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Stay clear of seals in summer BEACHGOERS are reminded to keep their distance from seals resting on beaches in Western Port and Port Phillip bays beaches. Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning manager program manager Suraya VI said some seals may appear sick or emaciated, but should not be approached under any circumstances. “While we understand that seeing a seal in poor condition may be upsetting, approaching the seal or trying to move it will cause an already stressed animal further distress,” she said. “If people sighted seals or seal pups lying on the beach, leave them in peace and enjoy their presence from afar. “We are really lucky to see marine mammals such as seals and dolphins so close up in their natural environment, but they are wild animals, and it’s up to us to give them the space they need.” It is illegal to approach within 30 metres of a seal on land, and dogs are not permitted within 50 metres of a seal on land. At boat ramps or other man-made structures such as piers, people must stay at least five metres away from seals. Anyone who finds an unwell seal should call the AGL marine response unit on 1300 245 678 or DELWP on 136 186.
New rules for bays CHANGES to boating and swimming zones in Port Phillip and Western Port bays are part of an ongoing review to improve public safety on the water. Parks Victoria is inviting public comment on the proposed changes. “It’s important that boating and swimming
zones are a good reflection of the current and future needs of water-based activities in the area, and that they maximise safety on the water,” acting senior manager for local ports and waterways Cathy Jenkins said. “The focus of [the] review is to refine the zones in order to provide a safer environment through better separation of boating and swimming activities in high density bathing areas, and to ensure sport and recreational activities operate legally and safely. “Parks Victoria is committed to ensuring our bays can handle the increasing numbers of visitors and a diverse range of recreational water activities.” In 2009 Parks Victoria with Maritime Safety Victoria completed a comprehensive two-year review of all boating and swimming zones across both bays. It involved consultation with beach and boat users and operators, local government, business and life-saving clubs. Swimming and boating zones are clearly marked with aids to navigation (piles or buoys) installed in the water and advisory signs on the shore. An overview of proposed adjustments, implementation history, rules and supporting maps is available at: parks.vic.gov.au/boatzonereview Parks Victoria is seeking feedback from those interested. They should complete the survey via the Parks Victoria website, email boatingzonereview@parks.vic.gov.au or write to Boating Zone Review, Parks Victoria, 10/535 Bourke St, Melbourne, 3000. The deadline for feedback is Friday 16 December. Details: visit parks.vic.gov.au or call 13 19 63.
Shire loses path fight Continued from Page 1 “This will be talked about for a long time, it’s a great example of a small community showing that what they want is important,” she said. “We, the community, have shown that we love Somers just the way it is, and we don’t want concrete paths that don’t belong here.” At the October hearing, Dr Atmore told the tribunal the footpaths as planned by the shire “will destroy vegetation, compromise habitat for wildlife including koalas, and will detract from the character and amenity of Somers”. However, the tribunal’s decision was based on the shire’s failure to provide adequate details of the proposal in a public notice. The issue had effectively divided the Somers township, with some residents wanting the council to build 5.5 kilometres of concrete paths to improve access around the town; others insisted that the concrete paths were not in keeping with the coastal environment. The fight grew increasingly bitter throughout the year, with opponents accusing the shire of a lack of transparency, claims that residents were not surveyed properly and suspicion that the council had shown favouritism to a residents’ group which supported the scheme, and at one stage even referenced the group’s survey in its justification for the scheme.
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The high legal cost of taking the protest to VCAT was a major stumbling block for opponents, who were almost forced to abandon their fight when the estimated fees for the four-day hearing more than doubled and an application for a fee waiver was denied. Dr Atmore said she was “extremely grateful” for the donations from people around Victoria that enabled all three groups to raise the $3135.60 each to proceed. Another resident, Pam Bannister, said the win felt like The Castle, in reference to a movie about ordinary people winning against bureaucracy. “The community is absolutely rapt,” she said. Resident and retired estate agent Andrew Satchwell said the decision was not only a win for Somers residents, but the wider community of other coastal villages. “It has been a prolonged battle with many hurdles to jump,” he said. “It’s great to see that little people can stand up for themselves and not be afraid to take the fight up if they believe in the cause.” Dr Atmore said the tribunal’s ruling had important implications for other infrastructure proposals being considered by the shire, forcing more effective community consultation and a change in the way it operated its special charge schemes.
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www.jaleighblinds.com.au Mornington News 6 December 2016
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