You Yangs master plan attracts opposition

LARA residents are urging extensive revisions to a draft plan for the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary, claiming Serendip’s future as a wildlife attraction is at risk.

Released for feedback at the end of August, the draft You Yangs Precinct Master Plan has been prepared for the precinct that, according to the state government, “aims to protect and enhance the natural and cultural assets that have already established the precinct, while also identifying new facilities, infrastructure and unique experiences that can be offered to establish it as a leading visitor destination”.

There has been some community opposition to elements of the plan, particularly the proposed removal of all captive breeding enclosures and other wildlife enclosures from the sanctuary, and a change.org petition started by local vet Julia Ferguson and titled “Save Serendip Sanctuary” has attracted more than 15,000 signatures.

The Township of Lara Care Group, a not-for-profit incorporated community group established in 2004 by residents in the Lara region to protect Serendip Sanctuary from threats to its operations and activities, has also lodged a submission to the draft plan.

In his submission, TLC Group president Barry White said the most important omission in the draft plan was recognition of the role of wildlife and conservation principles at both the You Yangs and Serendip Sanctuary.

“There is no reference to existing populations or assessment of the impacts of some major proposals in the plan on resident birds and animals at both sites, despite the central role that these play in nature tourism and visitor attraction. Indeed, there is virtually no reference at all in the plan to wildlife conservation, management and viewing.

“Certainly, in the case of Serendip, the likely impacts of camping, music and public events, and removal of core infrastructure, would lead to the disappearance of the wildlife, which is its central attraction.

“The inclusion of a new walkway to circle the western dam is inappropriate and badly advised as wildlife (birds and animals) would be scared away.

“Accordingly, we strongly reject this draft master plan as currently proposed.”

Mr White said the plan failed to recognise the main features that made Serendip Sanctuary a major visitor destination.

“Importantly, the wildlife viewing and conservation opportunities based on the existing layout and infrastructure design have not been well understood. The impression given, reinforced in subsequent discussions with Parks Victoria staff and consultants, is that the present configuration either fails or is not consistent with a future vision for the sanctuary.

“We contend that this is not the problem. It is the failure to adequately fund the infrastructure to maintain and properly resource the operation of Serendip which is the main problem.

“Wildlife in a natural setting is central to Serendip Sanctuary’s attraction.

“This is what needs to be the focus of renewal and development, not a series of new buildings or facilities, which while certainly needed, are subsidiary to the main roles of wildlife conservation, breeding, protection and viewing.”

Read the draft master plan at engage.vic.gov.au/future-investment-you-yangs-and-serendip-sanctuary.