Bass Coast Shire Council is still waiting for a State Government decision on interim Environmental Significance Overlay (ESO) protection for the Western Port Woodlands. For years, council, community groups and environmental advocates have undertaken the work needed to demonstrate the significance of these woodlands.
Council has funded investigations, completed strategic planning, responded to every request and committed $500,000 towards biodiversity studies and long-term protection measures.
These woodlands support threatened species, including the Southern Brown Bandicoot, Powerful Owl and critically endangered Strzelecki Gum. Once these environmental values are lost, they cannot be replaced.
The State Government has everything it needs to act. With the stroke of a pen, the Minister for Planning can introduce interim planning controls through Amendment C181 and provide immediate protection.
