Despite five years of community calls and an existing state commitment to Marine Spatial Planning, no funding was allocated for a Marine Spatial Plan or for the ongoing protection and restoration of Western Port Bay.
Western Port Bay is one of Victoria's most important marine environments, internationally recognised as both a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and Ramsar wetland. It's home to incredible wildlife like dolphins, Curlew Sandpipers and Little Penguins, yet its health is under increasing pressure from pollution, population growth and major industrial proposals. With pressure growing from industrial proposals and a rapidly expanding catchment, advocates say the need for coordinated planning has never been clearer.
'Offshore wind has a vital role to play in Victoria's clean energy future and it is essential that the industry develops a strong social licence. Investing in a massive port development without a Marine Spatial Plan or funding to protect the Bay puts that licence at risk.' Alex Merory, Campaigns Director, Environment Victoria.
The budget does not deliver on Action 5.5 of Victoria's Marine and Coastal Strategy, which commits the government to undertake marine spatial planning, nor does it fund long-term investment in the Bay through a dedicated Western Port Fund.
'Western Port Bay is facing simultaneous pressure from the VRET, proposed industrial hubs, urbanisation, and the Cerberus defence land sell-off. The government's own Ports Minister says this investment will protect Western Port's Ramsar wetlands, but without a marine spatial plan, that's a promise without a mechanism' said Shannon Hurley, Nature Campaigner, Victorian National Parks Association.
'The community will be engaging closely with the EES process and expect a clear commitment to mitigating impacts on marine habitats and wildlife.'
'But without strategic planning across the whole Bay, we're still managing impacts project by project rather than protecting Western Port Bay as a system.'
For over five years, community advocates have called for modest investment – just $2–3 million to kickstart marine spatial planning and establish a Western Port Fund – through the proposed Western Port Strategic Framework.
'It's a small ask that would make a big difference to how the Bay is managed for nature and community.' said Shannon Hurley.
'If the government can commit $124.5 million towards progressing offshore wind energy and preparing for the environmental assessments, then $2-3 million for the Westernport Strategic Framework is peanuts. The government needs to show it supports our community and its plan for Westernport now' said Save Westernport President Jane Carnegie.
'Support is a two-way street.'
Marine spatial planning would bring together communities, industry and government to manage competing uses, protect wildlife and habitats and support a sustainable blue economy. A Western Port Fund would back restoration, clean-up and community-led projects, modelled on the successful Port Phillip Bay Fund.
'While we welcome investment in scientific assessments for the EES, Western Port Bay is still waiting for an overarching plan,' Mel Barker, CEO Western Port Biosphere said.
'Even an initial investment to get marine spatial planning underway would be a meaningful first step. We know Western Port Bay stakeholders and community have many projects big and small that would help protect and improve this internationally significant Bay."
State and community groups say they will continue calling on the Victorian Government to fund marine spatial planning and a Western Port Fund as essential investments in the Bay's future ahead of the next state election.
The Western Port Framework – including its marine spatial plan and dedicated fund – is community-led and backed by a broad range of groups, including all local Councils, community and tourism groups, businesses and Traditional Owners. It was developed by a Western Port Bay community steering group made up of the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation, Save Westernport, the Phillip Island Conservation Society, Environment Victoria and the Victorian National Parks Association, with input from a wide range of other stakeholders and community members.
