What the candidates said about the Western Port Woodlands

THE Greens’ candidate Callum Bugbird said his party would stop it if they hold the balance of power after the November 26 election.

The Labor, Nationals and the Liberal candidates; Jordan Crugnale, Brett Tessari and Aaron Brown all expressed concern about the expansion of sand mining in Bass Coast at the detriment of the Western Port Woodlands.

And Independent candidate, Jeni Jobe, called for a moratorium on further expansion of sand mining until a wide-ranging impact assessment is undertaken.

The candidates got to have their say exclusively on sand extraction and its likely devastating impact on the last remnant of coastal bush between Lang Lang and Glen Forbes at a 'Save the Western Port Woodlands’ candidates forum in the Corinella Hall last Saturday.

Around 200 people turned out to hear them speak.

Here’s what they said:

1. Bass Candidate Brett Tessari (Nationals)

Brett Tessari (Nationals): (Wearing a T-shirt with woodlands logo on it). I’m the first Nationals candidate to run in this area. I’m proud of the work I have done, just me and Leanne, we are the National Party branch in this area at the moment. I was the first to come out and find out what was going on in the Woodlands. I say put a moratorium on any further licences and expansion until the DAL comes out. My wife and I travel all around the state, to beautiful places like this, and we have some of the most beautiful places in Victoria right here so why wouldn’t I fight to protect it and I guarantee to you, if I’m elected, I will.

2. Bass Candidate Callum Bugbird (Greens)

Callum Bugbird (Greens): It’s about climate change and about native title, not just about making a quick buck. This is a not-negotiable for us (The Greens). And I won’t just say it here today and get voted down by the party when I get back to Melbourne. I will fight for the Woodlands. Let’s all agree here today to protect the Woodlands. We will fight for an environmental protection overlay. I don’t know what earth people think they are living on but we need this and the people of my generation need this to live on. Common-sense should prevail here and the Greens are the only ones with the proven track record on these issues: To stop logging, make progress on treaties and save Westernport Woodlands vote Green.

3. Bass Candidate Jordan Crugnale (Labor)

Jordan Crugnale (Labor): I really value and appreciate hearing from the community about issues they are passionate about. That’s my role and I really commend the activism and involvement today. The AGL Crib Point campaign and 1000 submissions was commendable. Post the Dandy Premix decision, a lot of that went through my office, all the questions about the water table and impacts. The planning permit itself was on privately owned land. Extractive industries is a very heavily controlled industry. I have no announcements to make today but I’m here to let people know what I have been doing on this issue. I tabled the petition in Parliament, met the Dandy group, bought three ministers together (and listed other actions).

4. Bass Candidate Aaron Brown (Liberal)

Aaron Brown (Liberal) told the meeting that it was clear to him that it wasn’t going to be enough to simply say he was prepared to advocate for the preservation of the Western Port Woodlands which is why he arranged a visit by Shadow Minister for Planning, Ryan Smith, and Shadow Minister for Resources, Richard Riordan, to meet with the Save Westernport Woodlands Group and the operators of extractive industries in the region. He said he had received a commitment that if the Coalition wins, the 1996 Extractive Industries arrangement would be upgraded to protect high value vegetation in the area.

5. Bass Candidate Jenni Jobe (Independent)

Jenni Jobe (Ind): I was inspired by the Federal election in May to run after seeing Independents are taken a lot more seriously. With the decision of the state government to allow the expansion of the sand mines, I was motivated to stand for office. I’m opposed to the removal of further vegetation and against further expansion. We need a moratorium until a proper study is undertaken of the impact. The effects of the sand mines will be catastrophic for Western Port. The study produced to protect Woodlands didn’t work. It’s a matter for political will now. We need our voice to be heard and that’s why I am standing.

6. Eastern Victoria Candidate Austin Cram (AJP)

Austin Cram: Animal Justice Party. A strategic planner. Koalas are present in the Woodlands and at risk of being caught in a genetic bottleneck. Woodlands can’t be re-established in the future. We need to dedicate more land to native animals not less and it’s also a climate change issue. I support a cessation of sand mining in the Woodlands area. Advocate for the removal of the designation of the area for extractive industries. Advocate for the former Lang Lang proving grounds and other adjoining land to be set aside as a native reserve.