Coastline The Coast Action/Coastcare Newsletter ISBN 1329-0835 Edition 54 Summer 2010/2011

1 State Coordinator’s Message By Matthew Fox, State Program Coordinator

It’s always a pleasure to welcome readers to the program has just announced further funding to summer edition. Already the coast is buzzing with enable DSE to continue the program in 2011, so stay activity, with locals and visitors making the most of tuned for announcements on this next year. warmer weather. Warm weather also means that Summer by the Sea On the subject of activity, 2010 has seen a great deal is just around the corner. For the past 17 years, DSE, of community action on the coast, and this summer with the support of volunteers and local experts, issue of Coastline showcases some of this effort. has hosted this statewide program. And so again in With more than 50 projects funded through the 2011 this festival of free coastal events will provide Coastcare grants program, and many others opportunities for us to celebrate our unique coastal through Caring for our Country, regional NRM bodies environments. and from within local community, the results are Look for Summer by the Sea on Facebook and let us visible right along our coastline. know your thoughts. We look forward to seeing you On the subject of funding, I am pleased to say that out and about in January. the Australian government’s Caring for our Country

Contents Coast Action/Coastcare: Supporting State Coordinator’s Message 2 Victoria’s Coastal Volunteers Coast Action/Coastcare celebrates Coast Action/Coastcare is a DSE program that 17 Summers by the Sea 3 supports local communities to contribute Blooming Wildlife on Phillip 4 to the protection of Victoria’s coastal Will Climate Change Wipe Out Giant Kelp Forests? 5 environment. The program promotes Protecting Our Seas and Shores 6 stewardship of our coast by supporting Update on the Hood 7 community action such as re-vegetation, There are plenty more fish in the sea… or are there? 8 Surf Coast Marine Debris Initiative 9 protection of threatened species and The Jack and Albert River Restoration Project (JARR) 10 community education. The program provides Habitat Network East Gippsland 10 funding, training and advice to coastal From Granite Gully to Sunshine Reserve 11 volunteer groups right along the coast. Fairhaven Community Coastal Forum Coastline is published four times per year, – Making Connections for the Coast 12 including the annual Summer printed edition. Clonard College Takes Swan Bay to Caloundra 13 To subscribe to Coastline or contribute an Planet Days Transform the Surf Coast 13 article, please contact your local facilitator. Locals Research Mangroves in Kenya 14 To get involved with a coastal volunteer Orchids Bloom at Anglesea 15 group please contact a Coast Action/Coastcare A Quick Roundup on the Action at Capel Sound Beach 16 facilitator (contact details on Page 24). Moolapio Coastal Field Day 16 Sea Searching in the Mangroves 17 Volunteer Committee Oversees Completion of Published by the Victorian Government’s Department of Sustainability and Environment, December 2009 Major Works 18 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2009 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance Making the Most of Coast to Coast 19 with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. Coxy’s Big Summer Break 19 ISSN 1329-0835 Disclaimer — This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its Release of Victorian Coastal Acid Sulfate employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, Soils Guidelines 20 loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. Have You Seen This Seaweed at Your Beach? 20 Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East . Regional Updates 21 Printed by Stream , Spring Street, Melbourne. For more information contact DSE Customer Service Centre 13 61 86. Calendar of events 23 Coastline Editor: Matthew Fox Coast Action/Coastcare Contacts 24 www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts

2 Coast Action/Coastcare celebrates seventeen Summers by the Sea Megan Liddicoat, Department of Sustainability and Environment

Three hundred free events will be held in 80 locations Bringing people to celebrate Victoria’s coast in the annual Summer by a little closer the Sea festival. Summer by the Sea gives Victorians to nature is the opportunity to discover and appreciate the what these natural wonders of Victoria’s coastal and marine activities are environments. all about. Our coast is an incredibly rich and diverse place. Did you The program promotes respect for the coast, know, for instance, that our coast is home to two environmental stewardship and participation in UNESCO biosphere reserves, five Ramsar wetlands, coastal conservation. Over 100,000 people have 18 wetlands of national significance and 24 marine taken part in Summer by the Sea events over the protected areas? But our coast is under a lot of past 16 years. Summer by the Sea has something for . We hope that by building connections to everyone, and all events are family friendly. coast we can help foster a spirit of stewardship over Activities include rockpool rambles, marine sanctuary these natural assets. safaris, fishing clinics, kayak tours, geology Summer by the Sea is run by Coast Action/Coastcare adventures and bird watching. Summer by the Sea with the ongoing support of volunteers and local provides opportunities to meet the Maremma dogs experts. who guard little penguins. Try volunteering with Coastcare for a Day, board a boat tour, take a walk Visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/summerbythesea for on the wild side, discover underwater bugs and get more information and to download a copy of this hands-on with marine monitoring. The activities run year’s program, or visit our page at Facebook at for the first three weeks of January 2011. www.facebook.com/summerbythesea.

3 Blooming wildlife on Phillip Island Nature Parks Education Department

The penguin breeding season is well underway by gain their distinctive blue waterproof plumage. It is October and soon after that these birds begin laying hoped that, upon release, the birds will recognise the eggs. The Philip Island Nature Park monitors over 300 new burrows as their home and not return to the burrows in study sites; of these, more than half of the carparks. burrows contain adults that are incubating eggs. Several adult penguins have been brought into the The carpark penguin chick program relocates chicks wildlife hospital this month, including one rescued from burrows in hazardous areas and releases from a mud-filled pit in the housing estate. This them into burrows in safer parts of the colony. The penguin required washing for several days to remove chicks require a small period of care in the wildlife layers of hard clay-like mud. Several orphaned water hospital while they lose the last of their down and birds have been brought into the hospital, including a Cape Barren goose gosling that is now thriving and maturing rapidly. A number of injured possums have also been treated by the rehab staff and released. Short-tailed Shearwaters have been busily renovating their burrows after their long flight from the Aleutian near Alaska. Their nightly sunset return is most spectacular through October. Other migratory birds, such as the eastern curlew and the bar-tailed godwits, are also returning to our shores around . Smaller waders, such as red necked stints, return in November. Education on the Island The Phillip Island Nature Park is a self-funded, not for profit organisation dedicated to the conservation of Phillip Island’s wildlife and natural features. The nature park, which is spread over 1805 hectares, includes four major tourist precincts (Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, and Nobbies Marine Centre), natural wildlife areas and the entire southern coastline. Phillip Island Nature Park researches and protects numerous indigenous species on the island. Phillip Island Nature Parks Education Department will let your students see the latest research data and techniques or get themselves dirty planting trees, building new penguin homes or exploring wetlands. We have a multitude of environmental programs to suit the needs of your subject. Most are tailored to accommodate middle secondary and senior VCE students, but if, as a primary school teacher, you particularly like the look of a particular talk, we can adapt it to your students’ level. Phillip Island Nature Park Education Department Phone 5951 2802, email schoolbookings@penguins. org.au or look us up at www.penguins.org.au.

 Shearwaters at night

4 Will climate change wipe out giant kelp forests? Graeme Stockton, Surfers Appreciating the Natural Environment

Imagine you are in a forest and life is teeming all around you. The forest canopy stretches some 30 metres above you and as you look up into the filtered sunlight you see myriad life forms going about their daily business within the shelter of their forest home. This description might typically be associated with a tropical rainforest, yet this is also what you would find if you happened to be in an area dominated by giant kelp (Macrocystis species). Map one: Global distribution of giant kelp Indeed, the first person to note the exceptional consequently play a key role in providing shelter and biodiversity associated with these kelp beds was food for literally hundreds of species. Charles Darwin. In 1839 he proclaimed that ‘The number of living creatures of all orders, whose Less well known is the fact that Macrocystis lives part existence intimately depends on the kelp, is of its lifecycle as swimming zoospores, and that in wonderful’. the latter stages of maturity a kelp forest is important in drawing down carbon dioxide Macrocystis is the Latin name for the large, brown, within the water column. subtidal macroalgae otherwise known as kelp. Kelp’s cosmopolitan distribution is limited by its Climate change, giant kelp and the marine preference for cold and temperate oceans where environment surface range from zero to not more A strong body of evidence now suggests that than 20°C, and where the intertidal substrate is Macrocystis is in decline along the southeast coast of either sandstone or rocky. This preference means that as well as globally. The reasons are complex it won’t be found at Point Addis Marine National and include a number of non-climatic factors, such Park, where the substrate is of a calcarenite nature. as agricultural runoff, increased , pollution However, sites such as Popes Eye, with its large and the removal of some predators such as crayfish bluestone boulders, provide the perfect habitat for that feed on sea urchins that eat the kelp. More M. angustifolia. disturbing though is the decline associated with the El Niño southern oscillation (ENSO). Scientists Although four species are recognised, further believe that the more frequent ENSO phenomenon revision of the group’s taxonomy is likely, as all four is driving warm tropical currents further south down are interfertile. In Australia, Macrocystis is confined the east coast of Australia, where higher than normal to the southeastern parts of the mainland and water temperatures, together with lower nutrient Tasmania. This area of ocean is well documented availability, has seen a crash in kelp populations, for being extremely diverse and containing a high particularly in Tasmania. level of endemism. The two Macrocystis species (M. angustifolia and M. pyrifera) found here The ramifications for Tasmania’s kelp forests and, grow in shallow and deep water respectively, and indeed, the world’s oceans, are huge. Marine scientists say that globally, substantial impacts on marine life are already apparent. Distributions of fish, plankton and rocky shore intertidal species, for example, are all shifting polewards in the north Atlantic, while the timing of Antarctic seabird breeding and peek migration dates are also shifting. In Australia, tropical and temperate phytoplankton are moving southwards off eastern Australia. The oceans are providing many indicators that demonstrate the system is under stress. The question is: Are we listening?

 Giant kelp

5 Protecting our seas and shores Michaela Farrington, Victorian National Parks Association

The saying goes that you protect what you If we are to properly protect our remarkable love. To help even more people fall in love with underwater wonderlands, we need to fill these Victoria’s magnificent marine environment, gaps. Victoria urgently needs a comprehensive Victorian National Parks Association (VNPA) statewide scientific investigation of our marine has launched a new underwater website, a environment, and needs better protection for new coastal field guide and a detailed scientific important marine and coastal habitats. Victoria’s review of the state’s marine environment. system of marine national parks, established in 2002, was an excellent start; however, The new website, Explore Underwater Victoria, many important areas remain unprotected. gives visitors the chance to dive beneath the waves of Victoria’s coastal waters and discover The idea of expanding Victoria’s marine national some of the state’s hidden marine treasures. park network is controversial, particularly among Developed with support from Museum Victoria some recreational anglers who see sanctuaries in and Watch Victoria, the website includes terms of lost fishing grounds rather than as an information about and contacts for marine and opportunity to protect biodiversity and habitats coastal community groups, as well as a great and, potentially, to boost fishing stocks. collection of underwater photographs, videos But among the wider community there is and educational resources. Coast Action/Coast overwhelming support for sanctuaries. A state Care, together with and Westernport government funded survey of community CMA and the Australian government’s Caring attitudes shows that 92 per cent of people for our Country, provided funding for the site. supported marine national parks. The recent website launch coincided with the release Strong scientific evidence from Australia and around of a new edition of the classic field guide,Life on the world indicates that marine national parks work. the Rocky Shores, which we hope will inspire a new Despite this, both major political parties have ruled generation of rockpool ramblers and beachgoers. out new marine national parks for Victoria in the next The book and website launch came hot on the heels term of government, and anti-marine park groups of VNPA’s detailed scientific report on conservation are calling for a moratorium on marine parks. issues and priorities for Victoria’s marine environment, VNPA is continuing to campaign for better protection which confirmed what many coastal volunteers for our seas and shores through scientific study, already know: our seas and shores are under pressure habitat protection and other strategies. We hope as never before and urgently need our help. that as more people come to know and love A team of independent marine ecologists spent these remarkable environments, they too will two years preparing the report for VNPA. Two of take action to help our underwater world. the most significant issues they identified in their To find out more about the VNPA’s marine work, report are gaps in our knowledge of Victoria’s order a copy of Life on the Rocky Shores or find a marine environment, and gaps in the state’s current link to the Explore Underwater Victoria website at system of marine national parks and sanctuaries. www.vnpa.org.au.

