Wetlands plan

THE City of Casey could take over a large parcel of wetlands to create a tourist attraction along the coastal villages, in a proposal put to them but two private land owners.
At Tuesday night’s council meeting, councillors unanimously voted for a motion to investigate the proposal that would see the council acquire 150 hectares of privately owned Ramsar Wetlands between Tooradin and Blind Bight.
The motion, put by Councillor Geoff Ablett, said the land owners would donate about 150 hectares of coastal wetlands to the council in exchange for being able to subdivide some 10-acre blocks on their South Gippsland Highway frontage.
The council agreed for officers, in conjunction with community groups and residents, to discuss the proposal.
Cr Ablett said the discussion could start much-needed research into the possibility of using the seaside wetlands land for a boardwalk.
Cr Ablett said the boardwalk was proposed some time ago to link Tooradin and Blind Bight for a magnificent tourist attraction and environmental experience – and this proposal could allow it to happen.
“This would see the council take control of the land,” he said.
“It would be a significant tourist attraction.
“I understand the fragile nature of these wetlands, so I don’t know what types of problems lie ahead with this, so that’s why I have asked for a report into it.
“Opportunities like this don’t come along every day, so I think it’s something we definitely need to look into.”
A report will come back to the council on the investigation in the next three months.