Western Port Bay and its surrounds are culturally important, internationally recognised and the foundation of a thriving tourism economy — supporting communities and industries whose impacts need to be carefully managed.
The bay is Victoria’s only UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and a Ramsar wetland of international importance, attracting visitors from around the world to its wildlife, islands and waterways. But this vital wetland, and the communities and wildlife that depend on it, are under increasing pressure.
Without a comprehensive plan for its future, urban growth, industrial development, climate disruption, poor water quality and inadequate planning will continue to take their toll on the health of the bay.
There is a solution: the Western Port Framework.
The Framework brings together two practical actions: developing a whole-of-bay plan for Western Port and establishing a dedicated Western Port Fund to support practical projects that restore and protect the bay.
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