The public is being encouraged to have their say on the development of a coastal management plan (CMP) for Belfast Coastal Reserve, with community consultation now underway.
The CMP supports the Labor Government’s work to manage the reserve, a 17-kilometre stretch of coastal land between Port Fairy and Warrnambool.
The need for a CMP was highlighted last year with heightened community concerns about commercial horse training on the reserve’s beaches.
It will provide a long-term vision for managing this valued environmental and recreational asset, and will reflect community values and needs – underpinned by the principles of environmental protection, cultural heritage and public safety.
Its development will be led by Parks Victoria and the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, supported by a comprehensive program of community consultation throughout the first of half of 2017.
The first stage of consultation throughout January and February will include workshops with land managers Parks Victoria, Warrnambool City Council and Moyne Shire Council. This phase also includes preliminary conversations with traditional owners, environmental groups and the racing industry.
A second phase of engagement from February to June will involve other interest groups and the broader community, and invite contributions to gather local knowledge, ideas, issues and opportunities for managing Belfast Coastal Reserve.
The outcomes of the consultation will contribute to the development of a draft CMP in late 2017, which will be shared with stakeholders and the community for further comment.
If you want to have your say on the future of the Belfast Coastal Reserve visit:
Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio
“We want the local community to help us develop a coastal management plan that balances the diversity of values and views surrounding the Belfast Coastal Reserve.”
“I encourage everyone who feels strongly about this issue to take this opportunity to shape how this much loved coastal area should be managed into the future.”
Reviewed 19 August 2020