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Protecting Western Port

The wetlands of Western Port are identified as having international significance. They provide support to a variety of flora and fauna species, including those listed under international treaties, bilateral agreements, and national and state legislation.

Ramsar protection program

The Convention on Wetlands, also known as the Ramsar Agreement is the intergovernmental treaty that provides the framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. 90% of UN member states, including Australia, have agreed to be "Contracting Parties" to the agreement.

Western Port is one of 11 wetlands in Victoria listed under the Ramsar Agreement. The City of Casey has received funding through the Australian Government to participate in a 3-year project titled the ‘Ramsar Protection Project’. This Project will be administered by the Port Phillip and Western Port Catchment Management Authority.

Ramsar protection project aims:

The Ramsar Protection Program aims to reduce threats to the region’s Ramsar-listed wetlands, such as pest plants and animals, and increase community understanding of the importance of wetlands and how to protect them.

Specialist programs include fox and rabbit control, weed control and fencing.

Find out more

To find out more about the Ramsar protection program, and what Council are doing:

Get involved

Several great organisations work together to protect the natural wonders of Western Port.

Western Port Biosphere Reserve Foundation

The Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere Reserve—known as the Western Port Biosphere Reserve for short—was declared by UNESCO in 2002, following nomination by the community, and state and local governments.

The Biosphere Reserve Foundation aims to promote sustainable development in and around Western Port through research, education, community engagement, partnerships and on-ground conservation efforts.

The City of Casey, along with the other 4 Western Port Councils, is a member of the Biosphere Reserve Foundation.

Dolphin Research Institute

The Dolphin Research Institute (DRI) has over 25 years of dolphin research. Their work focuses on 3 areas:

  • research for conservation
  • education for the next generation
  • environmental leadership for the community

Cranbourne Shire Historical Society

The Cranbourne Shire Historical Society collects and maintains the history of the former Shire of Cranbourne, with an emphasis on the history of the towns of Cranbourne and Tooradin. The Society meets on the fourth Thursday of the month at the Old Shire Offices in Cranbourne.

To find out more, contact them on (03) 5998 3643.

Friends groups

Many Friends groups help to protect the bay. For more details contact our Environment Department on 9705 5200.

Learn about Western Port

Western Port is such a diverse and unique area. There is a lot of places you can learn more about the coast and how you can protect it:

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