Overview

Prior to the creation of a Southeast Bellarine Biolink Master Plan, the City has drafted a Southeast Bellarine Coast - Coastal and Marine Management Plan (CMMP) in accordance with the Marine and Coastal Act 2018 for the management of Crown land foreshore section between 4W - Collendina.

A Master Plan for the entire Southeast Bellarine region including the natural foreshore from Ocean Grove through to Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve, plus the Lonsdale Lake Wildlife Reserve and adjoining land will be drafted. This document will outline assessment findings as well as contain graphical representations of proposed actions. It is expected that once the draft Master Plan is complete it will also be released to the public for review and input.

  • The Southeast Bellarine Coast CMMP was approved by Council on the 25th October 2022. The Plan now sites with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning for endorsement.
  • The draft Southeast Bellarine Biolink Master Plan is expected to go to Council for consideration and approval for release later this year/early 2023.

Southeast Bellarine Biolink Videos

Click on a title below to watch a short video.

About the area

The Southeast Bellarine Biolink relates to the coastal dune system, woodlands and wetlands along the southern coast of the Bellarine which retains some of the last remaining areas for nature in the region. This area, in Wadawurrung country, covers the ‘green wedge’ between the Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale urban fringe.

The landscape is intrinsically linked via water flows from Bonnyvale wetlands, through the natural coastal wetlands of the Lake Victoria system and then through to Swan Bay, which is managed by Parks Victoria. This area has extensive and significant cultural heritage and historical sites, and plays a vital role as a dune system in the protection of coastal and climate change impacts.

The environmental features of the region provide habitat for threatened species and communities listed under the Environment and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988. This includes Coastal Moonah Woodland, Coastal Saltmarsh, Orange-bellied Parrot and migratory bird habitat and Hooded Plover breeding areas.

Background

In 2019 the Ocean Grove Community Association (OGCA) organised a public forum to discuss future developments between the townships of Point Lonsdale and Ocean Grove. The OCGA's vision statement will be considered through this project, along with input from other key community groups and stakeholders in the region.

Click on the headings below for further information about the management, aims of the project and funding.

The master plan will provide an overarching vision and guidance for the area, outline the desired outcomes and recommend suitable opportunities and priority actions to be implemented in protecting and enhancing this nationally significant conservation region.

The City will conduct consultation for the Southeast Bellarine Master Plan with adjacent land managers, private land holders and the community. This process aims to involve the Geelong community in sharing ideas and developing a greater sense of stewardship of the site.

Threats, values and opportunities will also be evaluated in consultation with the Wadawurrung Traditional Owners, in line with their Healthy Country Plan.

The project coincides with the delivery by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning Distinctive Area Landscape (DAL) Project. The Draft Statement of Planning Policy, which has just been released, aims to conserve and enhance the significant landscapes, environment, biodiversity and cultural heritage of the region.

  • $160,000 of Council funding has been allocated for the facilitation, engagement, investigation and development of the strategy.

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