A COMMUNITY event will bring together local residents and environmental groups to celebrate Western Port Bay and call for a coordinated whole-of-bay plan to protect its future.
Save Westernport is holding Wild About Western Port on 25 October from 2:30 pm at RW Stone Reserve.
The free event will feature live music from local guest Dingo Spender, a teaser screening of Western Port Down Under, guest speakers, and campaign updates.
This event comes ahead of the upcoming state election, with locals calling on all parties to commit to a coordinated plan for Western Port Bay.
Save Westernport secretary, Julia Stockigt, said the upcoming election is an opportunity to move beyond fighting individual threats and secure a coordinated plan for Western Port Bay’s future.
“We are calling on all local candidates in Bass, Hastings and Nepean and their parties to pledge their support for the Western Port Framework,” said Stockigt.
“Western Port deserves a lasting plan that protects its environment, supports local communities and provides certainty for future generations.”
The Western Port Framework was created by the Victoria National Parks Association in collaboration with Save Westernport, the Western Port Biosphere Foundation, and Environment Victoria.
The framework would bring together government, councils, Traditional Owners, scientists and communities to develop a coordinated, science-based plan for the entire bay.
Amy Northwood from Environment Victoria said “there has been strong support across the bay from local communities and environmental organisations. This would only require a $2-3m government investment to develop a plan for Western Port”.
Northwood said it would identify and protect important habitats, guide appropriate development, and establish a dedicated fund for environmental restoration and action.
She said a healthy Western Port is good for wildlife, local families, tourism, and the future of our coastal communities.
“We need to plan for the future of the bay before decisions are made that could permanently change it,” said Northwood.
“Western Port needs a plan that looks at the whole bay — not just one project, one shoreline or one piece of habitat.”
Western Port is home to significant Ramsar wetlands, seagrass meadows, mangroves, diverse wildlife, and rich birdlife.
Campaigners say the bay is facing increased pressure due to urban expansion, pollution, and major industrial and infrastructure proposals.
These include the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal (VRET) at the Port of Hastings and potential development of Defence Department land at HMAS Cerberus.
Stockigt said there are scientific concerns including seagrass loss, impacts on marine habitats, migratory shorebird habitat, cumulative environmental impacts, and deteriorating environmental health indicators identified in government reporting.
In 2021, the proposed AGL floating gas import terminal at Crib Point was rejected on environmental grounds following a major community campaign (“State terminates AGL’s gas import plan”, The News, 31/03/21).
Stockigt said five years on, they are still waiting for the state government to support a whole-of-bay plan for Western Port’s future.
She said there needs to be a plan that protects Western Port’s wildlife and environment, supports local communities, and helps guide sustainable opportunities for the region.
“Western Port belongs to all of us,” said Stockigt.
“Come together, sign on and help protect our bay for generations to come.”
You can sign up for the event at: events.humanitix.com/wild-about-western-port and support the whole-of-bay plan at: actforwesternportbay.au
First published in the Western Port News – 21 October 2026
