NEWS DESK
Closing in on island’s final 100 feral cats THE federal government has given $335,000 to help eradicate the estimated 100 feral cats remaining on French Island. About 1100 feral cats have already been removed from the island but their total eradication is described as an “ongoing challenge”. The money from the environment restoration fund is aimed at protecting species such as the king quail, orange-bellied parrot and long-nosed potoroo. Flinders MP Greg Hunt said the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria and French Island Landcare had been working with landowners on a cat control program on the island which is said to be fox free. “Tens of thousands of waterbirds from around the world flock to French Island every year as
part of their life cycle and, recently, Zoos Victoria introduced the eastern barred bandicoot,” Mr Hunt said. “This program to eradicate feral cats completely will not only help local populations but help protect the future of mainland species. It builds on some outstanding work from the local community.” French Island Landcare group president Judith Metcher said the money would be managed by the Port Phillip and Westernport Catchment Management Authority. Cage traps, “curiosity” baits and soft jaw leg-hold traps are already being used to catch the feral cats, many of which were deliberately released in the past. The 35 pet cats on the island have all been de-sexed. Eradicating feral cats from Bruny Island, Kan-
garoo Island, Christmas Island and Dirk Hartog Island has also been identified as a priority under the restoration fund’s strategy. Feral cats kill up to eight million small animals each day, experts say. “French Island is a wonderful ecologically diverse place that is home to over 580 indigenous plant species and more than 230 bird species,” environment minister Sussan Ley said. “Once predator free, safe havens like [it] can prove vital in establishing ‘insurance’ populations, maintaining habitat for migratory birds and repopulating areas after bushfires and other emergencies. “Through the ERF we are looking to significantly broaden the nation’s network of safe havens in line with the Morrison Government’s threatened species strategy.” Stephen Taylor
Creatives find a way to cope with crisis BUSINESSES are pitching in to help Victorians cope with the stresses and strains of dealing with restrictions imposed in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19. While regional Victoria is feeling the benefits of restrictions being eased, the Mornington Peninsula and Melbourne remain under stage four restrictions. Charlie Ryan, of Red Hill, who started design agency Five Creative with James Baker in 2009, said they launched their V for Victoria campaign in the hope on “spreading a unifying message of love, hope and solidarity across the country”. The stylised hand forming a peace sign has been reproduced on posters throughout Melbourne and Sydney. Ryan says his design “up-cycles” the original V for victory sign made famous by wartime British prime minister Winston Churchill. Money donated to the cause is “going straight back to spreading the message”. “The graphic has been designed with the official
colour of Victoria adjoining to other colours that represent all other Australian Commonwealth states and territories,” Ryan said. “Initially developed [in August] as a direct response to the state of Victoria going into tough COVID-19 lockdown restrictions and the ongoing closures of state and territory borders, the campaign coincided with an evident rise in negative media and online coverage towards Victorians, that inflamed further fear, anger and division between states. “Having seen our country come together over the summer bushfire crisis, and to rally for a law for equality not long before that, I don’t believe these are the words or feelings of everyday Australians. I believe that there should be more words of love, hope and solidarity between ourselves as a greater community and V for Victoria encourages that.” Free downloads of the V for Victoria artwork, prints, face masks and apparel are available at www. vforvictoria.com.au Keith Platt
LOCKDOWN PICTURES ALTHOUGH pets are probably seeing more of their owners than ever before, the lockdown also disturbs their daily lives (mostly sleeping with a morning and, if lucky, afternoon walk). Lyn Truscott says the look on her dog’s face is all about “take me for a walk”. Elkesley and Bill Strafe got a laugh from the decorated bins in Mornington, below, while Brian Evans spent time admiring the Spoonville at Dromana and Anthony Scroggie envies the freedom yellow-tailed black cockatoos have to dine out where and when they want. Readers are invited to send and share their own pictures, with a short caption, to: lockdown@mpnews.com.au
Esso update
By David McCord, Long Island Point Plant Manager. The team at our LIP Plant continues to respond to the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, helping to meet energy needs while adapting our workplace to be as safe as possible in the current circumstances. Amid the ongoing pandemic situation, there are still positives to be found. We are proud to be celebrating 50 years of operations at LIP this month. The Plant was officially opened on 21 September by the Prime Minister of Australia, John Gorton. Over the last half century, the LIP Plant and Esso’s broader operations in Gippsland have been a vital source of energy and industrial feedstock. We have operated safely and successfully for 50 years thanks to the quality and dedication of our people, past and present, including our contractors and our many suppliers. For me personally, the story of LIP has always been about the people. On top of our role as a local employer, providing highly-skilled jobs in the Mornington Peninsula region, we’ve always been a strong contributor to the local community. We have a proud history of actively supporting community organisations, including schools, emergency responders, environmental and social groups. I don’t believe we could have achieved all we have without the continuous support of our community, and I’d like to take this opportunity to thank our neighbours and stakeholders. To learn more about our operations, you can reach me at CommunityANZ@exxonmobil.com.
Western Port News 23 September 2020
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