Western Port Bay planning announcement welcomed, but timing and funding remain unclear

Community and environment groups have welcomed the Victorian Government announcement that the state’s first marine spatial planning process will take place in Western Port Bay, following five years of advocacy for a whole-of-bay plan to look after habitats, wildlife and people.

However, the Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA), Environment Victoria and the Western Port Biosphere are calling on the Victorian Government to begin scoping the plan by early 2027 and commit funding for the plan to be developed.

The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action says scoping will begin after the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal’s Environment Effects Statement process is complete. The announcement did not include a funding commitment.

"A marine spatial plan is a critical step to protect Western Port Bay’s wildlife, wetlands and communities,” said VNPA Nature Conservation Campaigner Shannon Hurley.  

“Marine spatial planning is independent of individual project assessments, so there's no reason to delay it. And because it takes time to develop, we need to get moving now, while important decisions about Western Port Bay's future are being made."

Urban growth, industrial development, climate change and poor water quality are already putting pressure on Western Port Bay. To effectively manage these threats, the plan needs to be backed by funding to coordinate the development of the plan, and for its implementation.

"Western Port Bay needs its own fund, like neighbouring Port Phillip Bay, so there’s money to restore wetlands, monitor the health of the bay and carry out the other priorities identified in the plan,” said Mel Barker, CEO Western Port Biosphere. 

The Framework is backed by all four Western Port councils and more than 70 local groups and businesses, including tourism operators, community organisations and conservation groups. Several parties and local candidates in Bass, Hastings and Nepean have pledged to support the community-backed Western Port Bay Framework if elected.

VNPA, Environment Victoria and the Western Port Biosphere are calling on the remaining parties and candidates to make the same commitment ahead of the 2026 Victorian election, prioritise delivery in the next term of government and fund the Framework in the 2027 Victorian Budget.

“This plan is backed by the community across Western Port Bay. Any party that is serious about meeting the needs of the community and the long-term health of the bay must commit to delivering a whole of bay plan and funding to support it,” said Alex Merory, Campaigner Director Environment, Environment Victoria.  

The framework consists of three practical actions: a marine spatial plan, a partnership to develop the plan, and a Western Port Bay Fund (modelled on the Port Phillip Bay Fund).  

A copy of the Framework can be downloaded at www.actforwesternportbay.au