NEWS DESK
Frogs on call after
Heat in the kitchen FIRE raged through a Carrum Downs kitchens factory in the early hours of Thursday 14 January. Carrum Downs CFA incident controller Darren Hind said pumpers from Carrum Downs, Frankston and Patterson River attended, as well as a forward command vehicle from Carrum Downs. Crews fought for 30-40 minutes to control the fire at AC&V Kitchens, which may have been caused by an overloaded power board. “One office was completely gone by the time we gained entry by forcing a small front door and cutting through the roller shutter,” he said. Picture: Gary Sissons
FROGS become more obvious after summer rains. Often heard but not seen, some of the common species to look out for are the common froglet, striped marsh frog and growling grass frog. To encourage the frogs to stick around, the Backyard Buddies program of the Foundation for National Parks and Wildlife has issued tips on making a pond. “Water is incredibly important for Australia’s wildlife, especially our huge variety of frogs,” foundation CEO Susanna Bradshaw said. “A pond can offer an easy, permanent water source for your local amphibian buddies and will also benefit lots of other native animals too. “Australia is home to over 200 species of frogs that are found nowhere else in the world. Sadly Australia also has one of the highest rates of amphibian extinction in the world. So anything that can be done around Frankston or the Mornington Peninsula to provide habitat for them will be a big help.” Ms Bradshaw said frogs are facing threats from Chytrid fungus, water pollution, drought and predation from introduced pests. “Their numbers haven’t plummeted like this since the extinction of the dinosaurs,” Ms Bradshaw said. Providing a pond was “the best thing you can do for local frogs”. The presence of frog indicated a healthy ecosystem “as they are very sensitive to chemicals and environmental degradation” and cautioned against touching frogs as they reacted
to sunscreen or insect repellent. “We strongly advise that you do not relocate frogs or tadpoles as you could unintentionally be spreading the deadly Chytrid fungus,” she said. “While not all frogs live around ponds, they all need a water
We’re making level crossings a thing of the past. Upcoming changes to the Frankston line, North Road, Ormond and McKinnon Road, McKinnon January/February 2016 Due to level crossing removal works over summer, there will be changes to the way you travel. • Buses will replace trains on the Frankston line between Caulfield and Mordialloc stations from 23 to 26 January. • Buses will replace trains on the Frankston line between Caulfield and Moorabbin stations from 27 to 31 January. ry • North Road, Ormond will be closed at the level crossing overnight on 20 January and then again from 22 January to 1 February with detours in place. ebr ry • McKinnon Road, McKinnon will be closed at the level crossing overnight on 21 January and then again from 22 January to 1 February with detours in place. Please plan ahead and allow extra time for your trip. Visit levelcrossings.vic.gov.au or phone 1800 762 667 for details. Local traders will be open for business during this time so please support local businesses in the area. Delays and disruptions are annoying but we think you’ll agree – it’s about time.
levelcrossings.vic.gov.au Authorised and published by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
PAGE 8 Frankston Times 18 January 2016