Framework launched by conservationists and tourism organisations to protect Victoria’s second largest bay

A Strategic Framework for the future of Victoria’s second largest bay - Western Port Bay - has been launched by conservationists, tourism organisations, local businesses and community groups to guarantee its future. All political parties have been urged to back the plan for Western Port Bay ahead of the 26th November state election.

Western Port Bay, an internationally recognised Ramsar wetland, with three to four times more marine life than Port Phillip Bay, has a serious water quality problem, with five of the nine estuaries which flow into it rated as “very poor”. The decline of snapper and waterbirds in Western Port Bay is also a clear signal the Bay needs a new vision in order to thrive.

Among the key groups behind the proposal include the Victorian National Parks Association with campaigner Shannon Hurley noting “for too long Westernport has been the poor cousin of Port Phillip Bay – that’s why it’s so important all political parties and candidates back this new protection plan.

“Western Port Bay’s health is severely declining, and the structures in place to protect this biodiversity hotspot cannot keep up with the level of threat. An ironclad commitment from all potential governments would guarantee the future of this precious ecosystem and its Ramsar-listed wetlands.

“It would also champion appropriate marine and tourism industries. 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.”

The Framework sets out clear steps to protect the Bay from inappropriate industrialisation and development, pollution and climate disruption.

The population of the Western Port catchment is expected to double in the next 20 years alone, putting even more pressure on nature. Substantial land use changes also mean local rivers are carrying more pollution into the Bay.

The Framework comes 18 months after a successful community campaign convinced the Victorian government to block AGL’s destructive plan to establish a gas import terminal in Western Port Bay.

The new framework, which is backed by a broad alliance of community, tourism, local business and conservation groups, would:

• Create a new co-ordinated strategic plan for Western Port Bay which recognises the natural values and future economic prosperity

• Bring together Traditional Custodians, community representatives, government agencies, councils, local businesses and industries, fishing and recreational group to develop and oversee the plan

• Establish a dedicated Western Port fund with annual funding at least equivalent to the Port Phillip Bay fund

Other key groups supporting the proposal include Western Port Biosphere Foundation, Save Westernport, Phillip Island Conservation Society and Environment Victoria.

Jeff Nottle of Phillip Island Conservation Society advises “we have long awaited more protection for Western Port Bay, which has three to four times more marine life than Port Phillip Bay and includes the largest colonies of Little Penguins, Short-tailed Shearwaters and Australian Fur Seals in the world.

“A thriving tourist economy for our local region relies on the local environment and a healthy bay with local businesses.”

Image: Credit: Victorian National Parks