NEWS DESK
Humpback ashore at St Andrews A DEAD humpback washed up onto the beach at St Andrews over the weekend had been a meal for sharks as it floated in to shore. The 11-metre whale was gouged by large bite marks and covered in crustaceans. Environmental advocate Josie Jones spotted the whale out in the water on Sunday night. “We could see the sharks lunging and spray coming off them, their fins rising up out of the water – it was pretty full on to watch,” she said. Cetacean scientist Sue Mason said the whale
must have died only recently as the carcase had not begun to decompose – and stink. Scientists estimate that about 33,000 humpbacks migrate along the east coast to and from their feeding grounds in the Antarctic to the warmer waters of the Great Barrier Reef, where they breed. This population increases by about 10 per cent each year. A separate population migrates along the West Australian coast. This humpback may have been on its way south to the Antarctic to feed over the summer.
Humpbacks can grow to 16 metres, with their pectoral fins being roughly one third the length of their body. The best places to see humpbacks along the Victorian coast are Wilsons Promontory and from high vantage points along the coast. Sightings by citizen scientists are regularly posted on the Two Bays Whale Project Facebook page. “As we know, it is important to keep our ocean clean to reduce our impact on these beautiful creatures,” Dr Mason said.
Picture: Josie Jones
Death prompts road concerns A PETITION requesting a safety audit of the pedestrian refuge on McCormicks Road, Skye has amassed over 552 signatures. A safety audit of the crossing point “to improve pedestrian access and safety” has been labelled “urgent” after the death of an elderly woman earlier this year. A woman believed to be in her 80s was struck and killed on 29 July. Emergency services attended the intersection of McCormicks Road and Ballarto Road at around 6pm, but the woman died at the scene. The petition was presented to Frankston Council by Cr Colin Hampton at a recent public meeting.
Performance shows gambling dangers A PERFORMANCE shining a light on the dangers of gambling will be performed in Chelsea. What’s your Gamble sees survivors of gambling harm share and act out their personal stories. The performance will take place during gambling harm awareness week. The Chelsea Community Church of Christ will host the event on 9 October. The performance starts at 9am with breakfast served from 7am. The venue is at 3-5 Blantyre Avenue, Chelsea. RSVP at bit.ly/2kFz2SH or contact Paul Owen 9581 4803.
THINKING OF SELLING? Speak to your agent about listing on realestateview.com.au.
Be seen everywhere. PAGE 4
Chelsea Mordialloc Mentone News
25 September 2019