of the Western Port region and the interest shown by the petition signatories.  “The Victorian Government acknowledges the environmental, cultural and community significance of Western Port and values your ongoing dedication to its future.”

While referencing its Protecting Victoria’s Environment - Biodiversity 2037 and other environmental achievements, the government’s reply did not consider that there are other factors that will also determine this region’s wellbeing, namely its economic and land-use development.  

On the other hand, the Sustainable Australia Party speaks of the need to adopt a co-ordinated, whole-of-region approach to protect its environment, biodiversity, agricultural land and communities from inappropriate development.

The Victorian Greens are committed to supporting the development and legislation of a WPRSMP.

The Opposition (Liberal Nationals) has referred the WPRSMP proposal to “The Nationals’ policy development process and is being considered alongside a range of other policy initiatives ahead of the 2026 Victorian State Election.”  The proposal is still under consideration.

One Nation Victoria has not replied.  There appears to be no room for a WPRSMP in its election campaign.     

In an email to the Carroll Labor Government, I reiterated the message I had previously sent to the former Premier.  It indicated that implementing environmental projects and legislated environmental programs in isolation from the region’s other statutory plans and development frameworks ignores the need for an integrated approach to securing the long‑term economic and environmental well‑being of the region.  All these initiatives should sit under a single framework: a legislated Western Port Region Strategic Management Plan.

The Carroll Labor Government has not replied.

In the run up to the Victorian state election, I concede there are more pressing issues than a WPRSMP.  Cost-of-living, crime, and the “dreaded potholes” come to mind.

However, I hope the voters will ask those seeking election to take up the proposed strategic management plan, for without a concerted effort to encourage governments to listen, there is every chance that over the next 50 years, we will still be saying:

“Unfortunately, the Western Port region is constantly being pressured to expand its industrial and urban zones at the expense of its rural and ecotourism environment.  If allowed to continue unfettered, the region will be overwhelmed by Melbourne’s urban sprawl, thus destroying the environmental sanctuary we all need now, and into the future.” - Petition statement.

Please sign the petition, for the dream is not over.  My new Western Port Country music video says it all.