NEWS DESK
BEACH users at McCrae say the dredging process being used to “renourish” the sand is harmful to the environment and unlikely to be a long term solution to sand.
Denial over ‘threat’ to marine life Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning says methods of using 20,000 cubic metres of dredged sand to replenish McCrae beach are designed “to avoid impacting any marine values and coastal vegetation”. “Our marine biodiversity and natural environment team experts have confirmed there are no specific concerns relating to the project with regards to land-based coastal vegetation, the reef, or the plants and animals that inhabit it,” DELWP Port Phillip regional di-
rector Stephen Chapple said. However, long time beach users report that marine creatures are being “shredded” by the DELWP’s dredging machines. “Some stingrays miraculously made it through the muncher with a wing missing - to be met by hungry seagulls when they were unceremoniously flung out of the pipe,” Julie Davey said. “This concoction of sand and sea creatures deposited on our beautiful McCrae beach to a level with the car park, is already disappearing. After less than a fortnight one third of the sand has been reclaimed by the sea.”
Virginia Richardson, of Dromana, in a letter trying to enlist the help of Flinders MP Greg Hunt, said residents’ concerns had increased after on-site meetings “discuss options to reduce negative impacts” with Mr Chapple, state MP for Nepean Chris Brayne and Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Cr Debra Mar. “Unfortunately, we were met with extreme hostility, a reluctance to consider any of our concerns, and a refusal to stop the works,” Ms Richardson told Mr Hunt. Ms Davey said regular beach walkers “knew this would happen”. “The
‘No charge’ green waste event
MEMBERSHIP OF THE CAPEL SOUND FORESHORES COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT Nominations are being sought from the community for membership of a Committee of Management that will manage the foreshore reserve between Tootgarook and Rosebud West. The Committee is responsible for the day to day management, care and protection of the foreshore reserves on behalf of both the local community and the wider Victorian community.
Tidy up your garden and dispose of your green waste free of charge. Remember to stay COVID-safe and keep 1.5m away from anyone not in your group. Expect some delays.
Handy hints:
Proof of residency is required to dispose of green waste for no charge at this event. (E.g. your driver’s licence with your current address or a current rate notice.)
• Delays may occur at the beginning and end of each day • Mornington can accept a maximum of three cubic metres per trip • Tyabb has less waiting time • You can opt-in to receive a 240 litre fortnightly kerbside green waste bin collection (paid) if you live in the ‘urban area’ of the Peninsula.
Locations
Opening hours
Rye Truemans Road Tyabb McKirdys Road Mornington Watt Road
Monday – Friday Saturday/Sunday
No commercial vehicles or commercial green waste will be accepted.
2019 renourishment assessment of 64 Port Phillip beaches “ranked McCrae as one of the highest priorities, relating to the need to protect public infrastructure”. “There is an annual loss of sand from west to east along both Dromana and McCrae beaches due to the dominant southerly summer winds, resulting in foreshore erosion,” Mr Chapple said. “DELWP has designed and implemented the work at McCrae Beach to avoid impacting any marine values and coastal vegetation.” Mr Chapple said DELWP had obtained all necessary permits.
EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
Friday 30 April - Sunday 2 May 2021
Green waste includes all types of garden waste and untreated timber.
same thing happened in Dromana a few years ago with a repeat performance recently. “They muddied our swimming water over the best part of summer but ,most importantly, there is a huge cost in terms of marine life and dollars for this nonsense.” Ms Davey feared that the “currently unstable wall of sand” was a safety threat to children. Ms Richardson said “expert advice” provided to residents “strongly suggests otherwise” to the DELWP’s claim to be not harming the environment. Mr Chapple told The News that a
This is a unique opportunity to become actively involved in management of a highly significant area of coastal reserve. Volunteering plays a significant part in our community and the value of volunteering cannot be underestimated. This is a volunteer position with a requirement to attend regular meetings as well as allocate some personal time as required. Whilst the following knowledge and skills would be beneficial when considering an application, anyone with a genuine interest in foreshore management is encouraged to apply. Knowledge • Knowledge of the local natural environment and/or existing foreshore facilities • Knowledge of Coastal ecology • Volunteering environment • Aboriginal and cultural heritage • Tourism & promotion • Team / committee environment • Town Planning / Environmental management
Skills • Committee administration and procedures • Public speaking • Property & Asset management • Written & oral communication skills • Interpersonal skills • Ability to interpret documents/legislation • Business management and/or commercial experience
All registrations of interest will be considered.
5950 1000 mornpen.vic.gov.au/greenwaste
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Southern Peninsula News
21 April 2021
Further information and nomination forms are available from the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning from Sarah Wordsworth on 0438 427 526 or email: property.portphillip@delwp.vic.gov.au Expressions of Interest are to be addressed to: Sarah Wordsworth, Land and Built Environment Program Officer Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning and sent via email at: property.portphillip@delwp.vic.gov.au by close of business Friday 30th April 2021 www.delwp.vic.gov.au Customer Service Centre 136 186
FR4664
For more information
8am – 4pm 8am – 5pm