Bays users warned of ‘marine pests’ BOAT owners using Port Phillip and Western Port are being asked to make sure they are not spreading marine pests that can “cause significant harm to the health of marine ecosystems”. Parks Victoria’s Chief conservation scientist Dr Mark Norman said it was vital to protect the state’s marine waters which supported more than 12,000 species of plants and animals, “90 per cent of which are found nowhere else in the world”. “Marine pests are highly invasive animals and plants, usually from other parts of the world that have become established in Victoria and cause significant harm to the health of marine ecosystems.” Included on the list of marine pests are the invasive northern-Pacific seastar and Japanese kelp (wakame), which damage marine ecosystems through predation or competition with native species. “They reproduce quickly and once established are virtually impossible to eradicate, such as has occurred in some parts of Port Phillip,” Dr Norman said. Parks Victoria says boats should be checked for pests, cleaned with fresh water and dried before being launched. A survey of recreational marine users has found 70 per cent knew little or nothing about marine pests and that they can be spread by all kinds of vessels (including kayaks) and equipment such as wetsuits, diving gear, and toys. Around-the-world sailor Jessica Watson and fishing expert Paul Worsteling are appearing in an online video campaign to warn of the dangers of marine pests. “We all know how important it is to clean your boat from a maintenance perspective but it’s also really important to clean it properly to avoid the transportation of marine pests, even if you’re moving to a different location on the same day,” Mr Worsteling said. “Port Phillip is actually a nursery and a nesting place for a lot of fish that have been here for their entire history. It’s sad to see that things that have been here forever are now facing these enemies.” Details about marine pests and how their spread can be prevented is on Parks Victoria’s website or call 136 186 to report any sightings of marine pests.
Watch out in the water KINGSTON Council have issued a warning for residents to stay safe in the water as the weather heats up this summer. With the warmer weather upon us, Council urges community members to put their family’s safety first, whenever they are around water. Kingston mayor Georgina Oxley said “there are simple strategies to help to keep your family safe, whether you are near a pool or heading to the beach.” “Kingston is home to 13 kilometres of stunning beaches, which are hugely popular of the summer months. Along our beautiful coastline there are seven life-saving clubs who patrol the beach for safety,” Cr Oxley said. “Water safety is also important around the home for residents who have a pool or spa on their property. We recommend that residents make sure that they follow advice from the Victorian Building Authority and have adequate safety barriers in place on their property, for bodies of water more than 30 centimetres deep. “We urge families to always swim between the flags, to make sure that there’s always an extra pair of eyes watching them in the water.” Life saving clubs in Aspendale, Bonbeach, Carrum, Chelsea. Edithvale, Mentone, and Mordialloc help to patrol beaches and keep swimmers safe. For more information about beach patrols, visit beachsafe.org.au
Clean up time: Fishing expert Paul Worsteling, above, is warning that marine pests like the northern-Pacific seastar, right, are threatening the “health” of Port Phillip and Western Port. Picture: Supplied
HAMPTONS 220cm dining table in two tone.
HURRY!
MUST EN D 31ST J ANUARY !
JA N UA
ONLY $899 PRICE FROM 1ST FEBRUARY
$1199
RY
PRICE D RO P *TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY
XAVIER chair in beige.
ONLY $194 PRICE FROM 1ST FEBRUARY
ASHTON 3 seater
in downtown mink fabric.
ONLY
$1874
PRICE FROM 1ST FEBRUARY
$2499
BAXTER 120cm round dining table in clear lacquer. ONLY
$974
PRICE FROM 1ST FEBRUARY
$1299
HAMPTONS 180cm entertainment unit in white.
ONLY
$787
PRICE FROM 1ST FEBRUARY
$1049
MAYA cabinet in grey wash.
$259
ONLY
$787
PRICE FROM 1ST FEBRUARY
$1049
January Price Drop available storewide and online on all new orders of furniture from 25-12-2018 till 31-01-2019 inclusive. The displayed prices in-store and online are the January price drop prices. No further discounts apply. Offer excludes homewares, guardsman warranties and purchases of gift cards. Not in conjunction with any other offer. ZIP Finance available with sale prices on 6 months 0% interest free in-store and online. Conditions Apply*. Latitude finance not accepted on this offer. FREE shipping on online homewares orders. Offer excludes shipping on online furniture orders. Terms and conditions apply see www.ozdesignfurniture.com.au for more information.
OZ DESIGN FURNITURE MORNINGTON PH: 8560 1137, SHOWROOM D4, PENINSULA HOME, 1128-1132 NEPEAN HIGHWAY BENDIGO 5410 0644, ESSENDON 8560 1130, GEELONG 8560 1124, HOPPERS CROSSING 8560 1141, MORNINGTON 8560 1137, NARRE WARREN 8590 1160, NORTHLAND 9471 0244, NUNAWADING 9894 1566, RICHMOND 8560 1120
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News 16 January 2019
PAGE 3