Drones focus of marine safety push
Flying rainbow flag: Michelle Daniel, left, Noel Brown, Penny Abrahams, Ann Urch, Rebecca Thompson, front, Julian Conlon and Rebecca Stringer are just some of the Peninsula Health staff who have worked towards equality for all at Frankston and peninsula hospitals. Picture: Gary Sissons
‘Over the rainbow’ about award PENINSULA Health has got a tick of approval for its role in improving health outcomes for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex (LGBTI) community. The healthcare provider — manager of Frankston Hospital, Rosebud Hospital, The Mornington Centre and Golf Links Road Rehabilitation Centre — won the ‘Supporting LGBTI health’ category at the Victorian Public Healthcare Awards. “Being the first full public health
service in Australia to achieve the Rainbow Tick is a significant achievement,” Peninsula Health acting CEO David Anderson said. “I thank all our staff who put so much effort into this project which will dramatically improve the health and wellbeing of our LGBTI community.” Peninsula Health’s Rainbow Tick accreditation project manager Rebecca Thompson said changes made at hospitals and healthcare
centres means everyone is treated equally and individually. “The Rainbow Tick accreditation is not about changing individual beliefs or personal values, it is ensuring that everybody has equity in their healthcare and place of work,” she said. “It’s about ensuring the services we provide at Peninsula Health are delivered in ways that are non-discriminatory, GLBTI inclusive and welcoming for everybody.”
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DRONES will be the focus of a state government push to protect marine life in Port Phillip Bay. This comes as Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning officers begin marine mammal patrols to make sure members of the public keep their distance – especially those flying drones. “We’re increasingly noticing more drones appearing on populated beaches,” DELWP wildlife officer Suriya Vij said. “While drones don’t have large motors, many marine mammals are sensitive to noise, and buzzing from their motors can distress them. “There’s also the potential for amateur operators to unintentionally strike the animals. “Though it may be tempting to fly a drone close to these animals for a photo, our message is simple – don’t.” The officers are asking beach goers to behave responsibly so animals aren’t harmed or stressed in their natural environment. Aircraft, including drones, are not allowed to fly within 500 vertical metres or within a 500 metre radius of whales under the Wildlife Marine Mammals Regulations 2009. But drones are becoming a problem. “With the increasing accessibility and use of small and large drones, we’re seeing more of these being flown over marine mammals,” Australian Marine Mammal Foundation director and researcher Dr Kate Charlton-Rob said. The issue has become “so prevalent” that the foundation plans to investigate the extent drones are
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Back off: Drones can cause distress to marine mammals.
impacting on dolphins in Port Phillip Bay and in the Gippsland Lakes. “Breaches of regulations caused by drones or boats can cause undue stress to these animals [affecting] behaviours like feeding, resting, mother-calf bonding and mating,” Dr Charlton-Rob said. Boats must stay 100 metres from dolphins, except if approached. Beach goers can allow the dolphins to approach them, but must leave them alone otherwise. Jet skis must stay 300 metres away from dolphins, and, when walking or swimming, members of the public must stay 30 metres from a seal on land, and five metres from seals on structures such as Chinaman’s Hat in the bay. See delwp.vic.gov.au or call 136 186. Call the Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline 1300 136 017 to report a whale or dolphin stranded, entangled or struck by a vessel. Report injured, sick or distressed marine wildlife to the AGL Marine Response Unit 1300 245 678.
Free WiFi 03 9789 1192 Frankston Times 6 November 2017
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