COAST CONSERVATION

A 10-YEAR strategy to protect and enhance an important stretch of the Bellarine’s south-east coastline has been endorsed by the City of Greater Geelong and will now be submitted to the state government for approval.

Covering the “green wedge” between Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale’s urban fringe, the Southeast Bellarine Coast Coastal and Marine Management Plan (CMMP) will guide future strategies on how best to preserve one of the areas last remaining areas of nature.

Containing woodlands, wetlands and dunes, the area was recently recognised as being a State Significant Landscape and the CMMP puts in place principles on how authorities will work with local land managers Borough of Queenscliffe, Barwon Coast Committee of Management and Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.

Geelong mayor Peter Murrihy said council’s support of the plan showed a commitment to conserving the environment and achieving a net gain of biodiversity within greater Geelong.

“The south-east corner of the Bellarine is home to one of the last remnants of continual biodiversity in the region, so it’s imperative we put plans in place to protect and enhance it,” he said.

The 2022-2032 plan calls for close collaboration with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners and land management, landholder, and community representative groups, with a focus on:

• Protecting and enhancing biodiversity values and threatened ecological communities
• Protecting the hooded plover and beach-nesting birds
• Eradicating woody weeds and reducing high threat herbaceous weeds
• Reducing the threats posed by pest animals, including rabbits and foxes
• Understanding and preparing for climate change impacts, and
• Providing better community access to natural areas.

Spanning from Queenscliff through Buckley Park Foreshore Reserve and on to the mouth of the Barwon River – and beyond to Breamlea – the area is intrinsically linked through water flows to the Bonneyvale wetlands, Lake Victoria and Swan Bay.

The area also contains critical habitat for the endangered prange-bellied parrot, breeding areas for the hooded plover and other endangered migratory birds.

Bellarine Ward councillor and environment portfolio chair Jim Mason said the management plan would help the city meet its commitments to preserving the area and guide investment over the next decade.

“We want to strengthen our habitat links, improve water quality, and protect our significant cultural and heritage values,” Cr Mason said.

With much of the area inaccessible by road, he said a key aim of council was to help residents and visitors become more connected to the local environment.

“We can do this by improving access to these beautiful areas, and by making sure the views and seascapes are protected.”