 Inhabitants of Victoria’s coastal waters 6 Update on the hood Grainne Maguire, Birds Australia

The little hoodies started breeding very late this hooded plovers. Other volunteers have adopted their year. Erratic weather and high have meant that own pair of hoodies and become very attached to most pairs were biding their time until conditions them as they observe the birds’ intriguing behaviours were right. A few stable days of sunny weather in and learn the traits of their individual birds. October triggered many of the birds to start courting In reporting nests so that they can be protected and – the females waving their tails in the air, the given a chance of surviving among the hoards of males standing tall and dancing on their toes with beach users, these volunteers play a vital role. their chests puffed out. Our state’s most illustrious breeders, the pair at Point Roadknight, already have Then there are the more sociable volunteers who three chicks well on their way to flying age and are chat to beach users to make them aware of the set to contribute the first young to the population birds’ needs. We still have a long way to go before this season. everyone is aware but we are getting there and the birds are benefiting. Last year we doubled the This will be the fifth breeding season that the Birds number of chicks surviving on our coast. Australia Beach-nesting Birds project runs; with funding secured from Caring for our Country and Birds Australia needs more volunteers, especially on the Victorian Investment Framework, the future looks the and around Warrnambool bright for these birds. and Port Fairy, where most of Victoria’s hoodies can be found. In Victoria there are over 250 volunteers who contribute to the project. Some take part in the If you can help, contact Grainne Maguire at Biennial Count every two years, when the ocean [email protected]. beaches of Victoria, South Australia and New South Remember: keep an eye out for signs on the beach Wales are walked by volunteers, rangers and agency this summer, and if there are breeding hoodies, give staff to count our eastern mainland population of them space to raise a family.

 Hooded Plover sporting a new band 7 There are plenty more fish in the sea … or are there? Wendy Roberts, Reef Watch Victoria

Scuba divers and snorkelers are once again Cape Conran to Lee Breakwater in Portland, and preparing to explore Victoria’s kelp forests, including many sites within Port Phillip Bay. seagrass meadows and gardens as Ms Roberts said that dive operators and Friends part of the Great Victorian Fish Count. Groups of Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries The annual census of reef fish, which runs had received a lot of interest from people from 4 December until 19 December, is being wanting to take part in the fish census. coordinated by Reef Watch Victoria, a program ‘More and more people are taking a real interest that encourages divers to monitor and care in fish watching, including school groups for marine life at their favourite dive sites. who love the idea of counting fish as an end The initiative is funded by the federal of year school activity’, Ms Roberts said. government’s Caring for our Country program. ‘It’s great, because their efforts are highlighting the Reef Watch coordinator Wendy Roberts said significance of Victoria’s reef fish populations, the that the state’s coastal reefs were home to many need for conservation efforts and providing valuable beautiful fish that are found nowhere else in the insights into a world very few of us explore.’ world. Many of the fish we count are as uniquely For more information on the GVFC or Reef Watch Australian as the koala, and just like the koala they Victoria visit www.reefwatchvic.asn.au have favourite habitats in which they prefer to live. email [email protected] Some, such as the wrasses and morwongs, can phone 03 8341 7446. be found living at the same reef for many years. The census will be conducted at 20 sites along the coast from Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary at

8 Surf Coast marine debris initiative Heidi Taylor, Tangaroa Blue

The threat of debris to the marine environment is well documented, but ways to stop the never-ending Some dates to remember flow of plastics into our marine environment have 8 December 2010 been hard to find, implement and enforce. So we Sign up as a beach clean up volunteer or learn are left with mitigation strategies that involve the more about marine debris at our display at the removal of debris from the coastline to prevent it Village Green at Jack Johnson’s Melbourne from being washed back into the ocean rather than concert. finding ways of stopping it from getting there in the For more information contact Heidi Taylor on first place. 0410 166 684 or email [email protected]. This was a major reason that the National Marine 27 January 2011 Debris Initiative was created by Tangaroa Blue Ocean Cosy Corner Torquay Beach Clean Up – Care Society and Surfrider Foundation Australia. With meeting at 6pm in the carpark. For more the help of a Caring for our Country government information contact John Foss on 0408 386 grant, the latest location for the project to be 812 or email [email protected]. implemented is along the Victorian coastline. If you can’t make it to one of these events, The project will look at what opportunities exist check out all the information at or can be created for the community to become www.oceancare.org.au and get a group involved in learning more about marine debris of friends together to run your own beach through workshops and presentations; it will also clean up event. We will provide all materials, invite the community, businesses and agencies volunteer insurance and logistical support; to participate in beach clean up events at which we will also help with promotion. information on what is impacting the Victorian coastline will be documented, and then submitted Everyone can make a difference and our into the National Marine Debris database. marine environment will thank you.

 Marine debris comes in all shapes and sizes 9 The Jack and Albert River Restoration Project (JARR) Bruce Atkin, Department of Sustainability and Environment

Improving the health of South to provide challenges for land Shire Council and the WGCMA. Gippsland’s Jack and Albert managers. Six Landcare groups are JARR is also developing River catchment – from the now involved. The management comprehensive flora and cool temperate rainforest of the committee includes representatives fauna brochures to encourage Strzelecki Ranges to the Ramsar from these six, as well as from familiarisation and best practice wetlands of Nooramunga and the West Gippsland Catchment in the battle to enhance diversity – is the aim of a Management Authority (WGCMA), and assist local endangered catchment to coast project Parks Victoria, HVP and DSE’s species. Coastcare funding is known locally as JARR. Coastcare program. The committee being utilised to assist with this Created originally by the Madalya, meets quarterly to monitor the aspect of the JARR project. Binginwarri and Albert River progress of the various projects. Check out the project website at Landcare groups, the JARR project A key component is the Biodiversity www.jarrproject.com, where the enables all interested parties Blueprint, which is funded by the Spatial Vision interactive mapper to learn from each other and Norman Wettenhall Foundation. is ready to be used to record flora strategically plan works across Specific onground works and fauna sightings and map the entire catchment. Within the nominated in the Blueprint by onground work. Just follow the catchment are extensive areas Landcare groups will commence link from the JARR website. of farming and forestry land, in the near future. Funding for For further information contact where problems such as erosion these works comes from a number committee chair Helga Binder and weed invasion continue of sources, including Wellington at [email protected].

Habitat Network East Gippsland Jemma Crawford, DSE

Are you interested in what’s going on in East Gippsland? Do you often wonder what events are happening in your local area that you could be involved with? Well, check out www.hneg.org.au and wonder no more. available to groups, including the Coastcare Victoria Community Grants program and the latest editions Habitat Network East Gippsland was set up by of everyone’s favourite magazine, Coastline. volunteers to be an easily accessible site that contains links to local friends, community and coast action If your group is situated in East Gippsland and is groups. It provides contact details for groups, so you not currently a member, then get online and fill in a can easily become a member. As well as relevant membership form. That way you’re working bees and policy and news articles, the site also contains calls meetings can also be posted for all to see and attend. for volunteers, working bee information, details of If you don’t currently belong to a group but still want local conferences and, most importantly, a calendar to help out on the odd occasion, this is a great way specifying dates for all of these events. It also of keeping informed of projects that you might be contains links to details about grant money that is interested in helping with.

10 From Granite Gully to Sunshine Reserve Gill Gordon, Sunshine Reserve Conservation and Fireguard Group

Until the 1880s, before it became land for housing, When the group first began, some fauna species Sunshine Creek was once part of the Hearn Sheep numbers were down to single figures. This year Station. A nearby quarry saw the area dubbed the birds are back in – yellow tailed black Granite Gully. Vegetation was removed for use in cockatoos, rufus wrens, bastian thrush, yellow kilns at Fossil Beach and for firewood in Melbourne. robins, flocks of finches, blue scrub wrens, tawny World War II trenches, dug in the 1940s, are frogmouths and kookaburras. Long-necked turtles, still evident there today. Holiday homes sprung seven species of bat, the agile antichinus and sugar up in the 1950s but today most are permanent gliders regularly visit the reserve. Butterflies love the residences. In 1997, when a group of 12 local native grasses, swamp rats build huge burrows and residents banded together to combat fear of fire native birds now travel to nearby gardens where and the potential sale of the land, the Sunshine residents have planted indigenous vegetation. Reserve Conservation and Fireguard Group Inc. was Mornington Peninsula Shire (MPS) works closely formed. The group received advice from and grant with the group. Using controlled burns, weeding funding through Coast Action/Coastcare to remove and other works that contribute to the health of the dense thickets of blackberry and other weeds. reserve, MPS has developed fire prevention strategies During the ensuing 13 years, the group has to minimise any damage from unplanned fires. undertaken a huge amount of biodiversity protection, Ten years after original flora surveys were fire management works and community education taken, previously unrecorded species were to help residents understand that by conserving observed. Works in the reserve illustrate environmental elements they contribute significantly how well biodiversity and fire management to reduced fire risk. They have worked incredibly hard activities can work when planned together. to eliminate environmental threats in the reserve, which is now an outstanding example of bushland restoration and an important wildlife corridor.

 Transforming the landscape 11 Fairhaven Community Coastal Forum – Making connections for the coast Jess Brown, Department of Sustainability and Environment

On a sunny day in late August, 40 people gathered at overview of the incredible successes of SANE at the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club to attend the Surf Bells Beach Surfing Reserve over the last 20 years. Coast Community Forum for Coastal Volunteers, a Gail Chrisfield from the Great Ocean Road Coast partnership project between Coast Action/Coastcare, Committee inspired attendees to try social media as the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee and the a way of strengthening connectivity between groups Otway Coast Committee. and idea sharing. People came from near and far, including many keen Key issues discussed include group succession volunteers spanning the coast from Breamlea to planning, motivating youth to be interested in Princetown, as well representatives from Surf Coast volunteering, access to funding and the provision of Shire, Parks Victoria, Corangamite CMA, Otway consistent messages from land managers. Coast Committee and the Great Ocean Road Coast With the help of event facilitator Geoff Brown and Committee. some frolicking southern right whales (who set up Local coastal expert and long-term volunteer camp for the day in front of the venue), participants Margaret Macdonald presented a case study on the enjoyed a successful day and laid the foundations productivity and benefits of building partnerships for future collaboration of the kind that only occurs with other volunteer groups and agencies to deliver when like-minded folk come together. projects. Graeme Stockton, from Surfers Appreciating A short YouTube clip on the event can be seen at DSE’s the Natural Environment (SANE), gave a historical You Tube site at www.youtube.com/DSEVictoria

 Cate from Ocean Grove Coastcare takes the initiative 12 13 Clonard College takes Swan Bay to Caloundra Georgia Keam, Bec Maher and Alanah Scacco, Clonard Collage

Earlier this month, 10 students from Clonard College kids with some of the flew to Caloundra to present a workshop at the endangered organisms, International Youth Coastal Conference. such as the orange This program encourages students to become bellied parrot in Swan informed on environmental issues, and then share Bay. We also discussed what they have learnt with other young people at the the ecological issues event and again in their local communities. faced due to human impact. The three of us applied to be presenters and chose to We learnt so much from this experience. It was a run some hands on activities on the impact humans great opportunity to teach others about an area are having on the Swan Bay ecosystem. We felt that of significance to us and that we are immensely this would be a great choice as this area is of great concerned about. Presenting to other students gave ecological significance as a marine national park, fish us a really rewarding feeling. We are very proud of nursery and a Ramsar site. what we achieved. We spent time with Phil Amarto from the Marine We hope to continue doing work in the Swan Bay Discovery Centre who acted as our mentor and area, to expand our school involvement in coastal provided us with specific knowledge of the Swan Bay conservation work and to improve signage to environment and the issues concerning it. educate fishers about the difference between the 11 native species of armed seastar and the introduced We used this information about local species to northern Pacific seastar. create two different activities, one about food webs and the consequences of messing with the system, We are very thankful for the opportunity Kids the other a fishing game that would familiarise other Teaching Kids has given our group. Planet Days transform the Surf Coast Jo Ludbrook, Department of Sustainability and Environment Surf Coast Inland Plains Network has recently Nine sites were revegetated across 20 kilometres of coordinated the Planet Days revegetation project public land along the Surf Coast, with more than in partnership with Rip Curl, the Great Ocean 15,000 plants planted and many weeds removed. Road Coast Committee, Parks Victoria and Surf The 400 participants included more than 200 Rip Coast Shire. Local community groups, who turned Curl employees, who worked on the project over up in force, included representatives from Surfers two days. Appreciating the Natural Environment, Friends of Torquay Coast Action Group member Glenda Point Addis, Breamlea Coast Action, Jan Juc Coast Shomaly said partnership projects are getting Action and Torquay Coast Action. stronger every year. ‘Our group greatly appreciates all the help we get from Rip Curl, the primary schools and local community groups. So much can be achieved when many hands get busy and much enthusiasm is shared.’ Funding for the project was made available through Coast Action/Coastcare’s Coastcare Victoria Community Grants, which is supported by the Australian government’s Caring for our Country NRM investment program. For further information on this exciting initiative, contact Joanne Ludbrook at DSE’s office.  Rip Curl employees meet the paparazzi

13 13  Rowan Mackenzie gets among the mangroves of Kenya Locals research mangroves in Kenya Lisa Mills and Rowan MacKenzie

Alcoa Anglesea environmental and firewood, the protection of scientist Lisa Mills, and Surf Coast mangroves as fishery nurseries for Shire manager, Environment the local fishery industry and the and Community Safety, Rowan provision of an opportunity for Mackenzie have recently returned community involvement in local from volunteering on a coastal mangrove conservation projects. mangrove research project in a Lisa reflected: ‘I didn’t have any remote community in southern expectations before I left as I Kenya. knew very little about Kenya life and being happy with what Lisa and Rowan successfully or mangroves; however, the we have.’ applied to receive an Alcoa experience was more than I could Rowan added that ‘The best part Earthwatch Fellowship and so have ever hoped for. of the Tidal Forests of Kenya were sponsored by the Alcoa I could see the relevance of Project was definitely getting Foundation to undertake the research to climate change to know the other Earthwatch important research in Kenya. and what very simple solutions fellows, Gazi Bay scientists and Lisa and Rowan headed off to mangroves can provide locally in villagers. However, the beautiful Gazi Bay in southern Kenya Kenya. tidal forests, white sandy beaches, for three weeks in August to Additionally, I was heartened tropical climate, great food and participate in the Tidal Forests of to see the host of positive side palm trees were not bad either. Kenya expedition. effects caused by this Earthwatch I have been inspired that The team of five Alcoa employees, project, including community projects can start small, but if two community fellows and five involvement and conservation of they genuinely seek to meet Kenyan scientists conducted local resources. It was obvious the interests of the community, important research into the carbon how proud the local villagers were business and the environment, cycle in mangroves and how of this project and what a positive then they can grow into really these ecosystems might be used effect it has had on their lives. It is substantial and important to sequester carbon and help definitely an experience that I will programs that can influence mitigate climate change. never forget. people from across the world. Additional objectives included I hope to use some of the I am extremely grateful to Alcoa mangrove reforestation in order experiences I had in Kenya to for this experience and I hope that to sustain the supply of mangrove change my life at home in a it can continue for other staff and wood for local construction positive way, including simplifying community members.’

