Ministers: act now for a healthy Western Port Bay - Victorian National Parks AssociationVictorian National Parks Association

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Dear Ministers Dimopoulos and Ambrosio,

In response to the rejection of the proposed Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal at the Port of Hastings by the Federal Environment Minister, I write to you to implore you to protect Western Port Bay’s Ramsar-listed wetlands in the face of damaging developments.

The port development proposal risked impacts from dredging to be felt across Western Port’s valuable reefs, the spread of contaminants around the bay, and the direct loss of habitats for threatened species like shore and migratory birds who depend on them for their survival – all on a protected Ramsar-listed wetland.

The Minister's ruling as ‘unacceptable’ due to the risk of ‘permanent/irreversible’ impacts to one of Victoria’s most valuable and protected wetlands was warranted. The rejection highlights the need for the Victorian Government to take its responsibility in protecting Western Port Ramsar Wetland and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve seriously.

A fast transition from polluting to clean energy sources is necessary to avoid the extreme impacts of climate disruption, however it cannot come at the cost of the marine environment.

Through the transition to renewable energy, or any energy project, high value conservation areas must be off limits to development. Energy development should not take precedence over protecting high conservation areas – both can be achieved through upfront marine planning.

An environmentally responsible offshore renewables sector requires a plan for how marine habitats and Western Port Bay’s precious wetlands will be protected.

Last year the State Government was presented with a proposal for a new plan and partnership to protect Western Port Bay, called the Western Port Bay Framework.

The Framework (www.vnpa.org.au/bold-plan), backed by Traditional Custodians, local businesses and tourism and environment groups, will protect Western Port’s wetlands and promote sustainable marine and tourism industries. It has yet to receive a commitment to implement by the Victorian Government.

I am concerned that without adopting the proposal the future of this unique environment will continue to be at risk from further developments.

I urge you to publicly commit to the new Framework for Western Port Bay and its implementation in this term of government.

From Eastern Curlews in sea grass meadows to salty mangrove flats, Western Port Bay is a rich natural tapestry. But its marine life and landscapes are in serious trouble.

That’s why we created a bold plan to turn the tide and restore Western Port Bay.

We’ve set out clear steps and solutions to defend the bay from inappropriate development, pollution and climate change. Our Framework is backed by Traditional Custodians, tourism, local businesses and conservation groups.

We just need our elected representatives to adopt our holistic, science-led roadmap.

It’s going to take a powerful movement to bring this vision to life. You can include your own words for more impact.

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