NEWS DESK
Award reward for shark dedication Keith Platt keith@mpnews.com.au AWARDS are often made to those who offer hope and understanding in areas that are sometimes misrepresented in the public realm. The work by Kent Stannard over the past 18 years fits that description and has qualified him as being the recipient of the Outstanding Individual Achievement Award in the inaugural Victorian Marine and Coastal Awards. Stannard’s award recognises the research and education he has spearheaded into the feared, but endangered, great white shark (Carcharodon carcharias). Not always the most popular of creatures, the great white plays a key role in the marine ecosystem and Stannard, through the Tag for Life program, is credited with being “the driving force behind taking the science of white shark research to the public to ensure a better understanding of this much maligned creature”. Stannard, who lives in Blairgowrie, established the no-for-profit Tag for Life in 2008 to raise money for research and education into great white sharks (“Plumbing depths to find shark beat” The News 2/5/16). His talks about great whites at schools, public institutions and communities throughout Victoria are credited with encouraging people from all walks of life to become actively involved in coastal and marine management. His relationship with the abalone industry and other commercial fisheries that has enabled sci-
entists to develop an acoustic receiver network around the Victorian coast to detect the presence of tagged sharks at key sites. The recorded information provides safer working conditions and allows scientists to better understand the behaviour of the white shark and the habitats critical to them. The resulting working relationships between Tag for Life and research bodies, including Phillip Island Nature Park and Deakin University in Victoria, the CSIRO and NSW Fisheries, working on seals and other marine species are leading to a better understanding of the key drivers in shark movement patterns and behaviour. As well as sometimes going to sea helping safely catch and tag great white sharks, Stannard takes his purpose-built information caravan (Otto - the White Shark Cafe) to popular beaches throughout Victoria, sharing fact-based information material about the sharks. A keen surfer, he says the hands on approach helps dispel misinformation surrounding white sharks and promote the need for their preservation. His WhiteTag clothing company also raises money for Tag for Life. Stannard’s award was on of 11 presented virtually to individuals and groups by Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio on behalf of the Victorian Marine and Coastal Council. A list of the award winners is at: marineandcoastalcouncil.vic.gov.au/news-and-events/ victorian-marine-and-coastal- awards and Tag for Life is on Facebook.
La Nina’s stormy outlook Picture: Keith Platt
HIGH velocity storms, frequent heavy rain and gushing stormwater in street drains, waterways and outfalls on the Mornington Peninsula are anticipated this spring and summer as a result of the La Nina effect. The forecast follows a report by insurer AAMI which ranks Mornington, Mount Martha, Mount Eliza and Frankston at number four in its list of storm-damaged suburbs. (“Storms create claims havoc” The News 2/11/20). Mornington Peninsula Shire says storms and heavy rains can have a big impact on property, neighbours and the wider community. Residents are being encouraged to revisit or create an emergency plan and prepare their property in advance. It is not always possible to predict where and when flooding will occur – especially
flash flooding. Tips on preparing property for storms include cleaning gutters, spouting and downpipes, and fixing loose tiles, roofing iron and ridge capping. This can prevent water collecting in a roof and causing it to collapse. During storms, residents should monitor conditions regularly and talk to their neighbours, family and friends to see what their plans are and discuss how they can help each other. Everyone should know where, how and when to turn off mains power and water and gas in an emergency or evacuation. Visit the Emergency Preparedness website for information on how to prepare a property for an emergency: emergencyprepare.com.au and bom. gov.au/knowyourweather.
Schoolies urged to be quiet
Stephen Taylor steve@mpnews.com.au POLICE will be keeping a sharp eye on rowdy end-of-school celebrations on the Mornington Peninsula this year. They will be increasing patrols in such popular party locations as Rye, Sorrento, Dromana, Rosebud and Mount Martha, and will “not tolerate any behaviour that negatively impacts the community”. This includes underage drinking and anti-social and drunken behaviour on the beaches and around licensed venues and accommodation houses. Senior Sergeant Natalie Dollard, of Rosebud police, said anyone breaching the private gathering rules could cop a $1652 fine. Under eased restrictions up to 15 people are allowed to visit a home, but the host, and anyone attend-
ing a gathering which breaches this limit, could also be fined. Warnings have also gone out to schoolies on the Surf Coast and at Phillip Island. Senior Sergeant Dollard said police would maintain a “highly visible presence” across the peninsula – and especially the Rye foreshore – during Schoolies activities which were set to run from last Saturday (28 November) until 10 December. “Although the shire has put out a message urging young people not to come down we have to be realistic and expect that they will,” she said. She was referring to a plea by Mornington Peninsula Shire CEO John Baker who said with then-social distancing rules and limits on gatherings likely to continue into next year, schoolies gatherings “won’t be possible”.
“My message to school-leavers and their families is that our beaches will still be here when this pandemic is over, so we are asking you to postpone your schoolies celebrations for now,” he said. “It’s just not worth the risk of travelling down here. Look at options in your local area, stay safe and celebrate at home.” Senior Sergeant Dollard reinforced the CEO’s message: “We will be out in force and will not tolerate poor behaviour – especially the use of flares. “Flares are extremely dangerous and can cause serious injury. They can burn upwards of 1000 degrees Celsius and pose a serious risk when discharged in crowded or confined spaces. “We will be targeting this behaviour again this year. Those involved in throwing flares can face serious crimi-
nal charges.” Restrictions imposed by the Chief Health Officer will make Schoolies different to previous years. Senior Sergeant Dollard said while young people no longer needed to wear face masks when physical distancing outdoors, they must carry a mask with them at all times unless an exemption applies. Masks are still required indoors when away from the home, when on public transport and when physical distancing cannot be maintained. Parents are also encouraged to have “open and frank” conversations with their children before they depart, ensuring they are “aware of acceptable social behaviour, the risks associated with excessive alcohol consumption and taking drugs, and educated about the restrictions in place throughout Victoria”.
“We will not tolerate any behaviour that negatively impacts the community. Police will proactively patrol popular locations, like the beaches and foreshore areas, day and night, to ensure that everyone is safe and adhering to the CHO’s directions.” It’s not only partying that’s set for greater scrutiny: Many young drivers will be travelling long distances on their own for the first time – and at speeds they aren’t familiar with – prompting police to implore them to “drive to the conditions, be courteous of others and aware of other road users so that everyone can get to their destinations safely”. Police say they will run operations targeting speeding, drink-and-drug driving, not wearing seatbelts, and driver distraction, which includes mobile phone use, and fatigue.
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2 December 2020
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