14 14 Orchids bloom at Anglesea Margaret MacDonald, ANGAIR

This year’s increased rainfall has had a remarkable effect on the ground orchids, which have relished the conditions. In September we were thrilled to find the swamp helmet orchid (Corybas fordhamii) and the lizard orchid (Burnettia cuneata) flowering in the burnt peat area of the Anglesea River – these two species had not been seen since just after the 1983 fires. Spider orchids have appeared in large numbers throughout the district, and the Anglesea endemic species, the Angahook caladenia (Caladenia maritima), has had the most flowers since we started surveying in 2001 – 588 orchids were counted this year. On the other hand, due to the lack of sunshine, the sun orchids have been slow to develop and open. Many have just self-  Swamp helmet orchid pollinated, so we will have to wait another year to admire them.

 Lizard orchid Angahook caladenia 

14 15  Norm McKinlay lends a hand A quick roundup on the action at Capel Sound Beach Mick Tonkin, manager, Capel Sound Foreshore Committee of Management

Rosebud Secondary College the Indigenous culture and history Learn to Live of the area and held discussions There’s a lot been happening on local flora and fauna and at Capel Sound Beach recently. strategies to protect sensitive areas Rosebud Secondary College’s of coastline. Capel Sound hopes Learning for Living program to continue these programs and took place on Capel Sound already has other local schools foreshores. Over the five days of involved in similar environmental this program, 250 students and projects. teachers were involved in covering Leopard Seal pays a visit Leopard seals, named for their environmental issues, revegetation, Strange visitors have been making black-spotted coats, are, like their land management and the the most of Capel Sound beach feline namesakes, fierce predators. planting of 5000 indigenous lately. Leopard seals have recently They have long bodies (3–3.5 plants throughout Capel Sound used the facilities to rest, after metres), elongated heads and are foreshores. The students removed dealing with rough seas. One formidable hunters that live in weeds, spread mulch, and then, rather tired leopard seal decided frigid Antarctic and sub-Antarctic with the help of rangers and that Capel Sound beach would waters where they eat fish, squid, local environmentalist Norman be a nice place for a nap, which birds, penguins and other smaller McKinlay, planted native grasses, caused a lot of concern among seals. If you find a leopard seal shrubs and trees. walkers, so much so that the while walking always give it wide At a sausage sizzle in the camp police were called to investigate berth as they have strong jaws, kitchen after a hard morning of this leopard seal’s sleeping are quite quick on land and can be work, students were introduced to arrangement. aggressive. Moolapio Coastal Field Day Greening Australia During September the Moolapio project hosted a successful Coastal Field Day, which was funded by the Caring for our Country federal government grant. The field day highlighted the valuable saltmarsh community that surrounds Point Henry and the importance of the flora and fauna found within this ecosystem. Two local expert ecologists, Sue Longmore from the Bellarine Catchment Network and Trevor Pescott from the Geelong Field Naturalists, provided informative guided talks through the saltmarsh area. Sue Longmore showcased the different flora species found within the saltmarsh community and the importance of this area in providing a link to the larger Port Phillip Bay Western Shoreline and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar sites. Trevor Pescott provided a photographic display of the different bird species that would likely inhabit or migrate to the area, which was followed by a bird watching walk. Joanne Ludbrook from Coastcare made a presentation to the group that highlighted coastal management issues and funding structures, and opportunities for community groups and landholders. Despite a somewhat wintery day, around 35 participants from a broad sector of the community enjoyed themselves, and were kept warm by a hot lunch. The Moolapio project is a partnership between Greening Australia and Alcoa Australia. The project focuses on conserving, enhancing and restoring the flora and fauna of the Point Henry area, along with the reestablishment of an open grassland ecosystem utilising broad scale techniques.

16 Sea Searching in the mangroves Jacqui Pocklington, Sea Search

Sea Search has been busy of late, undertaking a birds and bats, and their roots and lower branches pilot mangrove monitoring program in Westernport provide a complex habitat for fish and . Bay with the support of a Caring for our Country During low it is common to see wading birds Coastcare grant. feeding on the mud flats at the seaward side of the mangroves, where small crabs and sea snails are Mangroves are found extensively in Westernport Bay, abundant (on a recent trip to Churchill Island, Sea where they form part of a significant Ramsar site for Searchers wondered if a very hungry ibis would be migrating shorebirds. Many years ago mangroves able to fly away after its seemingly endless buffet). were cut down for timber and their roots were burnt Sea Searchers have been travelling all around to produce ash that was used in the manufacturing Westernport, recording indicators of mangrove of soap. In many areas where this occurred the health such as pneumatophore shape, tree canopy damage still remains and erosion is a common cover, algal epiphytes, invertebrates, insect damage, problem. Because mangroves assist in stabilising flowering and seeding times, and the presence of sediment and improving water clarity, it is thought saltmarsh. Along with the already existing photo that the large amounts of sediment that is now records of each site, we hope to also build up a present in Westernport can be attributed to the loss seasonal picture of mangrove health in Westernport of them. that will enable us to detect any deterioration and aid Mangroves are the only marine tree with special the management of this special bay. air roots, called pneumatophores, and To get involved, go to www.peopleandparks.org/ thick waxy leaves. They offer roosting areas for programs/marine-connections/sea-search.

 Mangroves showing pneumatophones

17 Volunteer committee oversees completion of major works Angie Gutowski, DSE

The final inspection of major improvement works The completion of this project finalises the river wall on the Franklin River wall took place at Port Franklin restoration project. Sections of river wall totalling 570 recently. Works to raise the level of a 170 metre metres in length were replaced between 1997 and section of wall by 600 millimetres involved supply this year. and fitting of extension blocks and safety rail, Leanne Khan, Coasts and Biodiversity Officer with reconnection of jetties and refurbishment of the DSE, coordinated the development of a study on the pathway. impacts of climate change as well as the contract The work was planned and overseen by the volunteer documents for the project. ‘The Committee should Port Franklin Public Purposes and Recreation Reserve be justly proud of what it has achieved with this Committee of Management, whose members project over the last 13 years. This is a fantastic worked with the contractor and supervised the works result’, she said. ‘Thirteen years ago, throughout the on a daily basis for all of the stages. port, a rotting timber wall was allowing the bank to President George Howes said that it is great to get slump into the river, and access to boats was via a the works done. ‘In 2008 the committee talked to series of hazardous and primitive jetties.’ the Department of Sustainability and Environment George said that even though the main wall work (DSE) about the flooding problem in this section has been completed and inspected, ‘the committee that was happening at least twice per month. The still has some minor works to do. There is some track committee put in an application under the Coastal work, landscaping and revegetation that needs to be Risk Mitigation Program and DSE provided funding finished.’ (of) $171,255.’

Contractor Rod Thomas, DSE’s Leanne Khan, Engineer Doug Oldfield and Committee President George Howes at the final wall inspection

18 Making the most of Coast to Coast Phillip Wierzbowski and Stephen Walsh, Department of Sustainability and Environment Box Hill

Coast to Coast is Australia’s only national coastal management conference. Every two years those with an interest in coastal matters meet to share knowledge on coastal management, science and policy. The 2010 Coast to Coast conference was held in September in Adelaide, and was attended by community organisations, all levels of government, universities, and the private sector. Victoria was well represented: Phillip Wierzbowski, Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator, and Stephen Walsh, Indigenous Facilitator, were two of the speakers from the Department of Sustainability and Environment. Stephen and Phil presented findings from the ‘Managing Country Together Coastal Forum’ in November 2008. This event brought together coastal managers and traditional owners for the first time to discuss coastal management. The presentation generated much interest on how Victorians are managing country together. The next Managing Country Together gathering will be hosted by Melbourne Water in February 2011, and an announcement about which state will be hosting Coast to Coast 2012 is due soon. For further information on the Coast to Coast 2010 conference in Adelaide, go to www.squizmix.com/coast2coast/default.aspx. Coxy’s Big Summer Break

On 5 December 2010 at 5:30pm, Summer by the Sea will be featured on Channel 7’s Coxy’s Big Break! Coxy’s travel show is a source of information on great things to do in Melbourne and Victoria. This episode will take us to St Kilda, where we meet Bay Keeper Neil Blake to learn more about the challenges of managing an urban stretch of coastal environment. Go to www.dse.vic.gov.au/summerbythesea for more Summer by the Sea information.

 Neil Blake, Baykeeper, and the crew of Coxy’s Big Break

19 Release of Victorian Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils Guidelines Rose Waters, Department of Sustainability and Environment

Coastal acid sulfate soils (CASS), which occur naturally along Victoria’s coasts and estuaries, are harmless if not disturbed. It’s when CASS are exposed to air that they become an problem: they become acidic, which has an impact on the environment, economy and health. The Department of Sustainability and Environment has just released the Victorian Best Practice Guidelines for Assessing and Managing Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils. These guidelines aim to help protect the environment, humans and infrastructure from harmful CASS impacts. With a focus on avoiding disturbance, they guide landowners, developers, planners and decision makers through a risk identification process to assess and manage CASS risk. For downloadable information on the guidelines, go to www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts For a hard copy, email Rose Waters at [email protected]. Have you seen this seaweed at your beach? Luke Hynes, Southern Otway Landcare Network

Japanese kelp, Undaria pinnatifida, is a serious marine pest that has invaded Apollo Bay harbour. Moves to eradicate this species from the harbour are currently being investigated; however, monitoring of Japanese kelp outside the harbour is vital to prevent any more infestations occurring. Even though this species dies back over the summer, it can still be carried on ocean currents during this period. If you see this species in the water or washed up on beaches please note the location and contact the Southern Otway Landcare Network (03) 5237 6904 or [email protected]. If possible, take a photo of the kelp for identification.

20 Regional Updates News from the Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator team

Warrnambool Marty Gent It’s a great time of year for birds in the far southwest. Hooded plover counts are in full swing; volunteers from Killarney Coastcare have spotted 13 pairs so far, some that have already laid eggs and one clutch that has already hatched. Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Group continues to have success with the Maremma dog project, with a bumper penguin count last week. Over 100 penguins were counted – and it’s just the beginning of the season. Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare group recently celebrated 15 years of incorporation. On the night of the anniversary, the group celebrated the hard work and dedication of three of the hardest working committee members in the history of Coastcare, all of whom have now stepped down: Frank Wiggins and Ann Park stepped down as treasurer and secretary respectively, and the exceptional Don McTaggart has also stepped down after many years of enthusiastic and inspirational leadership. The new committee is well equipped and well supported and I have no doubt that the group will continue to set an example in how volunteers can get involved in coastal management and have lots of fun doing so.

Eastern Otway Update Tracey Pennington As we come into summer, the pair of hooded plovers nesting at Anglesea’s Point Roadknight has three chicks! Even more remarkable is the news from Parks Victoria Ranger Richard Fossett that the first nesting pair of hoodies at Point Addis beach has been recorded. Further west, the Otway Coast Committee reports nests at Barham River and Wild Dog Creek. Anglesea Primary School’s Plover Lover group is now in its second year. Teacher Fleur Kukler has presented Coast Action/Coastcare and Parks Victoria with nine plover chick shelters made by the group, with the assistance of the Anglesea Men’s Shed. Well done, Plover Lovers! The 1.2 kilometre pedestrian path between Apollo Bay and Wild Dog Creek is now completed and receiving plenty of use. This popular path was constructed by the Otway Coast Committee of Management at a cost of $120,000, with 30 per cent of the funding support secured through each of Rural Development Victoria and the Federal Stimulus Package. Foreshore manager Gary Mc Pike said the committee had received lots of positive verbal and written feedback from the local community – a great outcome for all concerned. Members of Anglesea and Aireys Inlet Society for Protection of Flora and Fauna (ANGAIR Inc.) report an excellent season for orchids in the National Heritage listed Anglesea heathlands, with appearances from some species not seen in the area for some time.

