Test for Ella George as fight for Serendip heats up

Kangaroos fighting at Serendip, will the fight for Serendip gain ground this week?

Lara Care Group will meet new local State Member, Ella George, at a crucial meeting this week. This is a big test for Ms George who, after the election, told LCG that she would take the matter of the Sanctuary's uncertain future directly to the new Minister for the Environment.

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In preparation for the meeting this Thursday (16th Feb), the Lara Care Group (LCG) has delivered Ms George a framework for the future, spelling out what the community wants for Serendip.

The meeting comes after years of negotiations and frustration with Parks Victoria that culminated with the release of the You Yangs Precinct Master Plan (YYPMP) in early 2022. 

Soon after the release of the YYPMP Parks Victoria began removing wildlife displays and infrastructure from the Sanctuary without any prior consultation with the community.

There was no specific indication in the Master Plan that wildlife would be removed from Serendip.

These actions ignore major directives in Section 8 of the Master Plan requiring Parks Victoria to consult further with the community before implementing the Plan.

Here's what LCG has asked Ms George

Birds and animals have long been the main attraction for visitors to Serendip, hosting close encounters with native wildlife, endangered species breeding programs, rehabilitation and release programs, and more. 

With the utmost expediency, we respectfully request:

1. All changes currently being made at Serendip Sanctuary by Parks Victoria should cease immediately. 
   
2. Your advocacy in establishing a Community/Stakeholder Reference group to participate in consultation with Parks Victoria (in accordance with Section 8 of the You Yangs Precinct Master Plan).

Read the full (short) document: Click here.

Who will represent LCG at this critical meeting?

Three of LCG's principle advocates for the protection of Serendip will be at the meeting. They will be:

• Barry White:  President Lara Care Group Inc and Lara Citizen of the Year 2023
  
  
• Michael Helman: Former Head Ranger, Serendip Sanctuary
  
  
• Roger Smith: Director, Echidna Walkabout Nature Tours

Follow up

Keep an eye on this blog page for a follow-up after the meeting.

Join Lara Care Group

Please click here: Join the Lara Care Group

Help continue to put pressure on the State Government to stop wrecking Serendip.

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NOTES on this Newsletter

• This is the first of a series of updates about Serendip direct from the Lara Care Group. 
• We will publish these stories regularly and post them on social media. 
• To follow this blog go to: saveserendip.blogspot.com
• Your comments are welcome (be nice 😊please)