The Andrews Labor Government is delivering its election commitment to stand up for the Victorian community and end a large-scale, inappropriate development at Point Nepean National Park.
The previous Liberal Government signed a 50-year lease with Point Leisure group with an option for another 49 years, only six weeks before the election. The lease allows for 64 hectares of Point Nepean National Park to be developed into a recreation and leisure precinct.
The proposed development was only signed off after the Liberals rewrote the National Parks Act 1975, which allowed for long term leases in national parks.
The amended laws meant that the views of the Victorian community were ignored in the final proposal to develop Point Nepean National Park.
The community only saw a broad concept plan, on which they had only less than one month to comment.
The Liberals also signed off on a final proposal that was beyond what the community originally agreed to. Further, while locals were unhappy with the final plan, the amended laws meant that no additional community consultation was required.
The Labor Government has been unwavering in its commitment to stand up for the Victorian community, consistently opposing the lessee’s proposal as an inappropriate development of Point Nepean National Park
The Government has been unable to reach an agreement with Point Leisure Group regarding voluntary termination of the lease, and discussions regarding costs incurred of up to $1 million as allowed for under the lease signed by the Liberals will now take place.
In 2010, the previous Labor Government drafted the Point Nepean National Park Masterplan, with a vision of putting a plan in place that both the Government and the community agreed upon.
We will look to refresh the 2010 draft Masterplan, ensuring it reflects current policy, community views, and future opportunities for the site.
Quotes attributable to Acting Minister for Environment, Climate Change and Water, Gavin Jennings
“The Liberals cut the community out of the process, and on the eve of the election signed off on a plan that was not what Victorians wanted.”
“It is yet another example of how the Victorian Liberals rushed decisions and didn’t care about the interests of Victorians.”
“Labor promised to stand up for the Point Nepean community on this development, and we’re keeping our word.”
“We’ll work with the community and business to come up with an outcome that works for everyone.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020