WINTER ’10 NEWSLETTER

 

Welcome again to the Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare’s Newsletter. The group has been chipping away at a variety of activities. The successful penguin monitoring season has come to an end and since then we have had a working bee on Middle Island to help with the Maremma dog project. Working bees have started at the Harris on Merri revegetation project and now we are moving into whale watching and the tree planting season.

Essentially we are an environmental group but climate change, alternative energy and sustainable living topics all seem to be dominating the news and yet it all has a direct connection with the environment.  In future newsletters, we will strive to cover these topics, not from the scientific point of view but from their relevance to the South West. Captain Sustain the Bool, who also happens to live in the South West, has also dropped us a line to help keep up our awareness on these issues.

With 2010 being the International Year of Biodiversity, we should reflect on the fact that biodiversity is at the core and success of our environments future. No matter what political party is in power, worldly decisions need to be based on protecting and conserving our plants, animals and ecosystems.  There are many indigenous plants under threat of extinction through the invasion of environmental weeds. If left unchecked, they can take over and dominate, thus changing the whole landscape including its inhabitants. When a balance is maintained between the high growing trees and the many lower growing shrubs and trees, the larger predatory birds don’t dominate and destroy the smaller birds. When ecosystems are in place the natural proliferation of insects and termites becomes a food source for birds and animals. It is a means by which we forget that vegetable matter is decayed and returned to the soil by fungi and micro organisms, thus providing sustenance to growing plants.

Predators such as introduced foxes and uncontrolled cats also pose a major threat to our wildlife and ecology. Other pests like rabbits eat sprouting vegetation and take over habitats. It has become our responsibility to recover and preserve the fine balance that nature has to offer before it lost forever.

 

Whale Watch Group

The 2010 Whale season is about to start and it is hoped that it will equal last years busiest and best season ever for the Southern Right Whales in SE Australia At this stage there have been no reports of Whales at Logans Beach where the whale watching group observe, photograph and report data to be used for scientific purposes.

The Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Group affiliate with the Department of Sustainability and Environment in providing support and insurance for the volunteers.

Mandy Watson, senior biodiversity officer at DSE, informed us that she will be organising training and rosters soon and will kick the season off in mid June. Those interested in being part of the group and have not yet registered should contact Mandy on 5561 9961 before training commences.

 

New Regulations

While we are talking about whales, the Victorian Government have introduced new regulations to better protect our air breathing mammals (whales, dolphins and seals)  and ensure that Victorias marine tourism doesn’t jeopardise their long term survival. The aim of the regulations is to balance the conservation needs of the animals, while making sure the public have an opportunity to see and interact with these wonderful creatures.

The regulations vary among individual species and by whom or how you are observing. Swimmers can approach a whale up to 50m, dolphins 30m, and no closer than 30m for a seal on a beach. Unless approached, recreational boat users must keep 200m from a whale and 100m from a dolphin, while tour operators can get up to 100m. Jet Ski’s are 300m.

For a full list you can visit the DSE website or call 136 186

 

Awards! Awards!

 June is going to be a busy month for us, for at the time of going to press, there are two major award events coming up in which we have reached the finals.

First of all is the Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria, 2010 Clean Beach Awards to be held at Docklands on June 18th.  After keeping the judge at bay for half a day and explaining all the activities we are involved we have ended up as finalist in 5 categories. The event is not just about squeaky clean beaches it about environmental protection, activities on public land and community partnerships centred from our main used beach – Stingray Bay.  As a member of KABV, Warrnambool City Council is attending the event with us and is supporting our attendance.

Next, only six days later, are the National Landcare Awards in Canberra. The Maremma Dog Project won the State Landcare finals last year which automatically gained us entry to this year’s National titles. Six of us are heading up by road and plane on the 24th and hope to bring back a trophy from the Coastcare Award category.

There is also a People’s Choice Award in which you (and friends) can vote for our project amongst the other 88 finalist. If you would care to go to www.landcareonline.com.au and then the Peoples Choice Awards/Victoria you can help the South West win some prestiege over all the other projects.

Let’s keep our fingers crossed and have lots of luck.

