NEWS DESK
Dog bans to help endangered birds TOUGH new dog bans in the Mornington Peninsula National Park from Tuesday 1 November aim to help endangered hooded plovers, Parks Victoria says. In March the Environment and Climate Change Minister announced that dogs would be banned across the entire Mornington Peninsula National Park to provide greater protection for vulnerable fauna species, including the endangered hooded plover. “The hooded plover population in the Mornington Peninsula National Park is one of the largest in Victoria, however, they have had one of the lowest levels of breeding success, compared to populations in other Victorian coastal areas largely due to the presence of dogs in the park,” Parks Victoria area chief ranger Kris Rowe said. “We are increasing our ranger patrols ahead of the regulation changes to help make sure the public are aware that the dog bans will apply across the entire park from Melbourne Cup Day. “Hooded plovers are particularly vulnerable to the presence of dogs. We can’t emphasise enough how important it is for everyone to abide by the rules so that we can give them their best chance of survival,” Mr Rowe said. “More than 32 other fauna species of significance, in addition to the hooded plover, will also directly benefit from banning dogs in the
Mornington Peninsula National Park.” Ranger patrols will focus on dog walkers who breach current restrictions, such as not having their dog on a lead, walking their dog outside the regulated times (sunrise-9am), or walking their dogs in the signposted dogs-prohibited zones. Parks Victoria conducts extensive annual pest animal and plant programs across the park, including annual fox and cat programs. “Without the presence of domestic dogs in the park, Parks Victoria will be able to broaden the current pest fox-and-cat programs to increase their impact and give endangered species, such as the hooded plover, their best chance of survival,” Mr Rowe said. “We want to thank everyone in advance for their cooperation and we’re looking forward to what will, hopefully, be a good breeding season for this iconic threatened species.” Alternative dog walking areas on the peninsula include some bay beaches and leash-free reserves managed by Mornington Peninsula Shire Council. For advice on alternative dog walking areas outside of the national park, visit mornpen.vic. gov.au or call 1300 850 600. For more information about dog restrictions in Mornington Peninsula National Park call 13 1963 or visit parks.vic.gov.au
Picture: Michele Sawyer
More repairs after pier battered Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au STORM surges battered the much-maligned Mornington pier into submission again last week – causing more damage and forcing closure of the end section. Parks Victoria spokesman Lachlan Quick said during the severe weather on Monday 10 October, 10 wave panels were dislodged – with others still connected but damaged and likely to be removed. “This has impacted some of the timber decking as well,” he said. “The outer section of the pier has been closed to protect visitor safety and engineering inspections are continuing today and in coming days.” Divers were in the water Friday assessing the latest damage. New panels are expected to be built and installed in good weather. “The storm damage in July damaged the wave panel fixing system leaving the remaining wave panels more vulnerable to
dislodging in future storms. The system which strengthens the wave panels’ connection to the pier needs to connect across the full length of the pier to operate effectively.” Mr Quick said Parks Victoria needed “a window of good weather” to repair the July and October damage with a long-term fix able to withstand storms. “[We] understand the concerns and acknowledge the clear difficulties with the wave panels withstanding storm conditions,” he said. “The pier itself has no problem withstanding storms as it has a 1.2 metre thick concrete deck. Parks Victoria has designed and planned rectification works for July’s damage, but has been unable to implement the works due to the aggressive weather conditions at this time of year. “The focus right now is on fixing the pier. We’re exploring all options to get it repaired, functioning and open to the public.”
Poppies show we care SORRENTO-PORTSEA RSL sub-branch is gearing up for a successful Poppy Appeal this year. From late October, thousands of the iconic red poppies will be sold to raise funds for current and former servicemen and women in need. Sub-branch president Michael Jefferson said the “phenomenal commitment” shown by members and volunteers around the peninsula every year make the appeal a success. “Our community continues to come together to support the poppy appeal in the lead up to Remembrance Day on Friday 11 November,” he said. “It is humbling to see the wave of support and enthusiasm by the locals who support the Poppy Appeal in so many ways”. RSL Victoria Appeals manager Peter Smith said the appeal was a cause that resonated with all Australians and those
who buy poppies feel a sense of pride in wearing them in the lead up to and on Remembrance Day. “Not only does buying and wearing a poppy show respect for our country’s fallen heroes, but it helps raise vital funds to assist past and present servicemen and women and their dependents in times of need.” Poppies were among the first plants to bloom in the devastated battlefields of France and Belgium, and since 1921 they have been used in remembrance of those who fell during times of war. Mr Smith said a wave of young veterans was finding themselves and their families in need of assistance, and it was as important as ever to donate to the poppy appeal. “We urge all Victorians to wear a poppy with pride as we remember this November.” Donate online at poppyappeal.com.au
Pictures: Paul Pingiaro
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2415 Point Nepean Road, Rye Beach www.ryehotel.com.au | 5985 2277 Southern Peninsula News 18 October 2016
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