NEW measures to protect plant and animal life in the Balcombe Creek Estuary and nearby land in Mount Martha have been put into place.
The state government gazetted planning scheme amendment C241morn earlier this month. The amendment implements recommendations from the 2022 Balcombe Estuary and associated reserves: Ecological and Planning Study report. The gazetted planning scheme amendment covers 76.9 hectares of land. It reads that new zones have been applied to provide greater protection to indigenous wildlife and plant species.
Among a swathe of changes, a new overlay has been placed over the site “to identify and protect native vegetation specific to the area and require planning approval for buildings and works having regard to environmental systems, native fauna, habitat areas, land and soil stability, drainage patterns, and water quality.” The amendment provides exemptions “for minor works and maintenance activities to support the continuation of existing sporting, recreation and community uses within existing footprints and areas for low/minimal ecological value.” Among the 76.9 hectares of land covered by the amendment there are 51.7 hectares of native vegetation, with 164 indigenous plants and a total of 108 indigenous and ten introduced vertebrate animal species.
The gazetted amendment reads that the Balcombe Estuary and associated reserves: Ecological and Planning Study “identifies that ecological values within the area are under threat from impacts on native vegetation, water quality, land and soil stability, accelerated sedimentation discharge, fauna (including aquatic species and birdlife) and native habitat. Indeed, the study notes that previous studies indicate a trending decline in flora and fauna species, highlighting the need for greater protection of ecological values within the area. The study specifically identifies that existing planning controls do not provide sufficient environmental protection, apart from the removal of native vegetation.
“In balancing potentially competing interests, the study recommends that: future development of sporting, recreation and community facilities should have proper regard for identified ecological values, new development should be confined within areas of identified low/minimal ecological value, and development and works reasonably required to support existing sporting, recreation and community facilities that would have low/minimal impact on the ecological values and environmental systems of the area should be allowed, subject to appropriate planning permit exemptions.”
The planning scheme amendment was first exhibited late last year. It was adopted by the Mornington Peninsula Shire on 11 June before it was sent to the planning minister for final approval. For more information visit planning-schemes.app.planning.vic.gov.au
First published in the Mornington News – 17 September 2024
