NEWS DESK
‘Clean beach’ peninsula MELBOURNE’S cleanest beaches over the drier than predicted La Nina summer were on the Mornington Peninsula, according to the Environment Protection Authority. Rainfall in December was below average at the Australian Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) rain gauges used by the EPA’s annual summer beach report and Yarra Watch service to forecast water quality. Best performing beaches were on the peninsula, while Portarlington and Carrum had the least number of “good” forecasts due to beach renourishment and construction work at Portarlington safe harbour and dredging of the Paterson River mouth. Heavy rain and storms create the highest safety risk to the public when they follow extended periods of dry weather, as the “first flush” of the stormwater system carries most of the pollution that has built up in the drains into Port Phillip. “Swimming when water quality is poor can lead to illnesses such as gastroenteritis or uncomfortable skin rashes, but a few simple precautions will reduce those risks,” he said. The EPA publishes the summer beach report and Yarra Watch each year from 1 December to the Labour Day weekend in March. The (EPA) Victoria monitors recreational water quality at 36 Port Phillip beaches with water samples collected at beach report sites every week during summer.
Medal haul for beach masters MORNINGTON Peninsula lifesavers have won six medals at the 2022 Australian Lifesaving Championships masters competition. Portsea Surf Life Saving Club member Sue Crow won gold in the two kilometre ocean swim at North Kirra and then struck gold again at Kurrawa in the 65-69 years female surf race. Fellow Portsea water woman Chloe Hardman came third in the 50-54 years female ski race and their Portsea teammate Brett Croft claimed bronze in the 50-54 years male beach flags. Haydn Tierney of Point Leo Surf Life Saving Club also won bronze in the 40-44 years male two kilometre ocean swim teammate Frank Christian won bronze in the 60-64 years male surf race. Life Saving Victoria manager aquatic sport Simon Butterly said the results for the peninsula’s masters’ athletes were “outstanding achievements”. “They have done themselves and their clubs proud, not only as a competitor, but as dedicated volunteers, using the skills they showcased at the Aussies to save lives on the beach during the patrol season and to mentor our future lifesavers.” MEDAL winning lifesavers, clockwise from top, Sue Crow, Brett Croft, Coe Hardman and Haydn Tierny. Pictures: Supplied
As the highest performing secondary school on the Mornington Peninsula, Dromana College will continue to work tirelessly to develop and consolidate the many exemplary educational programs on offer. With outstanding facilities, a committed professional staff and a caring school community, students are challenged to explore their interests and talents to achieve their personal best.
Open Night Wednesday 4th May 2022 at 6.00pm ‘Lessons come from the journey …not the destination’ ‘A high performing provider of education on the Mornington Peninsula’
Tours available Tuesday mornings at 9:30am. Bookings online at www.dsc.vic.edu.au. 110 Harrisons Road, Dromana, Victoria 3936 Entry via Old White Hill Road
E: dromana.sc@education.vic.gov.au W: www.dsc.vic.edu.au
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Southern Peninsula News
20 April 2022
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