INSIDE THIS EDITION… FAIR TURNOUT AT FAIR, PAGES 3 AND 21
13 - 19 JANUARY, 2023
FREE
BELLARINE’S NUMBER ONE NEWSPAPER
12584296-SN03-22
Holiday fun at the beach The summer holidays are in full swing on the Bellarine Peninsula and after a horrid spring, the weather has been kind. Beaches are packed and cafes and restaurants are reporting a roaring trade. Lifesaver Zak Poynder is pictured with nippers Sonny, Max, Ivy, Milla and Mia at Ocean Grove main beach on Monday, January 8, under blue skies and warm temperatures. It will be a triple treat for Voice readers this January. The Voice will publish for three consecutive weeks January 13, 20 and 27.
(Ivan Kemp) 314362_02
Mangrove walkway push Ocean Grove Rotary Club is pushing for the construction of a boarded walkway next to the Barwon River. The club said it is committed to the protection of the Ramsar wetland and mangrove wildlife habitats of Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve and that the walkway would “provide access to the white mangroves for an intimate experience with nature”. The club wants the walkway to be about 100 metres north of the Wallington Road and Thacker Street intersection.
Deakin University students produced a pamphlet, titled ‘The White Mangrove Experience’, outlining the benefits of the proposed walkway. “We believe we can assist in addressing issues and opportunities for creating a new riverside nature trail and linking up with boating and fishing facilities within the area,” Rotary Club of Ocean Grove member Noel Emselle said. “Imagine raised walkways that extend the existing riverside, shared pathways from the bridges north from the boat ramp into the marshland around and beyond the golf course with minimal human impact and
maximum protection of the river banks. “This approach has been started on the west side of the river estuary with an all-abilities boardwalk that awaits funding for the next stage. “Nothing similar has been actioned on the more populous Ocean Grove side.” The club will work closely with environment groups, Geelong City officers, Parks Victoria and the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority on the Rivers of the Barwon (Barre Warre Yulluk) Action Plan. A primary master plan is being prepared. The club’s first aim for the project is to use local knowledge and experience to contribute to
development of the draft master plan. “In launching our White Mangrove Experience campaign, we invite people to envisage opportunities for controlled pedestrian access so everyone can experience open space and the unique attributes of mangroves, marshland, and seagrass in the estuary without getting wet and muddy,” Mr Emselle said. “We are seeking community support to help raise priority in the minds of our elected representatives and land managers.” Details: rotaryclubogrove@gmail.com, rotaryoceangrove.org.au
Foster carers urgently needed Take the first step. Contact us today. 1300 791 677
mackillop.org.au/fostercare
12586101-JW03-23
By Justin Flynn