NEWS DESK Standing for safety STAND-UP paddle boarders are being advised to check weather conditions before venturing into the water around the Mornington Peninsula. Last month, two teenage paddle boarders had to be rescued at Mount Eliza after being blown nearly five kilometres offshore, and a 12-year-old boy at Frankston had to be rescued after he was unable to paddle his board back to shore. There have also been incidents at Dromana and Rosebud, including on Friday (21 January) when five people in a blow-up boat and paddle boards took to the water in windy conditions and could not get back to shore. Mount Eliza paddle board instructor Mark Renouf said entering the water on a SUP without a good understanding of weather conditions could quickly lead to trouble. “There are a few rules around paddle boarding, but number one is to make sure the weather conditions are right,” he said. “One of the most common things I see is a paddle board that’s not properly inflated, and so can’t be controlled like it should be.” “They are a lot of fun, I used to have a kayak myself, but SUPs give you a better view of what’s around you and what’s in the water,” he said. President of Victorian association SUP-VIC, George Thomas, said it was recommended that beginner paddle boarders had some lessons to get them started, or joined paddle boarding groups to share skills and knowledge. “Lessons are a great idea before you even buy one so you have the basics, and it is a safe and enjoyable thing to do,” he said.
Foundation works for healthy environment Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au ONE of the Mornington Peninsula’s bushland jewels and an important biolink for local flora and fauna needs a helping hand to ensure it remains an environmental and recreational resource well into the future. The Devilbend Foundation – a group of volunteers dedicated to maintaining the 422-hectare Devilbend Reserve, in conjunction with Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning, Parks Victoria and Devilbend Landcare – is asking for more volunteers. Spokesperson Marnie Fitzsimmons said the focus of caring for the reserve was keeping it weed and rubbish free, and maintaining it as a wildlife corridor, which was challenging in an era of rapid residential development and population growth. The reserve is one of the region’s most important bird habitats and, in addition to regular weeding and clean-up sessions, there are monthly bird counts held there and at the adjacent Woods Reserve. But with the impact of COVID-19 on volunteer numbers, and the expected attrition rate of the mostlyelderly volunteers, the group needs to boost its numbers. “We haven’t been able to do much in recent year or so because of COVID, so there is a bit of work to do but even fewer people to do it,” Ms Fitzsimmons said. “Many of our lovely volunteers are elderly, which is great, but we also
Age is no barrier: The Devilbend Foundation is hoping that new members will help continue its work to preserve and improve the environment within the 422 hectare Devilbend Reserve at Moorooduc. Picture: Supplied
need some younger adults who are reasonably fit and active.” Ms Fitzsimmons said the reserve had experienced an increase in the number of people using it during COVID, because the five kilometre travel limit had encouraged locals to explore closer to home. “Lots of people are using the reserve these days, but they also leave their rubbish and that creates an added problem for people trying to maintain it,” she said.
According to Landcare groups, there is only 18 per cent of native vegetation left on the peninsula, with the reserve acting as an important habitat refuge for wildlife. The reserve also includes the largest inland water body on the peninsula and one that is becoming increasingly popular with groups of young recreational users. The lowland forest, reservoirs and shoreline provide habitat and recreational space, with people flocking to
the reserve in increasing numbers to enjoy picnics, fishing photography, birdwatching and water activities. But Ms Fitzsimmons said lack of government money for the reserve made volunteers even more important in ensuring the essential natural environment was protected and maintained. Anyone who would like to volunteer with the Devilbend Foundation should email Ms Fitzsimmons at marniefitz1@gmail.com
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Western Port News
9 February 2022