The cooler months are well and truly taking hold along the Bellarine but there is no sign of activity slowing down in this beautiful part of the world.
There is never a dull moment in Ocean Grove, with plenty happening in all walks of life.
At council’s most recent meeting on Tuesday, councillors voted to open the draft Southeast Bellarine Coast (4W-Collendina) Coastal and Marine Management Plan for 30 days of community feedback.
Feedback from the community provides great insight into the views of locals on a range of issues and I am pleased this opportunity has arisen.
The vision for the draft management plan is to prioritise the recognition, protection and enhancement of the Bellarine Southeast Coast of coastal and marine ecosystems, while fostering cultural connection and community stewardship.
It was informed by extensive and wide-spread community engagement with community, landholder, tourism and land manager stakeholders, as well as the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners Aboriginal Corporation.
In essence the project incorporates the dune system, woodlands and wetlands along the southern coast of the Bellarine between Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale, which is one of the most important conservation areas in the region.
This area has extensive and significant cultural heritage and historical sites, and plays a vital role in protection from coastal and climate change impacts.
To achieve the plan’s vision, there are five key objectives: Acknowledge Traditional Owners’ rights, aspirations and knowledge; Protect and enhance the marine and coastal environment; Respect natural processes and strengthen resilience to climate change; Use and develop sustainably; and Promote stewardship and collaborative management.
As a council and as a community, it is important that we continue to do what we can to meet the needs of this unique, remote, and environmentally and culturally significant coastal environment.
I encourage residents to share their views via the council’s Your Say page.
