Wednesday, 25 May 2022

Western Port woodlands

Ms CRUGNALE (Bass) (19:15): (6383) My adjournment matter is for the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, and the action I seek is for the minister to meet with representatives of the Save Western Port Woodlands group. Most of us have driven down the Bass Highway past the Gurdies and the Grantville Nature Conservation Reserve without taking the time to stop, walk in and appreciate its uniqueness and, at its high points, the views over Western Port Bay. The Victorian National Parks Association’s 2021 report, which has their site investigation area going from Grantville to Nyora through to Adams Creek, mentions many threatened species, including the southern brown bandicoot, the powerful owl, the lace monitor and the white-footed dunnart. Threatened fungi and threatened flora include the green-striped greenhood and the spurred helmet orchid.

Over the past year hundreds of people have discovered these beautiful and rare woodlands through walks led by passionate and knowledgeable locals. The group formed in 2020 and has over 300 members. An e-petition was presented to this Parliament calling for a moratorium on sand mining in fragile remnant forest, and I tabled their paper petition on 11 May with over 1000 signatures. Their campaign to protect and enhance this area is supported by community and environmental organisations, including the South Gippsland Conservation Society, the Phillip Island Conservation Society, the Bass Coast branch of the National Trust, the Victorian National Parks Association, Environment Victoria and BirdLife Bass Coast. I look forward to the minister joining with me to meet representatives of the Save Western Port Woodlands Group.