Kilcunda cliffs with Cape Woolamai in the background By Catherine Watson
BASS Coast residents have made more than 135 submissions in the first week of public consultation for the Bass Coast Distinctive Area and Landscapes project.
They include proposals for a boardwalk linking Red Rocks and Silverleaves, protection for Inverloch’s dinosaur fossils, a jetty at Cowes to accommodate cruise ships, and exclusion of commercial fishing boats from the marine park.
BASS Coast residents have made more than 135 submissions in the first week of public consultation for the Bass Coast Distinctive Area and Landscapes project.
They include proposals for a boardwalk linking Red Rocks and Silverleaves, protection for Inverloch’s dinosaur fossils, a jetty at Cowes to accommodate cruise ships, and exclusion of commercial fishing boats from the marine park.
| The election promise by the Labor Party offers a rare opportunity to enshrine in planning law protection for the landscape and features we most value ahead of strong population growth predicted over the next 10-20 years. Anyone can make a comment on the Bass Coast map at Engage Victoria. Contributors are asked to identify what they value in the Bass Coast; what they believe are the threats to these values; and how they think these values could be better protected. The project is being run by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) in partnership with the Bass Coast Shire Council and the Bunurong Traditional Owners. Project director Mia Davison says consultation will continue with traditional owners, the council and the community throughout 2019 and 2020. Once the area is declared under the Planning and Environment Act (1987), a Statement of Planning Policy will be prepared to set a long-term vision and land use strategies to guide future land use and development and long term settlement boundaries to protect the unique Bass Coast. DELWP will also host five open house sessions on the project this week. The sessions will include information on the establishment of the new Bass Coast Marine and Coastal Park:
| COMMENTS Cowes Should be a boardwalk from red rocks all the way through to silver leaves. A boardwalk could be used all year round and showcase our wonderful north facing beaches all year round. Kilcunda The underwater environment needs protection from commercial fishing. This area is listed as a marine sanctuary yet commercial fishing occurs within its boandaries. Jam Jerrup Middens and relics all along here Hinterland Emphasis on good farm land that provides economic benefits to the entire community as well as being aesthetically pleasing and a tourism drawcard Inverloch Dinosaur foot prints in rocks need protection from further vandalism Anderson Inlet Anderson Inlet is a significant roosting/ feeding area for migratory waders and requires the appropriate protection Mouth of the Powlett Powlett River and associated sand dunes need protection from erosion, rubbish, weeds, pests, chemicals from up-stream and general degradation. Cowes Do a proper development at the jetty. Think big!! Mariner, cruise ship docking point and get the ships stopping more and staying longer. Restaurants and cafes off the jetty. Car ferry etc. Forest Caves and Scenic Reserve wildlife areas - full of wallabies and wildlife. Roadkill hotspot because speed limit is too high. Wonthaggi The Rifle Range status should be a fully protected park & connect to via a walking path on the Old Rifle Range road reserve up towards Campbell St bush. |
