NEWS DESK
Devilbend’s flow from AFTER a break of 61 years, water is again flowing into Devilbend Reservoir along its original creek watercourse. Up to 17 million litres a day will enter the reservoir during peak flow times, thanks to a Parks Victoria water diversion project completed last year. The flows will raise levels in the reservoir and ensure its sustainability over summer months. The reservoir is the largest and most significant water body on the Mornington Peninsula,
and this seasonal flow will boost its general health and biodiversity and create better habitats for bird and fish, Parks Victoria said. More than 150 bird species have been seen at the reservoir, including the rare blue billed duck and the white bellied sea eagle. It is also a seasonal home to many migratory birds. The inflow will benefit the native dwarf galaxias fish which was recently re-discovered in the catch drain. Parks’ ranger team leader Luke Ashford has been watching the results of the project. “Re-
Feathers in the garden: The relatiopnship between Australian birds and plants is the subject of a workshop next month. From left, a gang gang cockatoo (Chris Clarke), little grebe (Judith Cooke) and New Holland honeyeater (Mack Fenwick).
Talking birds at workshop A WORKSHOP on the relationship between birds and plants will be held next month at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne. The workshop is being held at the end of this year’s National Bird Week (23-29 October) with presenters focussing on greater understanding of Australian birds, their behaviour, their requirements and their conservation. From 7.30am on Sunday 29 October there will be an optional opportunity to participate in the "What Bird is That?" presentation conducted by BirdLife Australia's Mornington Peninsula branch in the Cranbourne bushland, followed by breakfast. The presentation follows warnings last month from the branch’s president, Max Burrows, that several more species of birds are in danger of being added to the 40 species which have disappeared from around Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula since the arrival of Europeans (“The birds are flying into oblivion” The News 22/8/17). For those not wanting to arrive at the gardens at 7.30 the day can start with refreshments in
the Australian Garden Auditorium before the 10.30am start of presentations which include: n An overview of Australian birds. n Evolutionary/social history in connecting birds, animals, nature and people (with Pat Macwhirter). n Behaviour, ecology, colour and sexual attraction (Kaspar Delhey). n Status of the helmeted honeyeater, Victoria’s bird emblem (Bruce Quin). n Photographing birds (Kerri-Lee Harris and Paul Whitington). n Illustrating birds (Nicolas Day). n Bird habitat in gardens (Amy Akers). Australian birds in art and craft (John Thompson). The National Bird Week workshop, 7.30am3pm or 9.30am-3pm Sunday 29 October, Royal Botanic Gardens Cranbourne, corner Ballarto Rd and Botanic Drive, Cranbourne. Members $80, non-members $90, students $40. Register and pay at: www.rbgfriendscranbourne.org.au or call Amy Akers on 0423 513 281.
Open Air Burning October 2017 only During October 2017, we’re making some changes to our Open Air Burning Local Law to assist property owners to clean up properties in preparation for the fire season. The changes will enable burning off on properties below 1500m². At all other times, burning off on properties below 1500m² is prohibited. Oct only
Land less than 1500m²
Open Air Burning is permitted on Fridays and Saturdays throughout October between 9am and 4pm provided that:
Land more than 1500m² Open Air Burning is permitted on Fridays and Saturdays throughout October between 9am and 4pm provided that:
Land more than 40,000m² Open Air Burning is permitted throughout October provided that:
• No more than 100 cubic metres of vegetation is burnt • No more than 1 cubic • No more than 10 cubic at any one time; metre of vegetation is metres of vegetation is • The fire is not within burnt at any one time; burnt at any one time; 100 metres of any • The fire is not within • The fire is not within neighbouring dwelling; 10 metres of any 10 metres of any • All the General Fire neighbouring dwelling; neighbouring dwelling; Safety Provisions • All the General Fire • All the General Fire are followed. Safety Provisions Safety Provisions are followed. are followed. You must follow the General Fire Safety Provisions when burning off.
For more information 5950 1050 mornpen.vic.gov.au/openairburning
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Western Port News 26 September 2017
Attention Schools, sporting clubs & community groups
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