Liberals' Brown offers ‘balance’ between sand and wood

A LIBERALS and Nationals led State Government will finally address ongoing uncertainty around the extractive industry in the Bass electorate.

That’s the pledge of the Liberal candidate for Bass Aaron Brown, and he’s lined up the parliamentary support to make it happen.

Shadow Minister for Planning, Ryan Smith, and Shadow Minister for Resources, Richard Riordan, with Mr Brown, recently met the Save Westernport Woodlands Group, as well as representatives and owners from the extractive industries in the region.

“It is vital that Shadow Ministers hear firsthand the concerns of those involved with the issue of sand extraction in the Bass electorate and particularly Bass Coast,” Mr Brown said.

“Despite being in power for 18 out of the last 23 years, Labor has failed to forward plan land use appropriately and ensure best possible environmental outcomes.

“Following the visit, I am pleased to announce that a Liberals and Nationals Government will update the 1996 Extractive Industries document for Lang Lang to Grantville including the Gurdies, ensuring it balances the needs of the resources sector with the need to protect the unique environment in the Bass Coast and Cardinia Shires.”

The 1996 document, drafted by a Coalition Government, has been overridden by successive Labor Ministers, he said.

“A Liberals and Nationals Government will ensure this document is updated and used to protect high value vegetation in the area, while giving the extractive industries clarity around best practice to preserve and maintain existing bush,” Mr Brown said.

“Adherence to the document will also ensure that offsets are created for any projects where a small amount of vegetation may need to be removed under legacy permits.

“It is vital this be done, and a Matt Guy led Liberals and Nationals Government will ensure the extractive industry obtains this important data.

“Importantly, Shadow Ministers Smith and Riordan have committed to a quicker process for determining land use, with increased resourcing to the relevant Government departments, and will ensure a Guy Liberals and Nationals government also commits to the highest protection levels for the Adams Creek Nature Conservation Reserve near Lang Lang.

“I believe that future extraction licences should preference land already cleared of remnant native vegetation so that the existing uncertainty around this issue is addressed once and for all.” Mr Brown said.

Along with the other candidates for Bass, Mr Brown addressed a public meeting in Corinella last Saturday, saying it was clear from his meetings with the Save the Western Port Woodlands group that it wasn't going to be enough to say he would advocate for change, which is why he went out and put together the necessary support in parliament should the Coalition be successful on Saturday, November 26.

He said, at the end of the day, as fourth generation Bass Coast resident and father of two, he wanted to be able to tell his daughters that he did his best to make Bass a better place, and that included preserving its important natural assets.