NEWS DESK
Poo-r water quality at bayside beaches Neil Walker neil@baysidenews.com.au SWIMMERS were in, out and shaking it all about at Frankston beach last week amid daily changes in water quality as a result of stormwater and faecal pollution. Regular updates from the Environmental Protection Authority revealed a fluid situation with human and animal poo flowing into Port Phillip Bay after flash floods on Thursday 29 December. EPA applied sciences group manager Dr Anthony Boxshall said there is a higher risk of illnesses such as gastro to swimmers from higher bacterial levels after flash flooding.
“Heavy rain and storms are can create a risk to the public as they can flood stormwater systems that then carry pollution that has built up in drains into waterways,� Dr Boxshall said in a statement. “In certain conditions, they can be home to bacteria from faecal pollution that poses health risks to swimmers.� The EPA declared water quality off Frankston beach as “fair� on Tuesday (3 January) but this was downgraded to “poor� on the Wednesday morning. The environmental agency decided to monitor water quality daily near Frankston Life Saving Club to provide regular updates to beachgoers. Poor water quality was also noted at Mentone beach last week and Mor-
dialloc beach was assessed as having “fair� water quality. Water quality information is displayed on signs at 28 Life Saving Victoria clubs around the bay during weekends and public holidays. The EPA says people should look for signs of stormwater pollution before swimming – flowing drains, discoloured water, odour and litter along shorelines are signs that the beach may have poor water quality. The EPA’s Beach Report forecasts run until the Labour Day weekend in March. EPA issues twice-daily water quality forecasts of good, fair and poor for Port Phillip Bay’s 36 beaches at epa. vic.gov.au online.
Danger sign: Frankston Council erected warnings for swimmers at Frankston beach last week. Picture: Gary Sissons
Trio exhibit art with heart
Bonus bins for two foreshores MORE rubbish bins have been installed along Frankston and Seaford foreshores to discourage littering. An extra 19 mobile waste bins will be in place until the end of the Easter holidays along the foreshore boardwalk and at Frankston and Seaford piers. Councillors supported a suggestion by the 3199 Frankston Beach Patrol group to ensure extra bins are in place during the summer season when more residents and visitors frequent foreshore areas. “Frankston’s beaches are extremely popular during summer, with local residents and visitors from neighbouring municipalities travelling to Frankston and Seaford beach to cool off with family and friends,� Frankston mayor Cr Brian Cunial said. “It is therefore important that we provide a sufficient number of bins, including regular removal of bins once full, to ensure our city remains clean and to ensure we are not damaging our natural environment or wildlife.� The new bins are in addition to 76 fixed waste bins and 15 recycle bins placed in positions where most people walk to and from beaches. Frankston Beach Patrol volunteers regularly pick up rubbish strewn along the foreshore. Council showed its thanks for the volunteers’ efforts by presenting coordinator John Billing with a certificate of appreciation at last month’s public council meeting for the group’s “continued commitment towards keeping our foreshore clean and free from environmental hazards such as waste�.
THREE artists from diverse backgrounds are first-time exhibitors at a New Year art show in Frankston, opening 8 January. The Divergent exhibition will open at FRANKCRE8, a not-for-profit artist-run community gallery and art space studios in Beach St. The three exhibiting artists, Sue Wilson (Young), Kristen Kinstler and Manjusha Manjusha met when volunteering at the gallery, and have together experimented with new mediums and techniques in the gallery’s “fun� social environment. Ms Wilson said the exhibition featured a range of medium and styles, reflecting each of their backgrounds. Ms Wilson studied art at Swinburne Secondary College and has previously entered into Cube 37 and the Peninsula Arts Society exhibitions. An album cover she recently designed won the Melbourne Blues Society Victorian and Tasmanian Blues Music Award 2016. Papua New Guinean-born Kristen Kunstler relocated to Melbourne from Brisbane in 2014. After 13 years of working in a corporate setting, Kristen took up freelance graphic design and photography. Indian-born Manjusha, 23, is a classical dancer and singer as well as a passionate artist. She also specialises in abstract line art that she says is heavily influenced by her post-colonial Australian and Indian heritage. Divergent opens Sunday 8 January, 1pm at 31 Beach St Frankston, until 21 January.
Talented trio: Sue Young, left, Manjusha Manjusha and Kristen Kinstler have joined together to showcase their work. Picture: Gary Sissons
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BLAIRGOWRIE • DROMANA • MORNINGTON • ROSEBUD • SEAFORD • TOORAK Frankston Times 9 January 2017
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