By CAM LUCADOU-WELLS
THE rapidly-advancing urban sprawl is tipping the ecological and economic balance in the UNESCO-branded Western Port Biosphere, the regionâs foundation has reported.
Western Port Biosphere Foundationâs chairman Duncan Malcolm last week unveiled its first âpilotâ report card since the biosphere reserve was designated in 2002 for its âexceptional ecological values on the fringe of an expanding cityâ.
He stated in the report that the region had been a âfocus of significant expansionâ of the urban growth boundary.
The subsequent loss of farmland was creating âpressuresâ on traditional agriculture and could change the âeconomic balanceâ as well as biodiversity, Mr Duncan wrote.
âWith the loss of arable land to housing within the biosphere, we are losing valuable food production capacity on the fringe of ⊠the huge metropolitan Melbourne population centre.â
Mr Malcolm also warned of the impacts of substantial dredging if the proposed Port of Hastings expansion went ahead.
The region, which covers the land, air and water surrounding Western Port, French and Phillip islands, recently passed UNESCOâs 10-year review.
It comprises parts of Frankston, Casey, Cardinia, Bass Coast councils and the entire Mornington Peninsula shire.
Each of the member councils had plans to reduce carbon emissions such as renewable energy for council buildings and energy-efficient street lighting, the report card stated.
At the report card launch, Mr Malcolm said the next report would look closely at how many biosphere residents worked close to home.
In Casey just 24 per cent of biosphere residents worked within the area; in Cardinia that figure was 29 per cent.
Mr Malcolm posed the question: what would be the impact if an extra 10 per cent of residents worked in the biosphere?
âWhilst recognising and valuing the differences and individuality of each council ⊠there are values common to everyone,â Mr Malcolm said.
âWe have an opportunity to work together as a region to protect and conserve, while also fostering a vibrant economy and a rich social fabric.â
Cardinia Cr David Young told the launch that the foundation and councils had to âengage with the broader community ⊠that reside in this terrific environment.â
âWhere weâll make the biggest change wonât be the cultural change (already occurring) in the council ⊠the most significant change is with the broader community.â
Casey mayor Mick Morland said just 7 per cent of native vegetation remained in the municipality.
In response, the council was planting 100,000 items of native flora each year and reducing pest plants on the Western Port shores and Cardinia Creek.