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Safety concerns: Dromana pier is closed to the public. Picture: Supplied
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Fears for pier’s future
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THE Dromana community is “devastated” by the closing off of the pier amid concerns that the lack of a response from Parks Victoria means its future is in doubt. The Department of Environment Lands Water and Planning has fenced off the last 40 metres of the concrete structure because erosion underneath has made it unsafe. The lower landing is still in good condition and is open for use. Cr Antonella Celi said the community was “very concerned about the state of the pier and [in not getting] a response from Parks Victoria or the
state government about its repair or redevelopment”. “The community is devastated that the pier has reached a point of such neglect and fears losing it altogether if Parks Victoria does not take action soon to commit to its redevelopment,” she said. Parks Victoria last year engaged the community in a planning for the future at Dromana pier project and a report that detailed options for its redevelopment. However, the report noted there was no current commitment from Parks Victoria to replace the pier.
“It’s about time Parks Victoria took action to save the Dromana pier and the state government committed to redeveloping and replacing the pier with a preferred option and a construction timeline,” Cr Celi said. “The community has been advocating for the redevelopment over the past decade and, since the Dromana pier engagement summary report was released, there has been no further response from Parks Victoria on any decisions going forward.” The report is at: engage.vic.gov.au/ community-vision-dromana-pier Stephen Taylor
Dolphins: steer clear Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au POLICE have been given details of a jet-ski rider using a mobile to record chasing down a dolphin in the bay off Mornington. Unknown to the jet -ski rider one of the Dolphin Research Institute’s dolphin watchers was watching from the cliffs off the Esplanade near the Royal Hotel. The volunteer took photos of the jet-ski both in the water and later when it was loaded on a trailer at the Fishermans Beach boat ramp. The incident happened about 5.15pm on Tuesday 28 September. Regulations stipulate that jet-skis must stay at least 300 metres away from dolphins. The DRI volunteer said the dolphin was part of a pod regularly recorded off beaches between Olivers Hill, Frankston and McCrae. “They are a precious group which occasionally have calves with them,” the volunteer said. “I felt angry seeing the offender chasing down one dolphin in particular. Large splashes from the dolphin would indicate it was moving quickly as it tried to escape. “At one stage the dolphin disappeared, the offender stopping and looking about to then take off at speed again when he spotted the dolphin. “He was standing up, hand outstretched, taking photos or videos, almost running over the dolphin.” After the jet-ski moved towards the boat ramp the dolphins continued moving out to deeper water. “Were they feeding before he appeared? Do they have calves? These intelligent creatures were certainly stressed at being run down by the fast-moving jet-ski. This type of harassment may cause this dolphin pod to move on. “This is not an isolated incident. Surely, it’s time we all do our best to ensure the safety of our dolphins. What a sad day it would be if they left the area.” DRI executive director Jeff Weir said the dolphin pictured in front of the jet ski was part “of
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a small, unique community that resides between Oliver's Hill [Frankston] and Dromana”. “Pursuing dolphins in or on vessels can cause disruption to important natural behaviours such as feeding, socialising, nursing and mating and could have long-lasting effects,” Mr Weir said. “The common dolphin community in this area are unique globally and are particularly vulnerable to disturbance given their small home range. “Our situation in Port Phillip is quite remarkable with common dolphins, a normally oceanic species, coming to live in our bay with the bottlenose dolphins. It's remarkable because resident dolphins in many places globally, and in Australia, are struggling to survive in their polluted coastal environments. We must protect what we have.” Mr Weir said members of the public were “vigilant in keeping records and reporting concerns” when they see dolphins being disturbed. The DRI has introduced a Dolphin Distancing program to encourage boat and jet ski owners to follow the rules. Details: dolphionresearch.org.au Reports of dolphins being harassed can be made to DELWP on 136 186 or to Crimestoppers.