The Holden Proving Ground in Bass Coast is 877 hectares of riparian coastal bushland, the largest stand of preserved forest in the Western Port region.
Fenced off for the past 63 years, it’s home to the endangered southern brown bandicoot, swift parrot and powerful owl. It contains rare forest bog and is part of a key nature link corridor in the Bass River catchment that is the last chance for some of Victoria’s endangered species.
Now this bushland is FOR SALE …
Zoned for farming, with no environmental overlays, it may be cleared for development or sand mining.
This forest corridor, and the endangered species it supports, is under threat from the Victorian Government’s proposal to protect mining activities over fragile habitats and the wishes of local communities.
How can the Victorian Government consider trading endangered wildlife and rare coastal forest for carparks, bridges and footpaths for Melbourne?
It's the same old story. The environment loses. And our children lose.
But it’s our call, and this time we’re drawing a line in the sand.
This rare bushland is too precious to lose.
With the support of 14 environmental and community groups, plus the Bass Coast Shire Council, we call on the Victorian Government to purchase the Holden Proving Ground and protect this fragile coastal corridor from the threat of sand mining
We can win this “once in forever” opportunity. (And tell our children how we won.)