Bass Coast Shire Council welcomes the State Government's recent decision to rule out AGL's proposed gas import terminal and pipeline project for Crib Point.
Minister for Planning, Richard Wynne, found that the project would cause unacceptable impacts on the marine environment in Western Port, an important Ramsar Wetland of international significance.
At its March 2020 Council Meeting, Council resolved to declare its opposition to the development of fossil fuel assets on Western Port and in particular, to AGL's proposed Gas Import Jetty project for Crib Point.
Council made a submission against the project to the Independent Inquiry and Advisory Committee, stating that the proposal presented substantial risk to the unique environment of Western Port, its diverse habitats, including mangroves, saltmarshes, seagrasses and important migratory shorebirds.
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Brett Tessari said this outcome is another great example of working together to make a difference.
"We, and our community, are passionate about protecting our unique environment," Cr Tessari said.
"Over a long period of time, Council has listened to and advocated with our community on this important issue, and this outcome proves that well organised collaboration between communities and Council can make a big difference.
"We also worked closely with Mornington Peninsula Shire on our submission and would like to thank them for their leadership and advocacy in coordinating the joint presentation of our submissions at the panel hearings.
"Our submission acknowledged the importance and the value our community hold for the Ramsar Wetland and Western Port, its use as a recreational area and water-based activities and its role in the economic prosperity of Bass Coast," Cr Tessari concluded.
Council has declared a climate emergency and considers any expansion of the gas industry through new developments in fossil fuel, as not in keeping with the declaration and threatens efforts to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions to keep global emissions at or below a 1.5oC change in temperature.
