Our marine landscapes

Western Port Bay’s wetlands, full of amazing wildlife, deserve careful consideration. We need renewables – but not at the expense of the web of life they’re designed to protect.

Right now the Federal Government want to hear from you about the renewable energy terminal proposed for the Bay.

After the Federal Government initially rejected the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (VRET) at the Port of Hastings, it’s back for round two. They’re now reconsidering if it should have a full assessment under our national nature laws (EPBC Act).

Please take a few minutes to do the short survey. It closes Wednesday 16 July.

Fill in the survey for our marine life

Here are some key points to raise:

• Western Port Bay lacks an overarching plan that guides considerate management. Marine Spatial Planning would help make sure the VRET location is appropriate and balances nature conservation and other marine activities.
• The rationale for choosing the Port of Hastings against other ports is lacking detail, with no comparative assessment of other sites and their environmental values. They need to assess if there are more suitable locations that will minimise harm to our marine and coastal habitats.
• If the department decides the project can progress to the next stage of environmental assessment, it should be classed as a controlled action.
• If the project continues as a controlled action, the environmental assessment process must be transparent, thorough, and support meaningful and accessible community input.