Greens urge backdown on Bastion Point

The Victorian Greens today called for a commitment from Labor, Liberal and Independent Craig Ingram to join the Australian Greens in backing the community’s proposal for a low impact boat ramp at Bastion Point, Mallacoota.

Photo: June, Jenny, Samantha and
Dave near Bastion Point, Mallacoota
“The community has worked hard to come up with an alternative that meets the needs of locals, it’s up to the other parties to step up to the plate and endorse the community’s plan,” said Samantha Dunn, Greens candidate for Eastern Victoria on a visit to Bastion Point today.

“The independent panel found the project, currently backed by Minister Madden, doesn’t demonstrate any socio-economic and environmental benefits, is likely to be of detriment to tourism and be a financial burden into the future. It’s time to put the brakes on this expensive white elephant and support the community’s win-win solution.

“This is a stunningly beautiful part of Victoria, it beggars belief that the Labor Party and Independent, Craig Ingram support this industrial scale proposal which puts at risk boats exiting and entering broadside to the waves whilst the break wall would impact on sightlines.

“The people of Mallacoota don’t want this massive overdevelopment which would have huge impact on the natural values of Bastion Point. It’s time to see sense and support the community’s more sensitive and cost effective plan to upgrade the boat ramp. Their proposal is less than one fifth the cost of the current plan.

“The Greens in parliament support the community’s proposal as it improves ocean access, upgrades the boat ramp, provides safety for all and maintains the beauty of Bastion Point.

“We need political representatives who are for the local community, not vested interests.

Further information: Samantha Dunn 0429 29 29 04 or samantha.dunn@vic.greens.org.au