 

Biodiesel in Wetlands!

The Warrnambool City Council is close to making a decision on weather the present Rendering factory at Levy’s Beach should be allowed to expand and build a biodiesel plant on its present location – between  the Merri wetlands and sand dunes.

About ten local groups, including ours and about 250 people gathered for a peaceful rally on the Civic Green recently to protest against a pending decision by WCC to not support the building application on that location. Organisers of the rally the Merri Wetland Protection Group found good community support and informed the rally goers with many logical and legal reasons why the project should not go ahead.

Some of the basic arguments against the proposal of a chemical factory is:

  • In a Farm zone
  • In  flood plain
  • Contrary to  local planning schemes, policies and  coastal strategies
  • Minimum 1000m residential buffer zone  
  • Chemical storage prohibited in farm zone
  • Site has Environmental Significant Overlay
  • Wetlands listed as Nationally Important

And as the list goes. One would think that it is just common sense not to have the facility there. Is it really worth the risk? The MWPG told us they wouldn’t object to the Biodiesel plant being built elsewhere in an appropriate industrial zone and similarly would support a proposal to eventually shift the Rendering plant to another location.

It is good to see active groups in the community like the Merri Wetlands Protection Group fight hard for what should be our right to own the natural environment and not have it put to unnecessary risk or misuse.

 

More Merri Troubles

After being brought up at our last meeting, our Group has lodged a complaint to the EPA about hot water being discharged through a stormwater pipe into the Merri river estuary, near the Stanley St bridge and only 500m from the Merri Marine Sanctuary. We are concerned about the possible change to the ecology of the estuary and possible impacts, if any, to the marine sanctuary.

The source of the problem stems from the aquifer bore that Sebel Deep Blue Resort had installed. Two years ago they taped into the Dilwyn aquifer 735 metres below ground level and the water is delivered to the Spas at 42 C under natural pressure.  When the hot water is discharged from the Spas, is when this action becomes suspicious.

We have been in touch with Southern Rural Water, Wannon Water and Warrnambool City Council and none of these authorities seem to have any agreement with Sebel to take this discharge. This is when we notified the EPA of the problem and they are now investigating it. DSE, CMA and Parks Vic. have also been informed and are conducting their own investigations.

At the same time, it was discovered that the bore had a bad leak and was gushing out hot water and flooding on to Worm Bay Road and some of the coastal vegetation in the area. This has now been temporarily rectified and we are keeping a close watch on the situation while we await answers.

 

Emergency Marker Signs

Kate McInnes, Coordinator of Waste and Environment at WCC, has sent some information about the emergency marker signs around Warrnambool’s foreshore, designed to save time and lives.

Emergency Marker System on Warrnambool's Foreshore are a welcome addition to Warrnambool Foreshore's renewed aquatic signage.

Emergency Markers enable Calltakers and Dispatchers to pinpoint your exact location.

Calltakers will ask you for two vital pieces of information, firstly 'Where is your emergency?' and secondly 'What is your emergency?'

If you are at a location where emergency markers are installed you quote 'Emergency Marker and the alphanumeric code on the sign.'

The alphanumeric code is linked to a computer aided dispatch system and specifies relevant location, GPS coordinates, and the quickest road access route or navigational data.

Emergency Markers have 3 letters and 3 numbers, a green background with white text.

Emergency Markers can be found on the renewed aquatic signage installed at all the beach access points along Warrnambool's Foreshore, from Logan's to Levy's.

If you always go to the same point on the beach why not learn the Emergency Marker code for that access point off by heart?

At a few points along the foreshore, such as on the Pickering Point Boardwalk, western end of the footbridge or at the lookout points along the Thunder Point track the Emergency Markers are affixed to these structures and are not part of an aquatic sign.

National Tree Day

Plans are under way for National Tree Day on August 1st with a return to the Flume after two years of absence. A trip down there now can see a slow but remarkable change from our first plantings there seven years ago. In the areas where the vegetation has grown taller it is slowly taking over the non indigenous Marram Grass as planned.