21 Regional Updates continued

Surf Coast and Bellarine Update Joanne Ludbrook The Bellarine and Surf Coast groups have made significant contributions to coastal protection over the past few months. Recent activities include the successful Jan Juc Gazania Weed Whacking Day and BBQ at Bird Rock, and Curl Planet Days which saw planting from Point Impossible to Point Addis connect the natural values of this section of coast. This event also saw some serious networking, as students from St Therese Primary School, Rip Curl employees, coastal land managers and coastal community groups all came together. Nearby, the Torquay Coast Action has been busy planting on the Surf Coast Walk, while at Ocean Grove, keen locals have formed the brand new Ocean Grove Coastcare group. Friends of the Hooded Plovers across the Bellarine and Surf Coast are out and about checking early nesting sites, while Friends of Buckley Park, Bellarine Coastal Network, Breamlea Coast Action and Barwon Coast are all busy protecting Moonah Woodland communities. For more information about any of these actions, contact Joanne Ludbrook at DSE Geelong.

Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Update Denis Cox Wayan Oka (‘Oka’), a teacher from Nusa Penida, Bali, is in Australia on a teacher exchange program sponsored by XL Foundation and Friends of the National Parks Foundation (FNPF). In his homeland Oka is involved in activities to help protect the threatened Bali starling, but while visiting he is helping to promote FNPF’s activities on Nusa Penida, and in the Cardinia Creek wildlife corridor. In the Westernport area, Oka has talked with enthusiasm to local schools on matters on conservation, wildlife corridors and conservation education. Harewood The Harewood Nature Guide, which was published with the assistance of Coast Action/ Nature Coastcare, provides some much needed information on the natural history of the Guide Western Port region for students and local residents. The new Grantville Foreshore Committee recently attended a plant identification day run by Coast Action/Coastcare as part of the learning process that will assist them in the task of creating the management plan for the reserve they now manage.At Warneet, the loss of natural reed and Ian Endersby Pat Macwhirter coastal grasses, previously a 2010 barrier that had lasted many years, meant that the roots of large trees were at risk of being undermined. Coir logs have been installed and have proven to be an effective method of controlling estuarine erosion. And finally, heartfelt thanks to Paul Le Page for his efforts with the Balnarring Foreshore Committee of Management. We welcome to Mark Dunball who steps into the role.

East Gippsland Update Jemma Crawford As summer kicks in this year, things will normalise in East Gippsland: your regular facilitator, Jeremy Neilson, is returning from holidays. I’ll be staying on until the end of January, so if groups would like to discuss any upcoming projects or funding email me at [email protected] I’ve had a very interesting two months in the facilitator role, and have worked hard to meet most of the active groups in the area. Everyone has been very welcoming and I’d like to thank you all for that. I would also like to acknowledge the Friends of Gippsland Lakes for ‘Around the Edge with FOGL’, the artwork they produced in conjunction with the East Gippsland Art Gallery. Artwork is a great way to reach the wider community about getting involved with the environment, so well done on a terrific project. And now, everybody get ready for an action packed summer, and enjoy your summer by the sea.

22 Calendar of events

4, 11, 18 Summer snorkelling at Rickets Point Marine Sanctuary, Beaumaris Life Saving Club, December Melways 86 C9 for directions; email [email protected]. Great Victorian Fish Count For more information on the GVFC or Reef Watch Victoria, 4–19 December visit www.reefwatchvic.asn.au or email [email protected]. Dolphin Research Centre’s i Sea i Care program South Gippsland, includes seagrass 8 December kayaking activities for primary school kids. Port Phillip fossil site – presentation by Professor John Buckeridge. Beaumaris Life 21 December Saving Club, Melways 86 C9 for directions; email [email protected]. December Enviro Kids Playgroup Bayside Bayside Environmental Friends Network, –March email Barbara Jakob at [email protected] for further details. Port Welshpool Sea Days Festival at the Ferry Terminal. Activities include marine ecology and coastal wildlife displays, seagrass walks, coastal arts and crafts, and boat 1–3 January rides. More info at http://south-gippsland.com/portwelshpool.htm. Summer by the Sea. Go to www.dse.vic.gov.au/summerbythesea for information 3–20 January and to download a program guide. Phillip Island Conservation Society Annual General Meeting. For more details email 15 January Christine Graydon at [email protected] or visit the website at http://home. vicnet.net.au/~piconsoc. 15–16 January Frankston Waterfront Festival. Details from www.frankston.vic.gov.au. National Marine Debris Initiative’s Torquay Cosy Corner Beach Clean Up. Meet at 27 January 6pm in the carpark. For more information phone John Foss on 0408 386 812 or email at [email protected]. Artists’ and educators’ family workshops Port Phillip EcoCentre, cnr Herbert and January Blessington Streets, St Kilda. Email [email protected] for details. Clean Up Australia Day, Friends of Williamstown Wetlands. 6 March Contact Emma Camilleri at [email protected] for details. 15–20 March Barwon Heads Festival of the Sea More information at www.barwonheads.net. Regular Working Bees Friends of Venus Bay Peninsula – Venus Bay Indigenous Gardens working bee, last Sunday of each month. For more information, visit the website at www.friendsofvenusbaypeninsula.org.au, email at [email protected] or phone 5663 7525. Anglesea Coast Action works on the coastal reserve at Anglesea/Point Roadknight on the second Saturday morning of each month (except January). For more information contact Carl Rayner on 9331 2810 or 5263 2193. Biosphere – Bass Coast Round Table meets at San Remo at 8pm on the third Friday of every month. Contact Jane Jobe, convenor on 0409 530 898.

23 Coast Action/Coastcare Contacts

Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitators

Warrnambool and Southwest Port Phillip Bay South Gippsland Marty Gent Phillip Wierzbowski Bruce Atkin Tel. 03 5561 9955 Tel: 03 9296 4525 Tel: 03 5183 9116 Mob. 0428 141 599 Mob: 0411 409 815 Mob: 0429 842 142 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected]

Otways and Surfcoast Westernport and East Gippsland Tracey Pennington Mornington Peninsula Jeremy Neilson Tel: 03 5220 2008 Denis Cox Tel: 03 5152 0431 Mob: 0409 332 197 Tel: 03 9296 4532 Mob: 0408 357 343 Email: [email protected] Mob: 0409 958 050 Email: [email protected] Email: [email protected] Geelong and Bellarine Joanne Ludbrook Tel: 03 5226 4669 Email: [email protected] Statewide Coordinator, Visit our web site at: Melbourne www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts Matthew Fox Tel: 03 9637 9742 Coastcare’s national website: Email: [email protected] www.coastcare.com.au

This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. To receive Coastline via Email go to www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts and go to the Quick Link ‘Coastline Newsletters’ or phone the Hotline on 03 9637 9742.

© State of Victoria 24 Printed on 100% recycled paper 1

coastlineEdition 55. ISSN 1329-0835 autumn update 2011 In this issue Coordinator’s Message Coordinator’s Message 1 The Merricks Creek Coastal Matt Fox, State Program Coordinator, Melbourne Banksia Project 1 Already another summer has come to a close. Summer is always a busy time for us, with Summer by the Another Year of Fun in the Sun 2 Gropers, Devils and Dragons 3 Sea being our key focus in January. This year’s program, which had 300 activities across the state, was a Stop press 3 great success. The program relies on the support of our many friends and partners, so a big thank you to Fighting the Sushi Monster 4 all those who helped in some way. Be sure to contact your local facilitator to learn about more volunteering A Spine of the Times? 4 opportunities near you. Introducing the Coast Monkeys 5 Weed Wandering on 5 We hope that the 10000 people who participated learnt a little more about Victoria’s coastal environments. A Fresh Approach to Beach Litter 6 We are now busily finalising our program strategy for the next five years. Many of you have already Spreading the Word 7 Seal the Loop 7 commented on the program’s future direction. Coastal Community Volunteers A strong strategy will help us to deliver better results in the short term, and enable us to work towards more Improve the Bush by the Bay 8 Oh, What a Night! 8 ambitious outcomes over the longer term. Sound strategy will also benefit your local groups. Funding Boost for Anglesea’s Around the state some wonderful projects have been developed over a 10, even 20, year timeframe. We are Environment Volunteers 9 Corangamite Catchment currently working on some strategy tools and processes to help groups achieve their long-term ambitions. Management Authority 9 Talk to your facilitator to find out more. National Recognition for a So, in 2011 we encourage you to look to the future. Many challenges lie ahead, as do many fantastic Local Hero 9 Regional Updates 10 opportunities. We are now seeing the next generation of coastal volunteers accepting the challenge, so the Southwest 10 time is right to ensure that the enormous wealth of local knowledge held by our experienced volunteers is Otwasy and Surf Coast 10 shared with Coastcare’s next generation. Hopefully, we can assist this process in 2011. Gellong and Bellarine Peninsula 10 Western Port and Mornington Peninsula 11 The Merricks Creek Coastal Banksia Project South Gippsland 11 East Gippsland 11 Denis Cox, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Mornington Peninsula and Westernport Coming Events 12 Coast Action/Coastcare Contacts 12 The Merricks Creek Coastal landscape scale Caring for our Banksia woodland is a major part Banksia Project will be a joint Country funded project will tackle of the local natural vegetation, effort by eight adjoining coastal the problems of weed spread but other associated plant community groups located along and native vegetation loss of the communities will also benefit or near the Merricks Creek on the creek environs and help with an from the combined restoration south coast of the Mornington extensive restoration to improve works. The project will bring Peninsula. The area is a mixture of habitat and overall environmental together a number of community Published by the Victorian Government’s Department of Sustainability and old sandy dune soils, steep cliffs quality for aquatic and land-based groups working in a cooperative Environment, March 2011 and damp riparian sections. This flora and fauna. way to help restore, over time, © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2011 an extensive area to near natural This publication is copyright. No part may conditions. Overall community be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the connectivity will also be reinforced Copyright Act 1968. as members of the various Disclaimer — This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria community groups involved, who and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of may never have met before, will any kind or is wholly appropriate for be able to share and learn from your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or each other through discussions other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this on a range management issues publication. that they will all face as the Authorised by the Victorian Government, project progresses to recover this 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. For more information contact DSE important local natural asset. Customer Service Centre 13 61 86. www.dse.vic.gov.au 2

Another Year of Fun in the Sun – Summer by the Sea 2011, Wrapup Meagan Lowe, Department of Sustainability and Environment

For three weeks in January the Victorian coastline was buzzing with the frenzy of the Department of Sustainability and Environment’s 2011 Summer by the Sea program. Over 300 free activities in 88 locations attracted thousands of enthusiastic locals and holiday makers. From the west to the east, Summer by the Sea had something for everyone. For ss

the adventurous there were kayaking e u G and snorkelling trips, for the inquisitive, Rockpool Rambles and Walks on the Wild ctoria i V

Side, and for the kids, seaside games and d n

crafts. a

we

But Summer by the Sea is not just a o L n

program to entertain people over summer. a g a

Its primary goals are to promote respect e

and care for our coastal environment, to : educate the public about the diversity and h significance of Victoria’s coastline and to P OTOS M encourage active participation in coastal Despite wet weather hampering several “I’m a local and I didn’t know about half conservation. Members of the public are activities, attendance remained high and these things” were frequently heard. put into contact with local Coastcare many activities were booked out. All Summer by the Sea also provided an groups and volunteers, to discuss the participants learnt something new about opportunity to show first hand some of actions, big and small, that can have a the coastline; many expressed amazement the negative impacts we can have on our positive impact on the coasts. Summer by at what they found. As hidden wonders coast. Barwon Heads Rockpool Ramble the Sea is key to Coast Action/Coastcare’s were revealed, comments such as “I didn’t participants were surprised by the negative engagement with the wider community. realise there was so much to see!”, and effects of inland flooding on intertidal ecosystems, effects that are further compounded by the presence of pollution in our waterways. It showed that all our actions have consequences and it is our responsibility to protect the health of these beautiful places. What motivation to get us involved. To run such a program requires the coordination and involvement of many people. From DSE staff and Coast Action/ Coastcare facilitators to our numerous partners, local volunteers and activity providers, Summer by the Sea is in good hands. Our sincerest thanks go to everyone involved in running another successful Summer by the Sea. Summing it up in the words of one participant from Peterborough: “That was great. When’s the next one?” It’s next January – see you there! To see more photos from 2011 Summer by the Sea activities, check out our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/summerbythesea. 3

