The Boating Industry Association of Victoria has called for bi-partisan support to establish a 'Blue Infrastructure Future Fund' to provide funding for the long term management of Port Phillip and Western Port.

A major key to the proposal is the introduction of a Government Guaranteed Blue Infrastructure Future Fund Bond, which would allow the opportunity for the community and institutions to invest in a safe environment at a time of low interest rates and help protect the future of Port Phillip and Westernport.

Steven Potts, CEO, BIAV talks about the Blue Infrastructure Future Fund on YouTube.
  Click here for the interview.

In a submission to the Victorian Government's Coastal Council Review, Steven Potts, Chief Executive of the Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) said, "The projected doubling of the population in the central coast area of Victoria, including Port Phillip and Western Port, from 4.6 million to nearly 8 million by 2050, calls for a new approach for funding to future proof the environmental, economic and social infrastructure of the jewels in the crown of Victoria".

"It is vital to consider the environment, access to water and the role of our coastal areas and bays in Victoria's economic and social fabric as important and irreplaceable parts of Victoria's infrastructure making future planning and management of the bays a high priority."

Mr Potts said that all of the various draft reports on the Draft Coastal Plan recognise this and many other issues which need to be resolved.

"However, the major issue facing coastal management and planning in Victoria is the lack of any substantial source of ongoing funding to address the complex issues of the future coastal management, the demand of increased population, and the ongoing environmental management of our bays and coastal interface."

"It is vital that the coastal management review and action is backed up by substantial funds and the establishment of a Victorian 'Blue Infrastructure Future Fund' is a model we believe would have strong community support".

Left: Steven Potts, CEO, BIAV and BIAV Board Director, Gary Freeman on Port Phillip Bay

Mr Potts said the boating industry in Victoria is supportive of the current review saying it provides a major opportunity to put in place a long term sustainable plan for the future of Port Phillip and Western Port.

Media Enquiries:
Ron Smith, Corporate Media Communications, BIAV - Mobile: 0417 329 201