Wind Farm Staging area at Port of Hastings Back on the Cards
The Victorian government, through the Port of Hastings Corporation, is seeking to breathe new life into the wind farm proposal following the rejection of the plan in January by the federal Environment Minister. Read the MP News story here…
And there’s more more wind farm details and other info in our June newsletter here…
Our FY 2022-23 AGM
Save Westernport held its Annual General Meeting for the 2022/23 financial year on Saturday 20th of April at the beautiful Coolart Homestead, Somers. Read more… Photo – Outgoing Save Westernport president Candy Van Rood, incoming president Jane Carnegie, and featured speakers Laura Brearley and Jo Lane.
Brown coal to hydrogen? Tell Japan HESC no!
The Japanese Government is supporting an international consortium to use Victoria’s dirty brown coal to produce hydrogen for export. The Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain (HESC) project is a climate disaster without a business case or social licence. Westernport’s Port of Hastings is a major part of the plan. Go here to read more and say NO!
Coal to Hydrogen Doesn’t Work
Jane from Save Westernport explains why Japan’s Coal-to-Hydrogen proposal is bad news for Victoria, and for our Climate.
Federal Minister Saves Westernport
On December 18, 2023, the Federal Minister for the Environment, Tanya Plibersek made an extraordinary decision to block the Victorian Government proposal to use Hastings and Westernport Bay as the staging post for building the wind turbines for the State’s proposed offshore windfarms in Gippsland. The decision was made in accord with the Environmental Protection Biodiversity & Conservation (EPBC) Act. Read more…
Feds, Citing Environmental Concerns, Reject Port of Hastings as Wind Farm Staging Area
“What makes this decision so incredible is that she [Tanya Plibersek, Federal minister for the Environment and Water] has done so using her powers under the EPBC Act where a proposal is so deleterious to the environment that it is ‘clearly unacceptable’ and can be rejected without any further examination.”
Read Save Westernport’s full response here
Westernport
Westernport’s internationally recognised ecosystems are home to amazing wildlife, incredibly diverse wetlands and idyllic beaches. But, if you’re reading this you probably know just how special Westernport Bay is. This is why generations have fought to protect it – and now it’s our turn.
Endangered Species
The critically endangered Eastern Curlew uses Westernport’s wetlands to feed and recover before returning on the long journey back to its breeding grounds in Siberia. With fewer than 70 in the wild, the equally endangered Orange-bellied Parrot also uses Westernport’s resources over winter before returning to summer in Tasmania. They are the world’s only migratory parrot, and this year Westernport was chosen as the perfect site to release hand-raised chicks that will increase wild populations. These are just two of many endangered species that rely on the ecology of the Bay for survival.
Recovering Wetland
Westernport’s wetlands are undergoing a long recovery from damage caused by agricultural run-off and industrial pollution in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s. Countless plants and animals have re-established themselves and their future looks good, as long as we can stop any further industrialization of Westernport.
Stop the destruction
The inappropriate demands of heavy industry that defined the Port of Hastings in the 1960s must now be weighed against the urgent need to protect biodiversity and prevent ecosystem collapse. Nothing short of world’s best practice can reverse the damage. You can help by becoming a member of Save Westernport, and by signing up for our newsletter updates here.
Stop The Threat!
Many large corporations and even our own Victorian Government still regard Westernport as a potential heavy industry zone or port. Our work is ‘cut out for us’ in our passion to protect this unique biosphere, & Ramsar designated wetlands.
Scroll down to find out more.
Upcoming Events
Looking to see what we’re all about here at Save Westernport? Come along to one of our upcoming events to get a better idea of what we’re all about and what you can do to help!
