The concept of a ‘Seagrass Partnership’ originated as an initiative of the Victorian EPA, who organised a conference ‘Action Westernport’ in May 1999. Following the conference the EPA called for expressions of interest from people and organisations wishing to form a partnership to support seagrass protection, research and restoration.

This generated considerable interest and extensive community consultation followed over a period of about nine months. The EPA invited a representative group of interested people to form a Planning Group, aiming to establish an effective organisation and operational framework to protect and enhance the ecosystems of Western Port.

At a meeting on 13 July 2000, it was proposed and agreed that a Company limited by guarantee should be formed, with the name Western Port Seagrass Partnership. The Company would be fully independent of government, with a strong community base. Our aim was to establish a partnership for efforts to understand, protect and restore the ecosystems of Western port and its seagrass communities.

By October 2000 an interim Board was appointed, a Western Port Seagrass Management Team was established and initial financial support from was received from EPA, BHP. ESSO, and P&O Ports. The Western Port Seagrass Partnership Limited was established on the 3rd May 2001 with the company as trustee and the Trust was later registered as an Environmental Organisation, which enables it to receive donations which are tax-deductible as gifts to charity.

Further background information on the partnership can be seen by following the link to the attached Background Paper.

BACKGROUND - WHY, WHO, HOW*
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