End of summer, The Pillars report
Picture: Duade Paton
Birdlovers fear its the last of the curlews THE declining numbers of a bird once frequently seen in Western Port are being used as an example to persuade political parties to do more to protect native birds. BirdLife Australia president, John Barkla says the critically endangered eastern curlew was once a drawcard for visitors to Western Port but its numbers had now dropped to “a handful”. “I’ve been visiting the Ramsar wetlands in Western Port for decades. Once it was the perfect site to see and hear the calls of flocks of hundreds of these glorious birds, but now you are lucky to see more than a handful,” Mr Barkla said on the eve of last week’s Act for Birds forum at Balwyn demanding political parties “take urgent action to protect Australia’s unique native birdlife”. “Like many of Australia’s shorebirds, our eastern curlews are being
pushed to the edge of extinction,” Mr Barkla said. “Destructive coastal development in Ramsar wetlands is occurring not only here in our backyard of Western Port, but across Australia... Our state and federal governments are allowing the mudflats that the curlews rely on to fuel up for their epic migration to the Arctic and back each year to be destroyed. “Eastern curlew populations are declining faster in south-eastern Australia than anywhere else across the country. There is no denying that this is a serious, local problem. Mr Barkla said younger Australians were likely to miss out on seeing the “absolutely magnificent” rise in flight above the wetlands. “The eastern curlew, like all of our native birds must be protected. It is clear that with continuing declines
in their population, our environment laws are not doing their job and working in the way that they should.” His feelings were echoed by Sean Dooley, editor of Australian BirdLife Magazine, who worries “that my children will never get to see birds like the eastern curlew”. Mr Dooley said strong environment laws were needed to protect native birds. “Ahead of May’s federal election, we are calling for all parties to commit to developing national environment laws that protect Australia’s wildlife, an independent national environment commission, an independent national environmental protection authority, funded recovery plans for threatened species and guaranteed community rights and participation in environmental decision making.” Keith Platt
THE popularity of The Pillars, a cliff jumping spot at Mt Martha, has led to the banning of alcohol, restricted car parking, dire warnings of death or injury and “the wall” – a fence to try and stop entry. Mornington Peninsula Shire, which has used its officers to book errant motorists and drones to count the number of people on the cliffs as well as paying for the hire of the fence, has called a public meeting for Wednesday 10 April to discuss a “permanent solution” to the problematic tourist attraction. The Pillars has also become a political issue with Labor’s candidate for Flinders Joshua Sinclair saying the 400 metre “temporary” fence should be replaced by a boardwalk (“Pillars a poll issue” The News 26/3/19). A shire news release states that the public meeting will enable residents to “hear about the measures undertaken over the 2018/19 summer period and provide feedback about your experiences about The Pillars during summer peak period”. “Council continues to work hard to protect the safety of people and the amenity of the area for our residents,” the mayor Cr David Gill said. “We look forward to meeting with the community to hear your concerns and to discuss the management of issues relating to usage of the site.” As with most ward-related news releases each of the three Briars ward councillors are also quoted. Cr Bev Colomb: “We thank every-
one for engaging with us on this often difficult matter as we all try to work toward protecting this unique environment and manage all the issues.” Cr Sam Hearn: “Council is aware of issues local residents face regarding The Pillars, especially during the warmer months. This will be a great opportunity to talk about how we are working towards solving these issues.” Cr Rosie Clark: “This project has been shaped by the community voicing their concerns about inappropriate behaviour at The Pillars. We look forward to continuing our efforts with the community and relevant stakeholders to push for the area to be made safer and be more respected.” Views or issues about The Pillars can be lodged online at mornpen.vic. gov.au/thepillars. The public meeting will be held 5.30pm-6.30pm at the council chambers, 2 Queen Street, Mornington. Keith Platt
Beach exposures POLICE are investigating reports of a man loitering and exposing himself near beach boxes at Mt Martha South Beach. Senior Constable Matt Malone said the incidents had been reported over the past three weeks as taking place in the early to mid-afternoon. Witnesses to to any incidents should call 000 immediately, or 8770 1000 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 with any information.
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www.islandenergy.com.au Southern Peninsula News
3 April 2019
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