Kate McInnes is coordinating the site with a few areas being made ready. Most of the planting will be done on the hill to the west of the car park. The Warrnambool Boardriders Group has taken up an offer to join us on the day and plant around the lower viewing platform area on the beachfront.

In remembrance to John Amor on the day, his family will be planting a small grove of his favourite tree, the Casuarina on the side of the west hill and we will also have a brass plaque installed at the main viewing platform in his honour. The plaque will be kindly donated by his former employer Coast Action Coastcare.

 

Harris on Merri Reveg

The Harris on Merri Reveg Project started in 2006 with consultation with WCC in a riparian zone on the banks of the Merri River. In a community partnership with SWTafe, Merrivale PS and Ann Park as coordinator, the TAFE students helped developed the site layout and help draw up the species list. They also assisted us in planting with the aid of Merrivale PS. A competition with Merrivale students resulted in our present logo. 

After planting Stages I & II we noticed that weeds were a problem given that it was an old landfill site. We have not expanded the site since 2007, but have continuously maintain the area by replacing the non surviving plants and weeding. This has been the criteria for success and we have found it hard to win the battle with the weeds.

Late last year on a weeding day, some of our ‘expert’ volunteers decided the Group needed to come up with a new Management Plan. So we did and some great new ideas have been put in place already to tackle the weeds and improve the visual aspects.

Part of the plan has been the establishment of a rotating roster, where 5 groups were formed and now each week one of the groups are maintaining the area on a regular basis. The site is looking better already and with the Rail Trail going past, our work can be admired by many. If anyone would like to join in a group or form your own, contact Ann 5561 7243

 

Who is Captain Sustain the Bool?

I received this mystery email yesterday and in the interest of our members here it is:-

Hi Warrnamboolians!

So you may have noticed I am the new superhero in town intent on getting everyone involved in ‘Sustain the Bool’ events. ‘Sustain the Bool’ is about having a bit of fun and using a whole lot of community approach to becoming an environmentally sustainable City. Events include free environmental workshops, a solar bulk buy and much more. The idea of Sustain the Bool is anyone can do an environmental project and use the Sustain the Bool banners and promotional material.

 So whats coming up?

10 in 10 Challenge

The Challenge involves you taking the pledge to reduce any one of your electricity, gas, water or fuel use by 10% in 2010. Participants who sign up will be given tips on how to reduce use in the above and their achievements will be calculated at the end of the year to show what can be achieved together. It is easy and free. Simply visit www.swsp.org.au to sign up. Think of the environmental and financial savings you will make.

 Community Environment Support Fund

This year the Warrnambool City Council has launched the Fund to provide individual, groups or organisations with the opportunity to apply for grants up to $2,000 to implement their own environmental projects. So all those great environmental project ideas you have, can now come to fruition. Visit www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au to download the Community Environment Support Fund application form and guidelines. Applications close 16th July 2010.

Winter Warming Workshop

A Smart Living Workshop – Winter Warming will be held soon. The free workshop will give you theoretical and practical advice on how to reduce your energy use over winter, saving valuable green house emissions and money. Guest speaker is Jamie Hayden from Envirofit a builder with over 15 years experience in environmental sustainable living. Please call 5559 4847 to register and find out more.

Keep an eye out for my column in the Warrnambool Standard every 2nd Wednesday where I have the latest gossip on environmental sustainable issues and handy tips.

For more information on the any of the above please contact my earthly sidekick Ian Fitzgibbon at the Warrnambool City Council on ifitzgibbbon@warrnambool.vic.gov.au

or 5559 4876

Make your day a “Sustain the Bool” day.

Captain “Sustain the Bool.”

Aye Aye Captain

Conservation Volunteers

Conservation Volunteers Australia run conservation activities every week in the South West region. Activities include weed work, tree planting, radio tracking, fencing, bird box creation, tree banding, wetland work, hide creation and beach clean ups. All of their work takes us to some of the most beautiful locations in our great south west. An ideal place to make some new friends!

