Environment minister Lisa Neville has sacked the Bellarine Bayside Committee of Management following “community concerns”.
Ms Neville said Bellarine Bayside would be replaced by an interim committee for 18 months.
“Over the last few years there have been growing concerns raised by local communities about the lack of engagement by Bellarine Bayside and about the management of the foreshore,” Ms Neville said.
“The community have expressed their desire for changes.”
Bellarine Bayside is responsible for the planning, management, care and protection of assets and crown land along the North Bellarine foreshore from Portarlington to St Leonards
Former coastal committee chair Diane James will lead the interim committee.
Ms Neville said Ms James was a “well-respected leader with extensive experience in community engagement and business development”
She said an independent review of Bellarine Bayside would assess its governance, finances and community engagement processes.
Ms Neville said the government acknowledged the voluntary work of the previous committee, but “recognises the need to develop the best structures for the future management of the foreshore”.
Members of the Interim Committee are: Dianne James, Steve Griffin (former Geelong council CEO), Graeme McGregor, Elaine Carbines (G21 chief), Neil Bell, Paul Simmons, Therese Cotter and Lindsay Ellis (Geelong councillor).
“The Bellarine community are eager about protecting their coastline and it’s important they have a say in the way it’s managed,” Ms Neville said.
“While the committee is in place there will be an independent review to ensure we have the best structures to care for, and protect, our coastal reserve.”
