Act now
for a healthy
Western Port Bay
A WHOLE-OF-BAY plan to protect western port’s wildlife, wetlands, COMMUNITIES — and tackle competing pressures.
Image: James White - Red-necked Stint
A FRAMEWORK
FOR THE FUTURE
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.
READ the DETAIL
Want more detail on The Western Port Bay Framework? Read the detail below.
The Problem
The health of Western Port Bay is in serious decline.
Pressure from inappropriate commercial and residential development, and climate change are taking their toll on the natural systems of the Bay.
image: CoastKit
The Solution
The Framework has the people, knowledge and community support needed for success. It just needs government commitment to get started.
The Framework already has broad support from Traditional Custodians, all four Western Port councils, tourism operators, businesses, community organisations and conservation groups.
And the good news? This isn’t a new proposal. The Western Port Bay Framework would deliver on existing Victorian Government commitments under the Marine and Coastal Act and Marine and Coastal Strategy — turning commitments already on the books into practical action for the bay.
We call on all candidates in the Western Port area, and their parties, to support and commit to delivering the Western Port Bay Framework — and securing a healthy, thriving future for Western Port.
image: Mushroom Reef Citizen Science, VNPA image
We are a powerful community movement determined to PROTECT Western Port Bay’s natural, economic and social values now and into the future.
JOIN A GROWiNG COMMUNITY TAKING ACTION FOR THE FUTURE HEALTH OF Western Port BAY
Learn more and get involved in bringing our vision for a healthy Western Port Bay to life.