SAVE WESTERNPORT.ORG
All of Melbourne has a Stake in Westernport MUCH of Westernport Bay is unspoiled and boasts rare and unique species of birds and marine life, scenic beaches, quiet fishing spots, bush walks through native flora and ancient volcanic rock formations. These are the qualities that lure Melburnians in their thousands - qualities that are becoming increasingly rare as development spreads. As city life becomes ever more crowded, increasing numbers of people are escaping to
Westernport and surrounds to get a breather and even to relocate permanently. As Westernport’s growth catches up with the rest of the Mornington Peninsula, communities are now deciding how to protect the natural environment while developing the local economy. Save Westernport believes AGL’s heavy industry plans will damage the region’s reputation as one of Melbourne’s most popular destinations.
Time to Update the Plans FOR decades Westernport locals have been threatened with more heavy industry because old planning rules continue to find their way into newer versions. The Westernport region has transformed over the years through strong residential and commercial growth but planners have failed to keep up. Since those early plans were devised, tens of thousands
of people have moved to the area, bringing schools, hospitals, and businesses with them. Save Westernport wants zoning rules based on the needs of Westernport residents and the local environment. This means taking heavy industry in the area off the table.
A Glimpse of the Future MOST Westernport homes and businesses will be powered by clean energy in under a decade. It could happen much sooner if not for governments’ lead feet. Residents’ energy bills will finally plummet because it’s much harder to charge for sunlight, wind, and locally stored heat and electricity. For the few industries that have no choice but to use fossil fuels, they’ll have all they want because the rest of us won’t need it.
Giant energy companies know big changes are coming and they want to get what they can out of Australia’s natural resources... while they can. Fortunately the tide is against them. Trillions of dollars are slated for clean energy investment and even China and India have joined the energy revolution. Australia’s energy dinosaurs are facing extinction.
Heavy industry is a threat to Westernport’s thriving wildlife. Photo: Gary Wisniewski
Photo: Candy van Rood
Andrews State Labor ment where you stand email Planning Minister Wynne
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AGL’s plan puts Westernport Bay at risk Let AGL know they’re wrong facebook.com/aglenergy/
ollingwood VIC 3066 @parliament.vic.gov.au
ERNPORT.ORG
Western Port News 4 September 2018
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