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After years of community campaigning, environmental groups welcome a landmark step towards protecting Western Port. Photo: Victorian National Parks Assocation
By Catherine Watson
ENVIRONMENTAL groups have welcomed plans for the state’s first Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process to start in Western Port next year.
The news was announced by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) on Monday, the day before the State Government went into caretaker mode.
DEECA said the planning process would bring together Traditional Owners, stakeholders and existing users to develop a shared vision for the future of Western Port that balances environmental, economic and community outcomes.
“Commencement of an MSP process follows a decision by Victoria’s Environment Minister for the department to undertake scoping following completion of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal Environment Effects Statement (EES) process.”
Environmental groups including the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), the Western Port Biosphere Foundation and Phillip Island Conservation Society (PICS) have been pushing for a Strategic Framework for Western Port to protect it from the cumulative impacts of development.
Over the past 15 years, the bay’s rich marine ecosystem has been under threat from a succession of development proposals, including a major container port and a floating gas terminal.
The most recent proposal for a Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at Hastings involves land reclamation, dredging and pile driving to support offshore wind projects. An EES hearing for the project is scheduled for next year.
Western Port Biosphere CEO Mel Barker said the MSP process was a significant step towards a strategic framework to protect the internationally recognised wetland and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
She said the biosphere’s four participating councils that fringe the bay – Bass Coast, Cardinia, Casey and Mornington Peninsula – had all supported a framework to give Western Port equal status and protection to Port Phillip Bay.
“It’s something we’ve been working towards for a very long time. It’s been supported by a wide range of the community. We’ve all been asking for the same thing.”
Shannon Hurley from the VNPA said the Marine Spatial Planning process was a great step. “This is something the local community has been working on for the past five years.
She added a note of caution: “We’d like to see the funding committed to make sure it is implemented.”
Ms Hurley said they would also like to see the MSP started before the EES for the renewable energy terminal. “In our view they are two different processes and the marine spatial planning process should be done first.”
PICS president Greg Johnson aid communities around the bay had made it clear they wanted permanent protection for the environmental values of the bay rather than fighting development proposals one at a time.
He welcomed DEECA’s commitment though he said questions remained about funding and implementation.
DEECA said MSP provides a practical way to identify where activities in Western Port can work together, where they may conflict, and how an area can be sustainably used and managed into the future.
“The process will consider information and perspectives on Western Port’s environmental and cultural values, existing uses and future trends, supporting the protection of sensitive marine ecosystems and biodiversity, while balancing environmental, economic and community outcomes.”