United Nations agency UNESCO has reconfirmed Western Port Biosphere Reserve as a unique place of biodiversity, but notes that it faces new challenges.
The agency reviewed the biosphere’s activities and support, and in late August confirmed its status as one of 748 special places across the globe: the international biosphere reserve network.
Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve, Western Port Biosphere for short, is one of five reserves in Australia and the only one in the southeast. The others are in Queensland – Sunshine Coast, Great Sandy and Noosa – and Fitzgerald in Western Australia (Bremer Bay).
The UN through UNESCO proclaimed Western Port and the Mornington Peninsula a biosphere reserve in December 2002. It is 2142 square kilometres and takes in five local government areas including all of Mornington Peninsula Shire. UNESCO promotes international collaboration in education, science and culture.
Biosphere CEO Mel Barker said retaining UNESCO status was “fantastic recognition of the collaboration of our many partners and communities to ensure the future of habitats, biodiversity and communities” of the reserve.
Ms Barker said UNESCO had noted future challenges for the biosphere. “Western Port is a critical economic and environmental asset for Victoria and it needs a strategic plan for its effective management.
“With its internationally acclaimed Ramsar wetlands, thousands of migratory birds, tracts of natural woodlands and unique marine environment, Western Port needs to be given equal recognition to neighbouring Port Phillip, which has a management plan.”
Pressures on the biosphere reserve included “the planned transition to renewable energy and hydrogen production; the potential impacts of mining, agricultural and residential development; and societal impacts such as waste management and recreational activities”.
Since 2021, hydrogen made from brown coal in the Latrobe Valley has been liquefied at Hastings and will be shipped to Japan. The world’s first hydrogen tanker, Suiso Frontier, arrived at Hastings in early 2022 on a test voyage.
In mid-September the State Government announced a terminal to assemble offshore wind turbines would be built beside Western Port near Hastings.
It would be equipped “for the receival, assembly and installation of offshore wind foundations, towers and turbines as a multi-user facility, with new berths, heavy duty pavements and major supporting infrastructure”.
The government has promised a “thorough environment effects statement (EES) process allowing the community to make submissions before the project progresses”.
Marine scientists and conservationists are nervous about the effects on wildlife of proposed dredging near the planned terminal as well as treatment of stormwater run-off and increased shipping and its potential negative effects.
Mornington Peninsula Shire Mayor Steve Holland said the reconfirmation was “wonderful news” and the UNESCO status showed “how unique our Peninsula is”.
“The shire looks after this precious land by controlling weeds in bushland reserves, improving or creating habitat, managing feral species, providing support to local Friends and Landcare groups, and supporting landowners to create habitat corridors.”
Ms Barker said the State Government had recently allocated $1.2 million for marine ecosystems and blue carbon to be shared by the biosphere and Bunurong Aboriginal Land Council.
In its confirmation letter, UNESCO commended the actions and programs implemented to ensure the future of the reserve, including:
- Increased recognition of traditional custodians of Country;
- Mapping, restoration and creation of blue carbon ecosystems for climate mitigation being done in conjunction with Deakin University’s Blue Carbon Lab;
- Federal Government-funded monitoring of biodiversity; and,
- Establishment of a council liaison committee to engage and co-ordinate with local government.
UNESCO also praised community group Save Westernport for leading the successful campaign to stop AGL’s gas import terminal at Crib Point.
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