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Bass Coast Shire Council is lending its support to the Victorian Government’s plan to create the Bass Coast Marine and Coastal Park.

The Victorian Government has allocated $19.6 million to the project, which will see the amalgamation of existing Parks and Reserves along 40 kms of coast, from San Remo to Inverloch. Once the new Marine and Coastal Park is in place, a walking trail will be created to link Inverloch to San Remo.

The Project will amalgamate Bunurong Marine Park and Bunurong Coastal Reserve, Punchbowl Coastal Reserve and Kilcunda-Harmers Haven Coastal Reserve, Wonthaggi Heathland Nature Conservation Reserve and Sections of the Kilcunda and Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserves.

Bunurong Marine National Park is not included in the Bass Coast Marine and Coastal Park, which means its level of protection will not change. The creation of the new Marine and Coastal Park will not have any effect on current recreational and commercial fishing opportunities within its footprint, with no new marine protected areas currently proposed for Bass Coast.

Bass Coast Shire Mayor Brett Tessari, said that the creation of the new Marine and Coastal Park and the associated trail provides a great opportunity for Bass Coast, commenting "our spectacular part of the Victorian coastline is home to a wide range of native plants and animals and also includes a number of indigenous cultural heritage sites. It is also the location of Australia’s first dinosaur fossil discovery.

“The new trail and associated infrastructure will improve access to our beaches and will potentially include the creation of a new campground and facilities.

“The Park and the trail are bound to become just another one of the many reasons to visit our region.”

Image of Bunurong Marine Park and Bunurong Coastal Reserve courtesy of VisitMelbourne

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