CATCHMENT groups are ramping up their advocacy for improved protection of the region\u2019s wetlands after the state government\u2019s peak planning and resource management authority nominated 11 sites for Ramsar listing.<\/p>\n
The long-awaited boundary review of the region\u2019s Ramsar wetlands and other sites considered worthy of greater environmental protections were released for consultation by Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) earlier this month and are open for comment until June 10.<\/p>\n
The sites under consideration are located in Point Cook, Point Wilson, Avalon Coast, Moolap Point Henry, the Lake Connewarre complex that covers Breamlea and Karaaf, coastal areas of St Leonards and Edwards Point \u2013 Swan Bay, as well the Lonsdale Lakes.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe values of the Ramsar wetlands are under increasing pressure \u2026 this is well understood by the Bellarine community and, as a Network of environmental groups, we are committed to initiatives that strengthen, protect and enhance these values,\u201d Bellarine Catchment Network President Graeme O\u2019Leary said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe welcome this approach to look at the Ramsar boundaries and encourage the broader community to comment on the review.\u201d<\/p>\n
As part of its advocacy campaign, the Bellarine Catchment Network is working with schools, community groups and land managers to educate and involve the community in Ramsar management.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is a great opportunity to strengthen and heighten the protection of the Ramsar values,\u201d the group\u2019s program manager Matt Crawley said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf Ramsar listing improves the management of these wetlands from current levels then the CCMA (Corangamite Catchment Management Authority) would support this,\u201d said a spokesperson for the Authority, that is managing the community engagement process on behalf of DELWP.<\/p>\n
Outlining the elevated level of protection that Ramsar listing affords a wetland site, the CCMA spokesperson said \u201cRamsar wetlands across the country are considered Matters of National<\/p>\n
Environmental Significance under the federal government\u2019s Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act and are thus protected under this act.\u201d<\/p>\n
A series of online information sessions are being held about the process, for more information visit: https:\/\/engage.vic.gov.au\/project\/port-phillip-bay-and-bellarine-peninsula-ramsar-site-boundary-review\/meetings<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
CATCHMENT groups are ramping up their advocacy for improved protection of the region\u2019s wetlands after the state government\u2019s peak planning and resource management authority nominated 11 sites for Ramsar listing. The long-awaited boundary review of the region\u2019s Ramsar wetlands and other sites considered worthy of greater environmental protections were released for consultation by Department of […]<\/p>\n