Environment HQ tops Bellarine groups five-year want list

Corangamite MP Libby Coker addresses the crowd at this month's launch of Bellarine Catchment Network's five-year plan. Photos: SUPPLIED

BELLARINE Catchment Network (BCN) is dreaming of a dedicated, centralised facility as a new headquarters for its range of environmental agencies and initiatives, under a new five-year planning document.

Bellarine Catchment Network (BCN) launched its five-year strategic plan at Curlewis Golf Club earlier this month, which sets out medium-term strategies to preserve and strengthen the region’s environmental values for the future.

An idea to acquire a centralised facility is near the top of BCN’s mid-term wishlist, in a proposal it said would develop and environmental and educational facility for the Bellarine region.

Graeme O’Leary and Kylie Rawson. Photos: SUPPLIED

“I’m particularly excited about pursuing the concept of building an Environmental Education and Community Centre, which will support our members and the Bellarine and Geelong communities achieve their environmental aspirations and goals,” BCN president Graeme O’Leary said.

The regional headquarters idea was part of the network’s 2023-2028 Strategic Plan that it recently unveiled.

BCN said its plan aimed to provide strategic direction for its next five years to support its delivery of ecological restoration services, education and community engagement across the region.

Michael Skinner and Naomi Wells. Photos: SUPPLIED

The plan’s umbrella initiatives included:

· Activate: Deliver evidence-based biodiversity and sustainability services that inspire action for the environment
· Engage: Foster an engaged, educated and diverse community who care for the land and water of the Bellarine catchment and its flora and fauna, and
· Empower: Build and empower a collaborative network delivering projects in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Special guests included federal Corangamite MP Libby Coker, representatives from outgoing state Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, Western Victoria MP Andy Meddick, Borough of Queenscliffe councillors and local state election candidates for the upper and lower houses.

A total of 75 people were in attendance for the launch, including members of BCN’s network of 35 groups, organisations and agencies.