Following the success of the ‘stop the AGL gas terminal’ campaign in 2021, it was clear there is an urgent need to tackle the declining health, ongoing threats, and lack of coordinated management of one of Victoria’s most significant marine biodiversity areas — Western Port Bay, the state’s second-largest bay. In collaboration with local groups, ...
Victorian National Parks Association
The Western Port Bay Framework
GOAL
$35,000
Australia > VIC > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Community and economic development
- Environment conservation and climate change
Target Population
- Flora / fauna
Victorian National Parks Association
The Victorian National Parks Association is an effective and influential not-for-profit, non-government and membership-based nature conservation organisation that has led the creation, protection and defence of Victoria’s natural estate for over 70 years. VNPA advocates for evidence-based policy to safeguard wildlife, habitat and protected areas.
Project Summary
Following the success of the ‘stop the AGL gas terminal’ campaign in 2021, it was clear there is an urgent need to tackle the declining health, ongoing threats, and lack of coordinated management of one of Victoria’s most significant marine biodiversity areas — Western Port Bay, the state’s second-largest bay.
In collaboration with local groups, we are advocating for the Victorian Government to deliver the Western Port Bay Framework – a bold new plan, partnership, and dedicated fund to protect the Bay’s wetlands and support sustainable marine and tourism industries.
The framework will strengthen the case for urgent action to address a long history of poor planning and management that have led to ecological decline.
VNPA will mobilise grassroots community support, empowering diverse stakeholders — including tourism, fishing, government, land managers, business, and community groups — to take collective action for the Bay’s future. By celebrating the Bay’s unique marine life, addressing risky industrial and energy proposals, and promoting shared leadership, it will advance new approaches to caring for this internationally recognised wetland and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Project Outcomes
The Western Port Bay Framework is a bold plan and partnership to protect the Bay’s wetlands, marine life, and tourism values. By strengthening our organisation’s capacity to lead the development of the Framework, we hope to use our seven decades of nature advocacy experience to and protect and secure the long-term future of Western Port Bay.
Funding will enable us to deepen partnerships, expand community engagement, and elevate recognition of the Bay’s ecological and cultural significance.
With additional support, we can grow grassroots awareness of the urgent need to safeguard Western Port Bay, building a diverse coalition across community, government, business, and industry. We hope to see stronger collaboration with Traditional Owners, ensuring cultural knowledge and connection to Country guide our collective approach.
Our advocacy will focus on driving evidence-based decision-making and greater government leadership, accountability, and coordination for the Bay’s sustainable future.
This project will not only create a strong model for Western Port Bay but also serve as a pilot for other marine and coastal environments across Victoria, trialling the State Government’s new approach to marine planning.
Ultimately, we hope this project will lay the foundation for enduring protection and stewardship of Western Port Bay for generations to come.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $60,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| VNPA donors | $25,000 |
| Funding gap | $35,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Wages - Marine Campaigner to lead the organisation and facilitation of project activities activities, including events and communications, directed towards local leaders, tourism operators, local government and local business | $25,000 |
| Community engagement activities, including events and communications, directed towards local leaders, tourism operators, local government and local business. | $5,000 |
| Scientific analysis (including of developer reports and proposals) | $2,000 |
| Project related travel expenses | $3,000 |
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