Organisations unite to protect Western Port Bay

CONSERVATIONISTS and community groups have launched a bold new plan to guarantee the future of Western Port Bay, Victoria’s second largest bay and an internationally recognised Ramsar wetland.

The plan, A Strategic Framework for the future of Western Port Bay, sets out steps to protect the Bay from inappropriate industrialisation and development, pollution and climate disruption. 

All political parties have been urged to back the plan for Western Port Bay ahead of the November 26 state election.

According to the framework, Western Port Bay has a serious water quality problem, with five of the nine estuaries which flow into it rated as “very poor”. 

While the population of the Western Port catchment is expected to double in the next 20 years alone.

Substantial land use changes mean local rivers are carrying more pollution into the Bay. 

The decline of snapper and waterbirds in Western Port Bay is a clear signal the Bay needs a new vision in order to thrive. 

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

 Key groups behind the proposal include the Victorian National Parks Association, Western Port Biosphere Foundation, Save Westernport, Phillip Island Conservation Society and Environment Victoria. 

“We have long awaited more protection for Western Port Bay, which has three to four times more marine life than Port Phillip Bay,” Phillip Island Conservation Society’s Jeff Nottle said.

“That 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.”