Successive threats to Western Port have been stopped only by massive public opposition.
Image: Anitra Carmichael, The Current
Image: Anitra Carmichael, The Current
By Neil Daly
THE arduous journey for champions of Western Port started in 1971 when the Save Western Port Coalition, representing 16 environmental groups, published The Shame of Western Port – Speculator’s Dream … Environmental Nightmare.
The report was in response to confidential plans by the Westernport Regional Planning Authority to fill in large areas of the bay, build wharves and shipping berths on French Island, and construct two causeways and a tunnel to the mainland.
THE arduous journey for champions of Western Port started in 1971 when the Save Western Port Coalition, representing 16 environmental groups, published The Shame of Western Port – Speculator’s Dream … Environmental Nightmare.
The report was in response to confidential plans by the Westernport Regional Planning Authority to fill in large areas of the bay, build wharves and shipping berths on French Island, and construct two causeways and a tunnel to the mainland.
The Shame of Western Port sank the authority’s secret plans but the threats to Western Port’s natural values have continued ever since, with multiple proposals including for nuclear reactors, oil refineries, a container port and a gas import plant. Each threat has been stopped by massive public opposition.
The latest of many proposals is to dredge the Port of Hastings to facilitate exports of liquid hydrogen to Japan. The first trial shipment left in January 2022.
For over 52 years, state governments have ignored the people’s case that Western Port and its region is a unique environment: one that should not be handed over to developers and those seeking to urbanise and industrialise its foreshore lands and beyond.
In Has the longest day begun?, I spoke of these matters and of the Western Port groups who had formed a new alliance under the guidance of the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA). The outcome of this venture was the publishing of a comprehensive online document: A Strategic Framework for the future of Western Port Bay. It’s founded on three core pillars: a new strategic plan for Western Port bay; a collaborative management partnership; and a dedicated fund to achieve the plan.
In May 2022, the VNPA presented the strategic framework to the policy advisors representing the Minister for Environment and the Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources.
From the outset, the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation has played a key role in developing the framework. Support for the plan was bolstered when the four councils bordering Western Port backed the alliance.
Initially, Councillor Rochelle Halstead took up the cause and tabled a notice of motion seeking to encourage the Victorian State Government to implement the framework. In support of the motion, Councillor Halstead said of Western Port, “It’s imperative that all local governments adjoining it are provided with an overarching plan that provides the vision and direction for community and government, thus ensuring management is conducted in a way that protects it for future generations.”
The motion was passed unanimously at the Bass Coast Shire Council meeting on May 17 this year.
Since then, Casey, Cardinia and Mornington Peninsula councils have followed suit and passed a similar motion calling on the State Government to implement the framework. They have now written to the ministers expressing their commitment to the preservation of the marine environment and sustainable development of the Western Port region.
All are still waiting for a reply.
In case the people’s message is still languishing in the Environment Minister’s in-tray, why not send her a personalised postcard? You could remind her there is no point in repeating history, and that collective stewardship is the way forward if Western Port Country is to survive the challenges of climate change and become a regenerative regional community.
Hopefully the people will not have to resort to clambering up the citadel steps and banging on the drawbridge to get an answer. Ministers, it’s your call.
The latest of many proposals is to dredge the Port of Hastings to facilitate exports of liquid hydrogen to Japan. The first trial shipment left in January 2022.
For over 52 years, state governments have ignored the people’s case that Western Port and its region is a unique environment: one that should not be handed over to developers and those seeking to urbanise and industrialise its foreshore lands and beyond.
In Has the longest day begun?, I spoke of these matters and of the Western Port groups who had formed a new alliance under the guidance of the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA). The outcome of this venture was the publishing of a comprehensive online document: A Strategic Framework for the future of Western Port Bay. It’s founded on three core pillars: a new strategic plan for Western Port bay; a collaborative management partnership; and a dedicated fund to achieve the plan.
In May 2022, the VNPA presented the strategic framework to the policy advisors representing the Minister for Environment and the Minister for Climate Action, Energy and Resources.
From the outset, the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation has played a key role in developing the framework. Support for the plan was bolstered when the four councils bordering Western Port backed the alliance.
Initially, Councillor Rochelle Halstead took up the cause and tabled a notice of motion seeking to encourage the Victorian State Government to implement the framework. In support of the motion, Councillor Halstead said of Western Port, “It’s imperative that all local governments adjoining it are provided with an overarching plan that provides the vision and direction for community and government, thus ensuring management is conducted in a way that protects it for future generations.”
The motion was passed unanimously at the Bass Coast Shire Council meeting on May 17 this year.
Since then, Casey, Cardinia and Mornington Peninsula councils have followed suit and passed a similar motion calling on the State Government to implement the framework. They have now written to the ministers expressing their commitment to the preservation of the marine environment and sustainable development of the Western Port region.
All are still waiting for a reply.
In case the people’s message is still languishing in the Environment Minister’s in-tray, why not send her a personalised postcard? You could remind her there is no point in repeating history, and that collective stewardship is the way forward if Western Port Country is to survive the challenges of climate change and become a regenerative regional community.
Hopefully the people will not have to resort to clambering up the citadel steps and banging on the drawbridge to get an answer. Ministers, it’s your call.