Council
5 March, 2025
Committee launched to protect coastline
MOYNE Shire Council has appointed eight experienced locals to join a new committee to guide the review of a strategy protecting the shire’s coastline.
A new Environment and Sustainability Strategy (ESS) Temporary Advisory Committee earned unanimous support from councillors at last week’s Ordinary Meeting of Council.
The committee will oversee the review and updating of the existing ESS, including exploring opportunities and risks to local coastlines associated with offshore oil, gas and offshore windfarm exploration.
The new ESS will guide Moyne Shire’s environmental management and sustainability practices for a 10-year period.
The committee will be tasked with representing the views of community and industry in the development of the new ESS, but has no authority to make council decisions and will be disbanded following the endorsement of the new ESS.
The committee will consist of Moyne Shire councillors Jordan Lockett and Lisa Ryan, council officers and between two and eight members of the public.
Eight community representatives received endorsement at last week’s meeting:
Mark Gervis – Koroit;
Emily Davies – Koroit;
Lisette Mill - Laang/Panmure;
Geoff Deppeler – Peterborough;
Andrew Patterson - Port Fairy;
Jack Carter - Port Fairy;
Geoff Rollinson – Purnim, and
Susan Bosch – Woorndoo.
In addition, an external consultant will also assist with the development of the strategy.
Councillor Jim Doukas questioned if the committee would be “anti-development in relation to oil, gas and wind farms” based on the verbiage in the report.
“It talks about wind farm exploration, but what about wind farm construction?” he said.
“It’s got that little sort of feel about it.
“Another question would be why is it a ten-year period?”
Director Environment, Economy and Place Jodie McNamara said 10 years would typically be an appropriate amount of time for a strategy, and the profile of the committee seeks to maintain balance and make sure all views are heard.
Cr Doukas also questioned the cost of a consultant over a two-year period, fearing it could “get a little out of hand”.
The question was taken on notice.
The motion was moved by Cr Lockett, who said he was “very excited at the calibre of applicants”.
“One, for the breadth from across the shire and, two, for the expertise – it’s very exciting,” he said.
“I’m really looking forward to getting this committee happening.
“It’s a good point Cr Doukas raised because with such expertise we may not need a consultant – there are some bona fide gurus.
“I’m looking forward to getting down and doing some great work.”
Cr Ryan, as seconder of the motion, said the experience of the community representatives would position the committee well.
“I think it’s wonderful council is putting an emphasis on the Environment and Sustainability Strategy,” she said.
“It’s wonderful that we are engaging our wonderful, knowledgeable, experienced community to help inform that strategy.
“I’m very excited for this advisory committee.”
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