VIC

Significance of Place

Scenic coastal landscape areas such as the Nirranda Coast to the west, and the Anderson Peninsula west of Kilcunda and the coast line around Cape Liptrap in eastern Victoria, are facing the loss of fl ora and fauna, and damage to their important geological, anthropological and archaeological sites.

These less settled coastal landscapes feature scenic coastal cliffs and headlands with wide-open views across adjacent farmlands, often with minimal roads and buildings. Consequently, there are still numerous bays and beaches with many significant archaeological, anthropological and geological sites, providing habitat for important species of plants and birds. Historically, some of these areas are associated with early maritime disasters such as shipwrecks and early settlement activities.

Description of Threat

Potential threats include construction of wind turbines and associated infrastructure, development of the hinterland for residential purposes, and uncontrolled off-road vehicle access, resulting in loss of habitat, damage to sensitive Aboriginal sites, introduction of weeds and reduced capacity to control their spread, and loss of continuous park reserve.

Action Required

The Great Ocean Road Strategy and Coastal Landscape Initiative recently announced by Mary Delahunty for Planning, is a start, but more needs to be done to protect the full extent of Victoria’s cherished coastline. The Government needs to commit to a program of assessment of signifi cant landscapes for inclusion on the Victorian Heritage Register, and local government protection through the consistent use of Significant Landscape Overlays, as set out in the Victorian Planning Scheme.