Phillip Island Nature Parks is asking the community to share their ideas about the long-term future vision for the Summerland Peninsula.
The Nature Parks will work with the Phillip Island and Bass Coast local and wider community and key stakeholders to explore fresh, new ideas to shape a precinct-wide vision for eco-tourism and recreational experiences that better integrates with the conservation values of the peninsula.
The Summerland Peninsula is home to the world's largest little penguin colony, migratory short-tailed shearwaters, and the Endangered Eastern-barred bandicoot, as well as welcoming over a million visitors annually. The peninsula is a special place for Bunurong, the local community, and all those that visit, so it is critical we all have a say on its future.
The Nature Parks is looking to harness the aspirations of key stakeholders to refresh the Summerland Peninsula Master Plan that was first developed in 2012.
Phillip Island Nature Parks General Manager for Infrastructure and Planning Jarvis Weston said several projects had been delivered since the initial Master Plan was developed, including the $6 million
Penguins Plus viewing stand and the $58 million Penguin Parade Visitor Centre, and the $42 million Penguin Parade Boardwalks and Viewing Stands Redevelopment is partially complete.
"This is about re-setting our vision for the Summerland Peninsula for the next 20 to 30 years and considering fresh opportunities for the area - opportunities that work harmoniously with our conservation efforts, habitat restoration and eco-tourism," Mr Weston said.
"We want to hear from locals and communities so we can collectively build on the great things already achieved, to ensure we find the right balance between ecotourism and protecting the significant environmental and cultural values of the Summerland Peninsula."
Mr Weston said the Nature Parks would like to explore ways for people to access the greater area without compromising their user experience or impacting habitat and wildlife; and ensure the traditional Bunurong culture was evident to all community and visitors.
In addition, the Nature Parks is exploring concepts for the future of the Nobbies precinct, including progressing any proposed infrastructure to a detailed design stage. This is an exciting opportunity for the local community, Traditional Owners and key stakeholders to shape the way that future generations will experience this incredible coast.
The Nobbies
The Nobbies Centre was forced to close in late May due to a structural issue on the building.
Given the building's proximity to the ocean and exposure to the wild weather elements, a significant investment is required to repair and re-open the building in its current form.
The Nobbies Visitor Centre will remain closed while the Nature Parks undertake this Master Plan work over the coming months. This will ensure that further funds invested into the site are working towards a future that is supported by the community.
"The closure of the Nobbies Centre gives us an opportunity to explore options for the area with the local community, that are not only economically viable, but will become a source of community pride," Mr Weston said.
"We hope this collaborative effort will encourage the Phillip Island community to enjoy, respect and champion the Summerland Peninsula and a future vision for generations to come," he said.
You can have your say on the future of the Summerland Peninsula in the following ways:
• Attend a consultation session at the Penguin Parade Visitor Centre from 5.30pm to 7pm on Tuesday July 29 in the Education Rooms, RSVP to community@penguins.org.au
• Attend a drop-in consultation session at the North Pier Hotel from 12.30pm to 1.30pm on Thursday July 31 in the upstairs function room
• Email your thoughts and ideas to community@penguins.org.au