Gropers, Devils and Dragons – e u odrig

characters in the Great Victorian Fish R k ar : M :

Count 2010 hoto P Wendy Roberts, Reef Watch Coordinator A territorial creature, the blue devil fish hovering under the ledge at Castle Rock at the southern end of Port Phillip had no intention of budging from the safety of its lair for from Bay City Scuba club, who marked her slate to record the fish in the Great Victorian Fish Count. Very little is known of its biology, though it’s thought that the males guard the eggs on hatching, and that they are generalist carnivores that feed on crustaceans and small fish. Blue devil fish were found at two sites during the count; it was also spotted for the first time in the west, by divers at South Beach, Port Fairy. Many of the species encountered during the annual census are found only in southern Australian waters. The common ill

seadragon was again found in its preferred habitat among the k as

seagrass meadows at Flinders and Portsea, although divers G

reported numbers were slightly down on past years. From October ohn to December each year, male seadragons can be seen carrying J : hoto

eggs along their tail. P Further to the east, divers from the Friends of Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary were lucky to encounter an eastern blue groper near the shipwreck of the SS Auckland. A charismatic and inquisitive fish, the blue groper is a favourite among divers, and often allows them to approach quite near. Further west at another marine sanctuary, the Friends of Barwon Bluff also recorded a groper, but were unable to determine if it was the western or eastern variety. Historically, Port Phillip was the most easterly distribution point of the western blue groper. The eastern blue groper was found from southern Queensland to Wilsons Promontory, but unfortunately, their numbers have declined over the years to the point where they are now rarely seen. ill

As well as monitoring marine species, the count aims to raise k as

community awareness of the ecological role of reef fish within G

reef ecosystems and the need to protect them and the habitats ohn in which they live. Around 400 fish counters from dive clubs, J : hoto friends groups and schools participated in the event. Although it P coincided with a period of heavy rainfall, most groups were still Blue Groper (banner), Common Seadragon, and Blue Devil able to get out and get under. The greatest diversity and abundance of the 25 selected species – 17 species – was once again recorded at Beware Reef Marine Sanctuary, closely followed by Barwon Bluff Marine Sanctuary Stop press with 14 species (it was noted that many species were in large A recent report to Reef Watch of a small population of numbers, the best year ever at the sanctuary). At the other end of juvenile blue gropers (species to be determined) in the the scale, the lowest reef fish diversity was found in the northern southern part of Port Phillip has excited the scientific section of Port Phillip, with two species (a zebra fish and an ornate community and management agencies. This species of cowfish) being recorded at South Beach, Brighton. conservation concern was reported to Reef Watch as a The Great Victorian Fish Count will occur again in December result of the new Feral or InPeril program. 2011. For more information see www.reefwatchvic.asn.au. 4 Undaria underwater Fighting the Sushi Monster drigue o

– Apollo Bay Japanese kelp R k r a volunteer removal days : h P OTO M Luke Hynes, Southern Otways Landcare Network The battle against Japanese kelp, Undaria pinnatifida, continues Sailing Club and the Apollo Bay Country Women’s Association in Apollo Bay harbour. Last year, after a call was put out through (who else do you turn to for hot soup and food?). dive groups, websites, forums, radio and print media, the diving For more information contact DSE on 136 186. To keep informed community responded and made a couple of direct action forays. of any new Japanese kelp updates on our coast, contact Luke Two volunteer dive days were run, one in November and one Hynes at [email protected] to subscribe to the Japanese in December, in which over 60 volunteers took part, including kelp mailing list. a group from Reefwatch South Australia. Over 3 tonnes of kelp were removed over the two days. The Victorian government is now looking at potential future management activities. Mark Rodrigue, program leader of Marine and Coasts, Parks Victoria, explained. The two dive days were a great example of the community taking positive action against marine pests. Marine pests are a challenging area of marine conservation and the volunteer efforts were a fantastic example of what people power can do to reduce marine pest impacts and generate awareness. The removal days were an integrated community effort. Numerous agencies and groups came together, including DSE, DPI, Parks Victoria, the Colac Otway Shire, Southern Otway Landcare  Volunteers Network, Otway Coast Committee (which offered free camping for divers), Field Naturalists of Victoria Marine Research Group All in a day’s work (who study critters brought up through the dives), Apollo Bay – skip filled with Undaria A Spine of the Times? Monitoring Urchin Populations at Beware Reef Sanctuary Jemma Crawford, DSE; Don Love, Friends of Beware Reef Friends of Beware Reef have been diving at the Beware place: it is home to over 80 species of fish, 48 , 27 Reef Marine Sanctuary since the 1960s. The group has been seaweeds, four mammals and 150 invertebrates. associated with Coast Care for the past five years. For the past Surveys have shown areas of the reef that the native long-spined three years monitoring the underwater life at the reef on behalf urchin, Centrostephanus rodgersii, has significantly affected. As of has been the group’s priority. Over 50 surveys urchin numbers increase they form barrens, which can denude have been completed within the sanctuary and 12 in nearby areas of up to 75 per cent of a reef’s biomass. All that is left is a locations for comparison purposes. The sanctuary is a diverse bare rockface and a few shell species. The black-lipped abalone, a similar grazing species, can be out-competed by the long- spined urchin. This increase in urchin numbers, which has been recorded from down the New South Wales coast to Tasmania, is thought to be associated with climate change. Warmer water temperatures lead to better breeding success and the removal of key urchin predators such as southern rock lobster. The group has made it its focus to monitor the extent of the long-spined urchins and the associated barrens over the reef. Friends of Beware Reef will also conduct other surveys, which are invaluable in the early detection of introduced marine pests and the detection of other processes that can threaten the reef. If you are interested in joining this group and contributing to marine monitoring contact Jeremy Neilson at Urchins on the Beware Reef [email protected]. 5

Introducing the Coast Monkeys – “Clean Up Australia Day should be every day” Mitchell Buritch, Coast Monkey

Coast Monkeys is all about – you guessed it – the coast. Our group consist of athletes, environmental advocates and the local community, all wanting to make a difference to the coast between Port Melbourne and St Kilda. Anybody and everybody is welcome to join our group in making our beaches a cleaner more enjoyable place to be. We plan to change the common misconception that picking up rubbish off our streets and beaches and putting rubbish in the bin is uncool. This year the Coast Monkeys will coordinate with many other organisations, and we have big plans. Clean Up Australia Day, on 6 March, will be a massive event. Our main focus will be on running many more programs with school children in local areas with the aim of changing their attitude towards waste. Also in the works is a coastal run from Melbourne to Sydney. Stay tuned for more information. So come on down and start to make your move on the world. Be part of the Coast Monkey Foundation: it can help maintain your fitness while it restores the quality of your local environment. Coast Monkeys in Action Visit www.coastmonkeys.org, contact Mitchell on 0449 969 893 or [email protected] for more information. Weed Wandering on Griffiths Island Marty Gent, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Warrnambool

Geoff Carr, principal botanist from the consulting firm Ecology be walking around Victoria’s most beautiful coastline, doing a Australia, recently paid Port Fairy and the Friends of Griffiths job he loves. I feel better for meeting him and wish him well Island (FOGI) a visit. Geoff is an unassuming man, a person with the rest of the survey. whom you can listen to and learn from. The Friends of Griffiths Island are dedicated to protecting and With four FOGI and two DSE representatives in attendance, it enhancing the natural and cultural environment of Griffiths promised to be a entertaining session and it certainly was. Geoff Island, Port Fairy. Members have regular working bees to which told us that he knew “90 per cent of the plants here … if you everybody is welcome – the more the merrier. So come and join disagree, then tell me your version and we will thrash it out as I up. Contact the Southwest facilitator for more details. am still learning too”. As he was citing the botanical names and we were using local or family names it turned out to be a very enlightening day. Amid the giggles of “Where in blazes did that name come from?”, and “You cannot wipe that weed out as it’s in purple and gold [local football colours]!”, Geoff did find two weeds never before seen in Australia; he was quite excited about doing more research when he returned to Melbourne. Because Geoff really knows what he is talking about it was a joy to listen to him relay his knowledge. Overall, the island is in good shape, but we still have lots of work to do to get rid of the boxthorn. And now we have the two new weed species to deal with, the cobra lily and a type of sea lavender. In the next few weeks, Geoff will be doing a survey along the coast back towards Warrnambool to look for more new weeds, so he has quite a bit more walking and weeding ahead of him. Geoff will Taking action on weeds on Griffith Island The Port Phillip Clean Beaches Coalition needs you... Clean Up aUstralia Day Sunday March 6th 2011 Let’s all work together to keep Port Phillip Bay beautiful!

6

A Fresh Approach to Beach Litter The Port Phillip Clean Neil Blake, Baykeeper, Port Phillip EcoCentre Beaches Coalition Despite decades of great work by local councils and needs you... communities, and campaigns such as Clean Up Australia Clean Up aUstralia Day Day and Keep Australia Beautiful, the problem of litter in Pleasewaterways, visit bays andwww.cleanup.org.au oceans is still huge. Too many people to register and are still unaware that their careless approach to waste Sunday March 6th 2011 meetdisposal at is 9amthe basis ofat an oneenvironmental of the curse on following a global Let’slocations: all work together to keep Port Phillip Bay scale. In Port Phillip Bay, this is especially evident on beaches from Sandridge to Elwood, which are degraded annually beautiful! by millions of litter items that are carried into the bay from metropolitan stormwater catchments via the Yarra and ElwoodElwood Canal. Beach - Meet at Vautier Street But the past year has seen unprecedented community St Kildaaction to eliminate Beach litter from - these Meet beaches. at Several Blessington new Street and innovative groups have emerged, each with a focus Weston ongoing Beach action as opposed- Meet to the oneat big St clean Kilda up of Pier the year. Please visit www.cleanup.org.au In February Port Phillip EcoCentre invited all of these meet at 9am at one of the following to register locations: and Middlegroups to aPark local litter Beachforum with a view - toMeet identifying at Langridge Street Elwood Beach opportunities for collaboration on Clean Up Australia - Meet at Vautier Street Day (March 6). The general idea was that working St Kilda Beach Port Melbourne Beach - MeetWest at Beach Princes - Meet at Blessington Street Street together would achieve greater and longer lasting - Meet at St Kilda Pier Middle Park Beach results. Sandridge Beach - Meet at SandridgePort Melbourne Beach - Meet Surf at Langridge Lifesaving Street Club Groups and organisations attending included 3184 Sandridge Beach - Meet at Princes Street Beach Patrol, 3206 Beach Patrol, 3207 Beach Patrol, Webb Dock - Meet at Sandridge Surf Lifesaving Club - Meet at Sandridge Surf Lifesaving Club WebbPort Phillip Dock EcoCentre, - Tangaroa Meet Blue, at City Sandridgeof Port Surf Lifesaving Club Phillip, Earthcare St Kilda, Surfrider Foundation For further information email [email protected] or call the Port Phillip EcoCentre on (03) 9534 0670 Melbourne, 2 Hands, Coast Monkeys, Friends of Port Melbourne’s Foreshore, Friends of Webb Dock For Walkingfurther Trail, Sea Shepherdinformation Melbourne, Zoos emailJoin [email protected] crew to help keep our beaches clean Victoria, EPA Victoria, Healthy Waterways Program (Melbourne Water), Coast Action Coast Care and or callMetropolitan the Waste Port Management Phillip Group. EcoCentre on (03) 9534 0670 Keynote speaker, Heidi Taylor from the Tangaroa Blue Ocean Care Society, highlighted the need to consolidate the national anti- litter campaign though local partnerships and to standardised data collection. Heidi’s presentation was followed by a facilitated The consolidated effort for Clean Up Australia Day will also seek workshop that identified the following practical initiatives as Join the crew to helpvolunteers fromkeep the broader community, our not just beachesfrom among clean priorities for Clean Up Australia Day: members of the groups in the coalition. Apart from cleaning • collection of data on all items collected, including brand audits up the litter, help is needed to record data on the types of litter that can be fed into the National Marine Debris Initiative collected. Volunteers are encouraged to register to work on local • continuous networking and a post clean up debrief beaches listed on the Clean Up Australia website at • all groups collaborating to coordinate clean up of the 11 km www.cleanup.org.au. City of Port Phillip foreshore. Heidi Taylor 0410 166 684 www.oceancare.org.au With the emergence of the Port Phillip Clean Beaches Coalition Guy Boston 0438 003 195 www.3206beachpatrol.com.au and a commitment to ongoing collaboration, it is hoped that an effective model, which could be adopted by other local regions, Mitchell Burich 0449 969 893 www.coastmonkeys.org will be identified. Neil Blake 0409 138 565 www.bay-keeper.com 7 SGEEI ed officer Rosemary Swart at The Caves

Spreading the Word – South Gippsland o t

Environmental Education and Interpretation Pho : Bruce Atkin, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, South Gippsland