Five day ‘conservation breaks’ are free or by paying a small fee entitles you to meals accommodation and transport into sites you didn’t know existed. For more information contact Jonathan Lee on 5551 3331 or go to www.conservationvolunteers.com.au 

 

Lava Flows Bus Tour

Back in April our Group ventured out on the WCC’s Community Bus for a day trip around the Lava Flows precinct of the Kanawinka Geopark.  With Dave Williams at the helm, Ruth Henshall and John Sutherland gave us plenty of geological information as we ventured through Tower Hill, the summit of Mt Rouse, the lava caves of Mt Napier and followed the lava flow formations to Mt Eccles near Macarthur. We also had a guided tour of the Volcanoes Discovery Centre, run by volunteers in Penshurst, which most of us didn’t know existed.

Lunch was provided and the trip was made possible by the Basalt to Bay Landcare Network’s support for our capacity building and volunteer recruitment opportunities. Brendan McDonald got a new nick name of “Brains” with 100% in the Coastal Quiz. We all learned a great deal on the day and were rewarded with an understanding of our ever changing landscape that was active only 30,000 years ago. Thanks to all those involved

 

News in Brief

  • David Williams has resigned as Environmental officer and Maremma Dog trainer at WCC to become a biodiversity officer with DSE in Heywood. While we wish Dave the best of luck in his career he assures us he won’t be far away to offer assistance and advice. Dave was working on Swampy Marsh’s free range chook farm in 2005/2006 when the idea of Penguins being guarded by Maremmas evolved. David still remains Deputy Leader of our Group.
  • Annie Frazer reports from Peterborough that we need to be putting our voices against the insane idea of drilling/seismic testing in the Bay of Islands Coastal Park. “Its an issue worth standing up for” she says. Arguably it’s more beautiful than the 5 or 6 remaining Apostles.
  • Middle Island could have another Marine Science honours student soon with Deakin University Senior Lecturer Dr Arnould wanting to conduct research in tracking our Little Penguins and their foraging habits and why Middle Island birds are generally heavier and have a better breeding success.
  • Glenelg Hopkins CMA is starting Estuary Watch, an initiative aimed at monitoring the health of the Hopkins River and involving the public with river conservation. For more information call the local office on 5562 6104
  • There is a relative new farming organisation, Environmental Farmers Network Inc., representing farmers views on sustainable farming systems and practical conservation practices. They are willing to lobby governments on polices that influence the declining health of wetlands and soil. www.environmentalfarmersnetwork.net.au
  • National Volunteer Week has just passed with plenty of activities to highlight what is available for volunteers and how groups can attract members to their organisation. WCC Volunteer Services have created a Volunteer Bank where you can register your groups position that requires volunteers or as an individual you can register your skills to attract the right group for you. Consequently we have register job descriptions of our revegetation work, penguin monitoring and whale watching activities.
  • Philip Du Guesclin reports from the April bandings of Shearwater on Griffiths Island that 83 chicks were banded with an average weight 572 g. This brings the average weights for 8 years to 662 g, so this year's weights are not brilliant. There was a large "wreck" of Shearwaters in Oct/Nov 2009, probably as a result of food shortage as their stomachs were empty. Dead Shearwaters were reported all along the Victorian coastline. In 2000 there was a similar wreck (September) and breeding success that season was also poor. Philip would like to thank all the volunteers that assisted and hopes to band again next April.
  • The Kanawinka Global Geopark is hosting a two day workshop on Geoparks in Australia at Warrnambool on July 9th and 10th. For more info you can Google their website.
  • Submissions for the Draft Western Region Water Strategy have been extended until the 21st June. Our group are planning to make submissions to this document on the need for the relative water agencies to be more in unisom with each other and that there needs to be more accountability with aquifer water. Contact Don, 5562 3371 if you want to help with the submission.
  • While BP in America is in tatters, BP Australia has been running a BP Vouchers for Volunteers program where they are giving away petrol vouchers. We have just been told we will soon receive a $50 gift card. I hope it soon arrives before they change their mind! 
  • Deakin Uni’s Environmental department has asked us to assist them with tree planting on Aug 15th down on the Hopkins riparian zone. It is next to the area where we have helped out twice before with the Environmental Collective. The plot is being prepared and a species list and plants is being organised. More details will be available later.