Vegetation destruction in Bass Coast Shire
Bass Coast Shire Council has shown contempt for the community by failing to honour commitments made about the protection of native vegetation and wildlife. The Shire is developing a Forest Strategy, which it claims will help to ensure Bass Coast’s Forest continues to thrive. On its website, the Shire says forests are made up of all trees and vegetation, including street trees and other vegetation on nature strips, in parks and open space, as well as in backyards, along waterways, in industrial areas and in conservation areas. It asserts that they ‘help cool our townships during summer, clean up air pollution, support biodiversity, reduce storm water run-off, boost the economy, support social cohesion and connection to country.’ It adds that trees and green spaces are highly valued for their beauty, by both locals and visitors. Despite these exemplary statements, the Shire is enabling the destruction of key areas of native vegetation, destroying wildlife corridors and the ame...