The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will commence Victoria’s first Marine Spatial Planning (MSP) process in Western Port in 2027.
Commencement of an MSP process follows a decision by Victoria’s Environment Minister for the department to undertake scoping following completion of the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal Environment Effects Statement process.
MSP provides a practical way to identify where activities in Western Port can work together, where they may conflict, and how an area can be sustainably used and managed into the future.
Western Port is a Ramsar-listed wetland and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve supporting more than 1300 marine species.
As Victoria's second largest bay, it's also valued for tourism, recreation and commercial fishing, and includes important cultural landscapes and areas of significance.
Western Port is also a key industrial base, and hosts Victoria’s only State-owned commercial port, the Port of Hastings.
The Port of Hastings is the proposed site for the Victorian Renewable Energy Terminal, which will enable the delivery of offshore wind projects, bringing economic value to local communities and contributing to the State’s net zero emissions targets.
The MSP process will bring together Traditional Owners, stakeholders and existing users to help develop a shared vision for the future of Western Port.
The process will consider information and perspectives on Western Port’s environmental and cultural values, existing uses and future trends, supporting the protection of sensitive marine ecosystems and biodiversity, while balancing environmental, economic and community outcomes.
Page last updated: 02/11/26