For over 10 years now, an unusual training specialist knowledge for school groups During school term SGEEI’s main clients organisation has been quietly going about their local environment. Frequently, are primary and secondary colleges, many about the business of educating people this is an area of knowledge that regular of which return year after year to take of all ages on the significance of our teachers lack. advantage of this education opportunity. environment, with a particular emphasis on To assist with improving teachers’ Activities are often delivered in the meeting the amazing Bunurong coast. knowledge, SGEEI can provide additional room of the Bunurong Environment Inverloch-based South Gippsland information and resources to teachers Centre, where many class groups also take Environmental Education and through, for example, the production of time to wander through the spectacular Interpretation (SGEEI) is a subsidiary of the CDs and other educational materials. dinosaur and shell displays. South Gippsland Conservation Society. Rosemary Swart has been a SGEEI SGEEI is managed by a committee that Since 2000 SGEEI has provided marine education officer for over seven years. includes representatives from South and coastal environmental education to In all the sessions she has conducted, Gippsland Water, the Department of Gippsland schools on a fee for service Rosemary has worked hard to develop Education, South Gippsland Regional basis – typically, $3 per head – which educational materials and instil a sense of Waste Management Group, South makes the program affordable to small environmental responsibility in participants. Gippsland Conservation Society and DSE’s groups. To date over 12,000 students have Rosemary has also presented many Coastcare program. The committee is participated. activities – principally, Rockpool Rambles very grateful for ongoing annual financial The SGEEI program aims to spark – for Coast Action/Coastcare’s Summer by assistance provided by South Gippsland enthusiasm for the environment in the Sea program. Another part timer, Pam Water; local Coastcare funding has been students of all ages, and to provide Mathieson, joined the program in 2010. made available for a number of projects. Seal the Loop – Keeping fishing line out of our oceans to protect local wildlife Ben Sanders, Melbourne Zoo Twenty years ago Silva, the Australian Fur Seal, was rescued from near death in Victorian waters after being entangled in a fishing net. She was cut so deeply that it took her months to recover and she was unable to be re-released. Today she still bears a deep scar around her neck, and is cared for by staff of Melbourne Zoo, where she is an important conservation ambassador and the face of Melbourne Zoo’s Seal the Loop initiative. Seal the Loop provides coastal communities with specially designed bins made from recycled plastics collected at Melbourne Zoo. The bins are installed on coasts and inland waterways around Victoria to help keep fishing line out of our oceans and protect wildlife from becoming entangled. o A recent five month trial of Seal the Loop involved bins t

being installed in twenty locations around Port Phillip Bay Pho : assisted by local councils and community groups. Locations Bins installed at St Kilda Pier included Queenscliff, Newport, Brighton, Mornington and and Mornington Pier St Kilda Pier - close to the local colony who, like thousands of other birds, mammals, reptiles and fish, are faced with ongoing threat of entanglements. Animals such as Silva are the lucky ones, as most are never found in time to receive adequate treatment. The great news is that Melbourne Zoo will be extending the reach of the Seal the Loop in 2011 by creating more bins for distribution in Victoria. They are now accepting requests for bins and the offer of groups willing to take part in monitoring the bins in their local area. Contact Ben Sanders at Melbourne Zoo; Ph: (03) 8925 9482 E: [email protected] For a full list of current bin sites and for more information visit www.zoo.org.au/sealtheloop Silva the seal, ambassador for Seal the Loop 8

Coastal Community Volunteers

Improve the Bush by the Bay Pulling weeds Julie Miller and Phillip Wierzbowski, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitators, Port Phillip Bay

Within the coastal fringe of Port Phillip, the importance, value and effort of volunteers, as conducted by individuals or through a team effort, have grown over the last few years, as demonstrated by the 200 students who spent a day at six sites as Coastal Community Oh, What Volunteers on 23 January. Phillip Wierzbowski, from the Coast Action/Coastcare program, assisted volunteer organiser Julie Miller to engage with key people in and around coastal areas of Port a Night! Phillip, including Williamstown (Jawbone Flora and Flora Reserve), Brighton–Beaumaris Marg O’Toole, Habitat Connection foreshore, Frankston foreshore, Sweetwater Creek, Sunshine Reserve, Mt Martha and Capel Sound foreshores. Janurary 13 – a hot, wet, windy day with humidity of 98 per cent. Tropical The participants, aged 12 to 16, were part of the Maccabi Junior Sports Carnival in north Queensland? No. Port Campbell Melbourne, which is hosted by Maccabi Victoria. Teams came from Victoria, New South in southwest Victoria. (Climate change Wales, Western Australia, Queensland, Hong Kong and New Zealand. This week of in action?) sporting competition and social activity included an inaugural Community Day, at which participants were given an opportunity to volunteer in an area of their community. Their A perfect setting for ‘Our Yo-yo Coast’, choices included: a Summer by the Sea talk presented by Associate Professor John Sherwood of 1. Coastcare Deakin University – getting wet, then 2. Fire affected King Lake and Marysville getting dry, and then wet again in Port 3. Jewish Care Campbell. 4. Victoria Relief Food Bank. The weather was near perfect for a day of activities that included weed removal, For 1½ hours an audience of more watering, mulching and pruning. than 35 sat in the great venue of Port Campbell SLSC, overlooking the bay, The Maccabi Junior Carnival Management Committee is extremely grateful to the coastal enthralled by Dr Sherwood’s wonderful land managers, Coastcare and Friends groups who welcomed the kids, gave their time talk on how our coastline as we and shared their knowledge, hopefully, to inspire others to become Coastal Community know it today was formed, how it has Volunteers. changed over millions of years and what may happen to it in the future. With many locals in the audience, it was a treat to be able to relate to examples of areas we know and have always wondered why this or that had happened to it., For locals and visitors alike, it was also fascinating to learn how the southwest coastline fits into the larger picture of Victoria and Australia’s geology. Included in the audience, whose ages ranged from 9 to 60+, were holiday makers, DSE staff, locals, school teachers, some of John’s former students, teenagers, children, and for all of them, this was a fantastic evening of enjoyable learning. We continued to receive much positive feedback for weeks afterwards. I have had many requests for another similar evening from those who attended, and especially from locals who missed out. John, thanks again for such a memorable, interesting and entertaining talk – please come back again. Youth of Today : hoto P 9

Marg Macdonald in the field

National Recognition for a Local Hero Andy Gray, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Anglesea It’s been a busy three years for Margaret MacDonald of Moggs Finding this connection is often not straightforward and it Creek. In 2008 Margaret’s gallant conservation efforts where is in this space that Margaret MacDonald has demonstrated acknowledged by the Victorian Coastal Council by way of time and again strong leadership and perseverance. This presentation of a Lifetime Achievement Award. Only three years approach has resulted in lasting partnerships with government later, at this year’s Australia Day celebrations, Margaret was called and industry and, most importantly, significant outcomes for to the podium once again. This time recognition was in the form conservation. of an Order of Australia medal. Frances North-East, 2011 To celebrate the occasion there was a gathering near the ANGAIR Since 1989 Margaret has been heavily involved in many groups, headquarters (Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of committees, submissions, projects and publications to list. ANGAIR Flora and Fauna). Local resident Frances North-East (DSE) took the sums up her achievements with the following: opportunity to say a few words. There is little doubt that her efforts and contributions to the There is nothing better than the opportunity to be in the wellbeing of the local environment and its biodiversity are bush with Marg and her crew, particularly at orchid time to exceptional and their value inestimable. observe and learn and learn and learn. The machinations of ANGAIR Website, 2011 government do not daunt Margaret MacDonald (I am not sure if there is anything that daunts Margaret). She has been able Congratulations Margaret! to connect agency priorities with her own action orientated For a more detailed account of Margaret’s achievements go to agenda to achieve conservation outcomes. No mean feat. www.angair.org.au Funding Boost for Anglesea’s Environment Volunteers Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Anglesea conservation groups will have help in their war against “A lot of volunteer groups, such as ANGAIR, do working bees to weeds in the Fairylands Nature Reserve after the Surf Coast Shire try to control the weeds but they find it hard to keep up. received a five year environment grant. This funding boost will “Through this coastal grant we’ll be able to get contractors in help Anglesea volunteers, who have battling alone, to improve a to do the heavy weed removal and spray work, which will make nature reserve in the town. such a difference … the volunteers are over the moon,” she said. The grant, which is part of the Corangamite Catchment “Both these reserves are big so it’s just going to be incredible Management Authority’s Coastal Tender initiative, provides what the two sites will look like at the end of the five-year funding for groups to protect native vegetation. The money cycle.” will help transform the reserve next to Anglesea’s caravan park The Coastal Tender scheme is in its second round and is open to from a weed-infested swampland into an attractive area for the everyone along the Corangamite coastline. Corangamite CMA community. Coastal Tender coordinator, Polly Matthews, said the funding As part of the Coastal Tender scheme, the Surf Coast Shire has presented a great opportunity to make a difference to the also received money for weed removal and revegetation at the coastal landscape. Painkalac Creek Nature Reserve at Aireys Inlet. “Coastal conservation projects can enhance the environmental The shire’s environment officer, Leanne Rolfe, said the values along the coast, and make our region even more rehabilitation work would improve habitat for native animals at beautiful,” she said. both reserves and create more appealing community attractions. For further information or to express an interest in participating Leanne said the funding was welcome news for the region’s in Coastal Tender contact Polly Matthews on 0417 511 999 or tireless environmental volunteers. email [email protected]. 10

Regional Updates Southwest – Nelson to Princetown Great underwater footage of a Snorkel Safari at Point Addis as Marty Gent, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Warrnambool part of the Summer by the Sea 2011 program can be seen on YouTube at www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWb5Y8tOmKM. Although many of us were frustrated with the lack of beach A Wye River Coast Action group may not be fully fledged but it days during summer, the wet weather didn’t stop the Middle already has one working bee under its belt and now has a second Island penguins from having another very successful breeding day of coastal dune works scheduled with a visiting Geelong season. Kristie King, who runs the penguin monitoring program school. The students aim to remove invasive weeds, to plant, and for Warrnambool Coastcare Landcare Group, says that it looks to participate in an interpretive walk looking at coastal processes as if the penguins have had two breeding peaks this season. This and the importance of environmental stewardship. is a very rare occurrence about which we are looking forward to finding out more as the last of the data are collected and Geelong and Bellarine Peninsula analysed. Jo Ludbrook, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Geelong Now that summer is over the Coastcare groups of the far southwest are busy preparing for the autumn planting season. As always, the coastline is full of dedicated community action The plants have been ordered and preparation has begun. across the Bellarine and Surf Coast. I am constantly overwhelmed Planting activities will be happening right along our coast, so why by the generosity and commitment of each volunteer, all of whom not join in and lend a hand? have valuable and various skills and knowledge that they bring to I’d like to finish up by congratulating Nelson Coastcare on its a range of projects. recent incorporation. The group is doing an amazing job and has In December, once again, Friends of Point Addis, together with plans for an exciting series of activities for the rest of the year. Coast Action and Reefwatch Victoria, joined in the Great Victorian To find out more about getting involved in your local Coastcare Fish Count. Several members of the group also attended two group, give me a call on 5561 9955. activities as part of the DSE Summer by the Sea program to gain further understanding of their local coastal and marine Otways and Surf Coast environment. Andy Gray, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Anglesea Jan Juc Coast Action’s Luke Hynes, SANE member Graeme Stockton and indigenous guide David Tournier ran a well-received Thank you to Tracey Pennington and Jess Brown for assisting me Coastal Cultural Connections Walk and Talk in January as part of with a smooth transition into the role of Coast Action/Coastcare Summer by the Sea. The activity was well attended and enjoyed Facilitator for this region. by all. In February Jan Juc Coast Action, for its work to protect Congratulations to Margaret MacDonald for being awarded an rufous bristlebird habitat, invited Ballarat College students to lend Order of Australia at recent Australia Day celebrations. Well done a helping hand at the Birdrock Native Grassland site. Margaret. Your knowledge, passion and leadership inspire all who SANE is currently busy working with Coast Action/Coastcare, are lucky enough to work with you. Parks Victoria, Surfworld and the Melbourne Museum to develop Once again more than 40 Year 5/6 students from Lorne–Aireys a permanent display that will focus on the natural environment of P12 took part in the Great Victoria Fish Count at Lorne Pier in late the Bells Beach area. December. For results see www.reefwatchvic.asn.au. This year Torquay Coast Action, Breamlea Coast Action and Shorebirds they are planning to compare the Lorne Pier site with Eagle Rock Group have been keeping a keen eye on the hooded plover Marine Sanctuary in Aireys Inlet. A Friends of Eagle Rock Marine nests around Point Impossible and Bancoora Beach, as has Point Sanctuary (FERMS) group is already in the pipeline and local Lonsdale local John Murry, with two fledglings successfully raised students are showing great potential as the future of the group by the pair near Collendina. by studying ERMS during first term this year. Thank you to Suzie The recently established Ocean Grove Coastcare group has had Reeves, teacher at Aireys Inlet, for the update. a roaring start with the support of Barwon Coast Committee of Well done to Anglesea YMCA Recreation Camp and Anglesea, Management: it has already run sessions with the Ocean Grove Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of Flora and Fauna (ANGAIR) nippers over January, a logo competition throughout summer and for securing Coastcare Victoria grants funding for projects in the is in planning its first onground activity for March.K eep an eye Anglesea area. ANGAIR is continuing its contribution to dune out for other new groups in the Clifton Springs area. restoration and protection by linking with land managers and Swan Bay Environment Association used its AGM as an visiting school groups. opportunity to invite Beth Ross from Gordon TAFE to present The YMCA’s exciting project, funded jointly by CCMA and Coast a talk on the value of local flora and fauna, Bellarine Bayside Action, is to create a self-guided indigenous focused interpretive Foreshore Committee of Management invited local residents to trail on its property. It will be working with indigenous youth from attend evening walks with its community and Friends of Point the Wathaurong Cooperative in Geelong and the Ballarat and Richards will be tackling Weeds of National Significance (WoNS) District Aboriginal Cooperative. throughout the Point Richards Flora and Fauna Reserve. Continued on page 11… 11

