In response to the announcement that federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has agreed the Victorian Government’s revised offshore wind terminal at the Port of Hastings can proceed to environmental assessment, Dr Kat Lucas-Healey Senior Climate and Energy Advisor at Environment Victoria said:
“Environment Victoria is today calling for the Victorian government to commit to implementing a strategic plan to protect Western Port Bay, in light of Murray Watt’s decision to allow the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal to move forward.
“The offshore wind industry is vitally important to Australia’s clean energy transition but it needs to be done properly. The Victorian government has clearly done a lot more work to refine their proposal this time around, but they are still not doing enough to protect the Bay.
“This is not a moment for crashing through but a moment for demonstrating serious environmental and social credentials. They are also yet to convince the community why this facility should be built in a Ramsar wetland rather than elsewhere.
“We call on the Victorian government to commit to implementing a Strategic Plan for Western Port, as has been proposed by the Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation, Save Westernport, Phillip Island Conservation Society and the Victorian National Parks Association.
“This Strategic Plan needs to be developed in partnership with Traditional Owners, community, government, councils, business, industry, fishing and recreation groups.
“The Allan Government has already laid the foundations to implement proper nature-led planning at Western Port Bay under the Marine and Coastal Act. They must now put a plan in place that respects the concerns of the local community, the Traditional Owners and is sensitive to the area’s unique environmental values.”