NEWS DESK
Happy finish to greyhound’s run
Prom catch threat to bays’ whiting FISHING trawlers licensed by the federal government are threatening the numbers of King George whiting in Port Phillip and Western Port bays, according to the Futurefish Foundation. The foundation’s chairman Michael Buxton says the trawlers’ catch breeding-sized whiting off Wilsons Promontory could lead to fewer fish available to recreational fishers in the bays and 18 commercial fishers at Corner Inlet. Buxton says he twice wrote to Flinders MP Greg Hunt who passed on his concerns to federal Fisheries Minister Jonathon Duniam “who replied he was not prepared to change anything”. Buxton says he has also expressed his concerns to the Liberal Party’s candidate for Hunt’s seat, Zoe McKenzie. “Our concerns are falling on deaf ears at Commonwealth level,” Buxton said. “Even the Victorian fisheries minister has raised concerns with her counterpart in Canberra and is receiving the same inaction we are.” He said the Victorian catch was permitted despite King George whiting being off the menu for Commonwealth trawlers in South Australia and Tasmania. The Futurefish Foundation describes itself as a “fearless watchdog” for recreational fishers and counts bans of commercial netting in Port Phillip and Western Port among its victories. It backs the installation of artificial reefs, including to be placed within weeks on the seabed near Point
Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au
Nepean(“Artificial reef stirs environmental anger” The News 7/3/22). Buxton said little was known about where King George whiting breed in Victoria “other than that small larvae drift into our bays from the ocean and then settle in seagrass”. The juvenile whiting lived in Port Phillip until they were about four years old before heading into the ocean. “Victorian fisheries scientists rarely find a breeding whiting in the bay, but they don’t know exactly where they go to breed,” he said. “That is why we are concerned that the Commonwealth trawlers are targeting the breeders off Wilsons Promontory. “They take tonnes of large breeding fish in a very short period once a year when they are easily targeted as they aggregate and get ready to spawn.” Buxton said he wanted Hunt and McKenzie to commit to stopping the targeting of the breeders “but, so far, they are not doing anything”. “The Liberal federal government must act now or they will have King George whiting blood on their hands if the small fish stop coming into our bays and the fishing for whiting becomes depleted,” he said. “Hunt and McKenzie should be concerned as it will affect many thousands of their constituents as well as the whole of Victoria’s recreational anglers and seafood consumers”. McKenzie did not respond when asked to comment. Keith Platt
MOUNT Eliza illustrator Karen Erasmus’s new children’s picture book brings to life the heart-warming and true story of runaway greyhound, Albert. In her second illustration project with Gippsland author Kylie Miller, Erasmus has created colourful and engaging images of Albert’s chaotic adventures as the anxious, adopted greyhound overcomes his fear of cats to find a safe home, a warm bed, and a family of his own. The book, Albert, The Greyhound Who Loves to Run is about a twoyear-old greyhound who jumped the fence at his Gippsland lakes home after being spooked by the family cat a day after his adoption. The story of his escape and nine weeks on the run featured in the national media in 2018 and captured the interest of animal lovers around the world as the author and her family worked to bring him home. Miller says the account is fictionalised but includes real-life characters, including greyhound Teddy, Cleo the cat, and Albert’s great love and saviour, Rhonda. It includes themes of love, family, patience, persistence, friendship, and belonging. She says as well as giving children an entertaining and educational picture book, she hopes the book encourages people to consider the value of adopting greyhounds, and pets more broadly. Miller and her husband have since
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ILLUSTRATOR Karen Erasmus, pictured with her dog Doug, did not have to look far for inspiration for drawing “runaway” greyhound Albert. Picture: Supplied adopted two more greyhounds, as have about 3000 other Victorians in the past year. Erasmus has been illustrating professionally since 2012, creating around 20 children’s picture books and material for the education sector, and designing patterns for products.
The illustrator says working and living on the Mornington Peninsula means she is never lost for inspiration. Albert, The Greyhound Who Loved to Run is available at all good bookshops or online at major book retailers.
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ZOE MCKENZIE – SOMEONE WHO GETS RESULTS I have a record of getting things done nationally, at the State level and here on the Peninsula. I have been involved locally with many community organisations working to address the disadvantage we suffer by being part of ‘metro Melbourne’ as opposed to ‘regional’. Running my own small business, I know the unique challenges facing small and family enterprises which are the lifeblood of our local economy. We need less tax, less red tape, and more help for those trying to build opportunities for others.
I have a plan for a world-class tourism and hospitality training hub on the Peninsula and I will work with the local community towards a new Technical College to encourage young people into trades. I will protect our natural environment so that our kids, and your kids, can live and love it like we do. My partner Rod and I are scuba divers, and I want to protect our beaches, the Green Wedge and Arthurs Seat. I want to make sure that the Mornington Peninsula remains one of the best places to live, raise a family, or run a small business.
ZOE McKENZIE
LIBERAL FOR FLINDERS
Authorised by C. McQuestin, Liberal Party of Australia (Victorian Division), L12, 257 Collins St, Melbourne Vic 3000. Mornington News
17 May 2022
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