…continued from page 10

It is worth mentioning that the work of all coastal community South Gippsland groups wouldn’t be manageable without the ongoing support of Bruce Atkin, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, South Gippsland their land managers and our community networks in the region: A third Coastal Ecology and Management weekend workshop for Bellarine Catchment Network, and Surf Coast and Inland Plains volunteers is to be held on 9 and 10 April at Sandy Point. Among Network. Well done to all. the guest presenters secured so far are coastal geomorphologist Neville Rosengren, wetlands and saltmarsh expert Paul Boon, Western Port and Mornington Peninsula Coastcare’s own Denis Cox and Parks Victoria’s Mark Rodrigue. Denis Cox, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Mornington Volunteers have come away from previous workshops inspired, and Peninsula and Westernport with increased knowledge of and enthusiasm for the environment they work in. Anyone wishing to attend should contact CA/CC Barb Martin Bushbank on Phillip Island provides indigenous plants facilitator Bruce Atkin (details elsewhere in this issue). for a number of local community groups in the Bass Coast Shire but has been experiencing problems with raising their seed due to The Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association has the dampness of the season. Coast Action/Coastcare was able to been working with the Bass Coast Shire Council to remove pine provide some assistance by means of a problem solving discussion trees and other woody weeds on the foreshore and to revegetate and general overview of their nursery operations. the area with native tubestock. A notable feature of this activity is the huge turnout of volunteers to help with the physical work. At the recent Southern Peninsula Flora and Fauna Association The latest stage of this ongoing project has been funded by (SPIFFA) AGM, there was a change of committee. Gidja Walker, a Coastcare Victoria Medium Grant. Already, changes to the the long-standing president, who has generously shared her landscape are striking. knowledge and personal time, resigned from her position though she will continue her educational roles. The new chairperson is A project driven by Young Landcare award winner Kayla Estelle Kefford, a most effective events organiser who has been Groombridge of Tarraville has been granted a Coastcare Victoria involved in revegetation and restoration of bushland. Community Small Grant. The Tarraviille and Robertsons Beach Community Consultative Group applied for funding for a A Coastal Information Day was held at Grantville on Western Port. revegetation project on the east side of the Tarra River to help Local residents were provided with information that ranged from address degradation of the river banks. its history and ecology, current projects and issues, likely impacts of climate change and the importance of mangroves and artificial offshore reefs in the protection of the coastline. East Gippsland Jeremy Neilson, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Bairnsdale Coast Action/Coastcare was involved in the ‘Treating New and Emerging Weed Threats’ workshop that discussed the During early December approximately 1000 primary school development of ways to enable public land managers to better students from 16 schools across East Gippsland, from Bairnsdale define, locate, report and respond to new and emerging weeds to Mallacoota, took part in Environmental Fun Days that were across a range of landscapes. Ideas and knowledge, gathered run by Coast Action/Coastcare in partnership with Water Watch from the experiences of a diverse group of people, will be used East Gippsland, Fish Care and East Gippsland Water. The days to develop effective processes to tackle these new and emerging were designed for students to learn about our aquatic and weeds. marine environments in a fun and interactive way. Students learnt The Balnarring Foreshore Committee has provided space and the important links that occur from catchment to coasts. The assistance for a local group, Wildlife Help on the Mornington feedback from teachers and students was very positive; many are Peninsula (WHOMP), to cage and protect found hurt or disabled looking forward to the program being held again. wildlife before it is rehabilitated and returned to the wild. December also saw the unveiling of the Coast Action/Coast On a hot Sunday in January, Sunshine Reserve hosted 31 young Care East Gippsland Educational and Information trailer. The people aged trailer is designed to be a fully independent mobile classroom between 13 and 18 from the 29th Maccabi Junior Sports Carnival. and information stand, although when travelling down the road Armed with bottles of frozen water, bananas and nut bars, they it more closely resembles a mobile aquarium. Once it is set up descended on the pink berry heath in the reserve. Many of the it has everything a good classroom needs, including televisions, children, who came from as far away as Hong Kong and Sydney, microscopes, whiteboards, and yes, even a kitchen sink. found the possibility of sighting snakes and other wildlife a bit This year’s Summer by the Sea program has proved to be as challenging, but once they got into the work they did a great popular as ever – many activities were booked out well ahead of weed pull. By the end of the day, not one snake had been sighted. time and other activities bursting at the seams as participants filed Hot, tired and very pleased with their efforts, they applauded into venues to take part. Once again old favourites such as Friends themselves, and then went off to the beach for a cool down of Beware Reef slide show presentations and fish dissections were swim. We greatly look forward to working with them again next popular, while new favourites, in the form of kayaking tours of the year. beautiful Gippsland Lakes, are starting to emerge. Coast Action/ 12 Coastcare Contacts Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitators Coming Events Warrnambool and Southwest Marty Gent 6 March Clean Up Australia Day – events include Tel. 03 5561 9955 • Friends of Mud Island cleanup – contact Mob. 0428 141 599 Jo Ludbrook. Email: [email protected] • Ocean Grove Coastcare; meet at 10am at Ocean Grove SLSC. Otways and Surfcoast • Port Phillip Clean Beach Coalition – email Andrew Gray [email protected]. Tel: 03 5220 2008 Mob: 0409 332 197 7–13 March Seaweek Email: [email protected] The Marine Education Society of Australia’s Seaweek will sail the Pelican onto Port Phillip Geelong and Bellarine Bay with marine educators, marine scientists Joanne Ludbrook and school teachers for a workshop on Tel: 03 5226 4669 water. Email: [email protected] 13 March Venus Bay Planting Day – Beach 1 Port Phillip Bay carpark, Phillip Wierzbowski Sun 1.30pm–4.30pm. New volunteers welcome. Friends of Venus Bay Peninsula, Tel: 03 9296 4525 contact Mae: 5663 7525 Mob: 0411 409 815 Email: [email protected] 19 March Paterson Weeding – from 9.30am Sat at the Wonthaggi SLSC carpark BBQ lunch Westernport and Mornington provided, more fun then planting! All Peninsula welcome. Cape Paterson Residents and Denis Cox Ratepayers Association, contact Cathy: Tel: 03 9296 4532 0425 762350, or see website Mob: 0409 958 050 capepaterson.asn.au Email: [email protected]

14–20 March Festival of the Sea South Gippsland This Barwon Heads event will be as huge Bruce Atkin as ever, with three evening sessions, two Tel: 03 5183 9116 seminars and the main Festival Day on Mob: 0429 842 142 Sunday Email: [email protected] 25 March Southwest Coastal Volunteers Forum (10 am–4 pm) Port Fairy Yacht Club. RSVP East Gippsland by Friday, 19 March, to Marty Gent on 5561 Jeremy Neilson 9955 or [email protected]. Tel: 03 5152 0431 Mob: 0408 357 343 28–30 March Australian Coastal Council Conference, Email: [email protected] Torquay Major themes include the implications of Statewide Coordinator, Melbourne population growth for Australia’s coastal Matthew Fox regions and coastal , Tel: 03 9637 9742 including legal and insurance risks. Email: [email protected]

29–30 April East Gippsland Field Days Visit our web site at: Contact Jeremy Neilson on 5152 0431 or at www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts [email protected] for details Coastcare’s national website: April (date to be Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence confirmed) 2011 www.coastcare.com.au

9–15 May National Volunteer Week celebrations, Coastline Editor: ess East Gippsland.

Gu Matthew Fox Contact Jeremy Neilson on 5152 0431 or at

ictoria [email protected] for details To receive Coastline in the future contact : V : your local Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator hoto

P or phone (03) 9637 9742. www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts 1

coastlineEdition 56. ISSN 1329-0835 winter update 2011 In this issue Coordinator’s Message Coordinator’s Message 1 Matt Fox, State Program Coordinator, Melbourne Project Penguin Homes 1 Sandy Point Coastal Welcome to the Coastline winter update for 2011. Lots of activity here at head office as winter closes in. Management Workshop 2 We’re making preparations for a statewide event to bring you, our volunteers, together. We’re also busily Orange-bellied parrots on gearing up for another round of annual Coastcare Victoria grants. More information is available from your the Bellarine – an update 2 local facilitator. New conservation network for the Otways 3 In the next few months you may notice some changes to the look of the program. We’ve been working An Invitation to Join Your hard to complete a new program strategy to guide us for the next five years. For almost two decades we’ve Local Coastal Committee gone under the cumbersome banner of Coast Action/Coastcare. In order to simplify things into the future, of Management 3 we’ve decided to rename the program Coastcare Victoria. World-first Paddle Goes Clean Across Bass Strait 4 The program will continue to support Coast Action and Coastcare groups, as well as the numerous The Southwest Coastcare friends groups that contribute to managing our coast. The facilitator network will remain the backbone Forum 5–6 of the program. There’ll be some new logos to accompany the new program name, and apart from that South Channel Fort Reopens 7 everything else remains the same. Coast Action / Coast Care Education Trailer 7 So this is the finalCoastline from Coast Action/Coastcare. But rest assured that Coastline will be back in Introducing Inner City Girls spring under our new name, Coastcare Victoria to the Wonders of the Coastal World 8 Celebrating Champions in Coastal Conservation 9 Project Penguin Homes The Victorians are flocking… 9 Coastcare Victoria Grants Jacqui Higgins Education Ranger, Phillip Island Nature Park Program 10–11 Launched in 1987, Project Summerlands Beach and The penguins’ habitat was lost. So, Regional Updates 12–13 The 2011 Victorian Landcare Penguin Homes is popular Nobbies, an area that is home since 1969, the little penguin Awards are now open! 14 with student and community to one of the largest little colony restoration has been Coming Events 14 groups due to its hands-on penguin colonies in Victoria, was utilising artificial penguin boxes. Coast Action/Coastcare Contacts 14 environmental work. Today, subdivided into the Summerland’s In 1984 a bipartisan motion was over 720 students and 400 Housing Estate, which interfered passed in the Victorian parliament community members a year from with penguin habitat. to buy back the properties on across Victoria are involved in Housing development began in the Summerland’s Estate. It was Project Penguin Homes. Tasks earnest in the 1950s; by 1985 not until the buyback scheme include cleaning rubbish from old there were 183 houses, one commenced that the little housing sites, removing weeds, motel and one shop on the site. penguin habitat was able to Published by the Victorian Government’s building and placing artificial Department of Sustainability and As a result, much of the little begin to be fully restored. Environment, June 2011 penguin burrows in cleared areas © The State of Victoria Department of and planting native vegetation to Sustainability and Environment 2011 This publication is copyright. No part may ensure that little penguin habitat be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the is completely restored. Copyright Act 1968. Disclaimer — This publication may be of Project Penguin Homes empowers assistance to you but the State of Victoria students in that it enables and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of them to initiate change that any kind or is wholly appropriate for will help protect our marine your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or environment and improve the other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this natural environment so that little publication. penguins can once again inhabit Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. the area. For more information contact DSE Project Penguin Homes is Customer Service Centre 13 61 86. www.dse.vic.gov.au extremely important to penguin rehabilitation because in the 1920s a 90 hectare area of land located between the Students get to work building homes for Little Penguins 2

Sandy Point Coastal Management Workshop Bruce Atkin, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator South Gippsland

In early April nearly fifty representatives presentation highlighting the work of the of coastal volunteer groups from busy Sandy Point Foreshore Committee of Orange-bellied the Gippsland Lakes to Phillip Island Management was delivered by President participated in what has now become an Rob O’Sullivan. parrots on the annual event – the Coastal Management The workshop was organised by South and Ecology Workshop for volunteers. The Gippsland’s Coastcare facilitator, Bruce Bellarine – an workshops are designed to give something Atkin, whose philosophy is that it is back to and enhance the skills of the vital to acknowledge and reward the update people who volunteer so much of their contribution that volunteers make to Joanne Ludbrook, Coast Action/ time to the management of our coasts. coastal management. “On both days we Coastcare Facilitator Bellarine. Workshop topics are chosen for their offered morning presentations followed relevance to the work of volunteers. Topics by afternoon field trips, to Walkerville As reports begin to come in from included local coastal geology, marine life, (for geology and weeds) and to Shallow the May 2011 orange-bellied parrot coastal saltmarsh, revegetation projects, Inlet (for saltmarsh and seagrass), which (OBP) surveys, we are finding that our beach-nesting birds, and fox and weed were used to reinforce the information dedicated volunteer observers have control. Funding to run the workshop was participants received earlier.” made many wonderful observations. The most exciting of all are the sighting obtained through the federal government’s Bruce is particularly grateful for Neville’s Caring for our Country program. of two adult OBPs at the Connewarre and Paul’s continued support for these system. This year the workshop was held in the workshops. Both are particularly effective surf lifesaving clubhouse at Sandy Point. presenters; it is great that they made Other observations include Regular presenters included Parks Victoria’s themselves available for the whole • good numbers of blue-winged Mark Rodrigue, who set the scene with a weekend. parrots, 180 at Hospital Swamp description of Victoria’s marine and coastal (photos below), fifty-one at Breamlea/ From an organiser’s point of view one Bancoora and more than 120 at the life and the factors that contribute to of the difficulties was the amount of its uniqueness, geomorphologist Neville Connewarre system networking that occurred between • brolgas – two at Connewarre, two at Rosengren, and wetlands and saltmarsh presentations. While interaction between expert Paul Boon, each of whom provided Reedy Lake participants is a positive spinoff from the • eight brown quail flushed at fascinating information about their fields workshops, it proved incredibly difficult to of expertise. Breamlea/Bancoora sites terminate the morning tea conversations • two stubble quail were flushed at Additional presentations were delivered and get people to resume their seats for Hospital Swamp (in adjoining pasture); by DSE and Parks Victoria staff and by the next presentations! several large groups of black-fronted Venus Bay volunteer Janet Carey. Local We intend to run similar function again dotterel, the largest being a flock of geological information was provided by next autumn. For further information nineteen at Reedy Lake. volunteer and respected local geologist contact Bruce Atkin at DSE on 5183 9116. Gary Wallis, while a short impromptu Then there were the sixty black-winged stilts (many immature) at Hospital Swamp towards Connewarre, seventy purple swamphens sheltering from cold west-southwest wind in the lee of a reed bed at Hospital Swamp towards Connewarre, and many flocks of hundreds of teal (predominantly chestnut), generally at sites away from the front line. Thanks once again to the more than fifty volunteers who assisted with the mid May surveys. For more information on orange-bellied parrots and for how to get involved in upcoming surveys contact Craig Morley Bellarine Peninsula Orange-bellied Parrot Working Group Co-ordinator Phone 03 5221 4604 Email [email protected] 3

New conservation network for the Otways Luke Hynes, Otway Community Conservation Network (OCCN) Project Facilitator A new group is taking shape across the Otways. The Otway Community Conservation Network, which covers the area between Anglesea, Colac and Port Campbell, aims to link existing conservation groups and natural resource management agencies to take coordinated action against weed species to protect Otways native bush. The Otway Community Conservation Network (OCCN), a joint initiative of the Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) and Parks Victoria, is funded by the Australian government’s Caring for our Country program. The OCCN steering committee includes representatives from a range of natural resource management agencies. DSE’s representative on the steering committee, Forest Officer Craig Clifford, commented: “By supporting community with other ecological issues across the Otways,” said project conservation groups, increasing coastal community awareness facilitator Luke Hynes. and acting as a link between communities and agencies, the The Otway Community Conservation Network is looking network will play a key role in protecting the rich biodiversity in for people who want be involved in native bush restoration. the Otways.” Volunteers could be landholders who have boneseed and bridal OCCN’s current focus is to protect ecological values in the Otway creeper problems, community members who want to take action plain and ranges areas through the removal and control of against these species, or corporations that want to volunteer their boneseed and bridal creeper, two weeds of national significance. time. Currently, we are mapping boneseed and bridal creeper “With many groups already controlling these two species in the on private and public land and want to hear from anyone who Otways area, it is hoped that [the formation of] OCCN will result knows of any locations where these weeds might be found. in a coordinated and collaborative effort to really knock these For more information and to see how your group or organisation two species back by providing support and funds for the groups. can benefit, contact Luke Hynes on 0406 113 438 or at In future years it is hoped that the network will continue to work [email protected]. An Invitation to Join Your Local Coastal Committee of Management Are you passionate about your local coastal reserve? Have you a vision for coastal management in your area and have skills in one or more of the following areas? • Natural environment (including flora and fauna) • Community and stakeholder management • Coastal or public open space planning and management • Financial management • Governance of public entities • Local knowledge If so, then you could help shape the future of your community as a representative on your local Coastal Committee of Management. The Department of Sustainability & Environment is currently seeking voluntary membership for a period of three years on the Bellarine-Bayside, Great Ocean Road and Barwon Coast Committees of Management. To obtain an Expression of Interest package or find out more, contact Frances Northeast from the Department of Sustainability & Environment on 5220 2020. For more information on the committees visit: www.bbfcom.com.au, www.barwoncoast.com.au or www.gorcc.com.au Expressions of Interest close at 5pm on Friday 10 June, 2011. 4

World-first Paddle Goes Clean Across Bass Strait

Emma Francis, Surfrider Foundation Most of us are probably familiar with the of a sea kayak, we were able it to their shores,” said team paddler and the concept of a beach cleanup. Some to paddle much faster and expend less environmental scientist, Richard Jennings. of us may have even pulled on a pair of energy, and that enabled us to spend a few Sadly, what the team found was that, even gloves and taken part in one. But it takes hours each day picking up rubbish from on these uninhabited beaches, marine a committed bunch of beach lovers to the remote beaches we stopped at along debris is having an impact. On Hogan paddle more than 300 kilometres across the way.” Island alone, the team collected more than one of the world’s most treacherous bodies The team departed Port Welshpool, 100 plastic drink bottles, most of which of water to spread the anti-litter message. Victoria, on 21 February, and then, came from foreign sources. followed by its trusty support vessel, island- That’s exactly what happened this February, “Unfortunately, shipping is a major hopped along the eastern crossing to when seven intrepid Melburnians paddled contributor to marine debris,” said arrive in Little Musselroe Bay in northeast across Bass Strait to collect and document team member and Surfrider board Tasmania nine days later. Along the way rubbish as part of Surfrider Foundation’s member Brendon Grail. “We hope that they had to contend with seasickness, National Marine Debris Initiative. the data we’ve collected will help drive tendonitis, blisters and some occasionally governments and industry to come up with Dubbed ‘Clean Across Bass Strait’, the hair-raising conditions, but the beauty of ambitious mission was also the world’s first the remote beaches they camped at each better strategies to address this problem.” crossing of the strait by ocean-racing skis. night helped soothe their aches and pains. To find out more about the National “It had been a lifelong dream of mine to “Few people would be aware that there Marine Debris Initiative and how you can paddle across Bass Strait on an ocean- are some spectacularly pristine islands help, go to www.surfrider.org.au. racing ski,” said expedition leader Jarad dotted throughout Bass Strait … We were To read more about the Clean Across Kohlar, 28, who had twice before crossed particularly interested to see how much Bass Strait expedition, go to www. the strait by sea kayak. “By shedding all rubbish from mainland Australia had made cleanacrossbassstrait.com.

Clean Across Bass Strait team (L–R): Richard Jennings, Jarad Kohlar, Sandy Cameron, Andrew Coutts, Emma Francis, Michael Kolody, Brendon Grail 5

The Southwest Coastcare Forum Leila Huebner, Nelson Coastcare Coordinator

Facilitated and run by the inimitable Geoff Brown, this forum was story of positive achievement. At the end of this session, each well attended by diverse Coastcare, Landcare, Natural Resource group had a different construction, but a nonetheless effective, Management and friends groups, some local, some farflung. story to relate. In an informal setting, Geoff used provocative questions to An activity to illustrate achievable goals involved participants stimulate thoughtful responses. He had us look at how to writing down on a card, their major concern for reaching their overcome challenges such as maintaining and revitalising group environmental nirvana. The cards were then rotated from person membership, how to resolve burnout in dedicated volunteers, to person for 30 seconds. Then, each person ranked the card they how to educate group members and raise their environmental ended up with a value of 1 (lowest) to 4 (highest) for the concern awareness so they are well informed so they can see what written on that card. This rotation was repeated every thirty opportunities exist to effect necessary changes. We also to seconds until all participants had entered their value for every examined the need to aim for consensus between members and card. When all the scores were added up the result was clear: the groups, government agencies and private enterprise in ways that major concern was the need to understand the ecology of the will enable disparate groups to feel connected and to have a free environment by training the public, volunteers, politicians and exchange of knowledge and ideas. government agencies. In other words, education is vital. Geoff remarked that we had to practise custodianship of the Additional topics included building capacity and the need to land, not control, and that we needed to distribute and share build local knowledge. It was suggested that the talents of artists knowledge, and to observe and listen. and poets be used to inspire and affirm the stories for change. Discussion turned to newcomers’ desire to belong to community; Educators and communicators, it was agreed, are essential, as is the creation of structures such as volunteer groups satisfy that formulating ways to inspire and strengthen groups and celebrate need. Connection takes on another aspect: while some groups affirmative actions and successes. Peta Kucha nights were seen have a strong, active internal membership, they can still be as a good way for people to tell their stories. Making greater use disconnected from other groups, which can weaken the overall of the internet and iPhone technologies to create communication power of that group’s initiatives. Increased diversity and intergroup networks was encouraged, as was the use of social media blogs connectivity, it was agreed, provides real strength. to help coordinate groups. When Geoff asked why our coasts need us, members’ In summary, the significant issues were seen to be creating answers ranged from ‘speaking up for the environment’ to the new behaviours from greater knowledge sharing, more open- fundamental reason for our coexistence with nature – if we don’t mindedness, more connectivity, more compassion in exploring look after nature, nature cannot look after us. issues (the understanding of human behaviour is important), being positive and optimistic, and creating tomorrow’s heritage by Geoff’s process planning challenged us to a ‘What if …?’ What conserving and restoring today’s biodiversity, all in an holistic way. if we were looking at a happy ending scenario? How would we trace back degradation and amend what humans had done to the environment in order to arrive at a state of perfection and integrity Phone 08 8738 4037 today? We formed small groups to build and tell our particular Email [email protected] 6 SOUTHWEST MARINE FORUM – JOIN US ON JUNE 18 & 19, 2011

BENEATH THE WAVES of Victoria’s southwest coast he constant pounding of the cold, wild waters of the Southern Ocean on Victoria’s southwest Tcoast has created a dramatic, awe-inspiring place of discovery, but how much do we really know about this world? Join members of the southwest community to learn more about the marine and coastal biodiversity of the area, explore the latest marine issues and broaden your links with other people who care about the underwater world of Victoria’s southwest.

DETAILS When: June 18 & 19 (Sat/Sun), starting at 9am both days. Venue: On Saturday we will spend the day at Deakin University in Warrnambool and finish up with dinner at a local venue (not funded). Sunday will include a field trip to Port Fairy, an intertidal ramble, and an optional snorkel/dive at Pea Soup Beach. Cost: Free, with morning and afternoon tea provided. BYO lunch. RSVP: Phone 03 8341 7446 or email [email protected] by Friday, June 10.

SPEAKERS INCLUDE Wendy Roberts: Co-ordinator of Reef Watch Victoria Dr Gerry Kraft: An seaweed taxonomy expert Gerry Wendy manages marine monitoring of Victoria’s will look at marine algae of the southwest coast. subtital reefs and the ‘Feral or in Peril’ program. Jac Monk: Jac will take us through the highly skilled Simon Branigan: Marine and coastal project officer art of marine habitat mapping and provide an with the Victorian National Parks Association, Simon overview of the temperate reef fish to be found in will discuss the VNPA’s Nature Conservation Review the west and lead us on a tour of the laboratories. on marine conservation priorities for Victoria. Joanne Ludbrook & Marty Gent: These two Margie Morrice: The director of Blue Whale Study, CoastAction/Coastcare facilitators will take us on a Margie will talk about the foraging ecology of blue journey through the ways volunteers help protect whales in southern Australia’s Bonney . and conserve our marine and coastal environment. SUNDAY FIELD TRIP Associate Professor John Sherwood will lead a Griffith Island tour, Marg OToole will take us on an intertidal

rockpool tour and Daktari Divers will conduct an introduction to marine monitoring and fish countingVNPA logo & style at sheet Peasoup, including an optional snorkel/dive. NATION N A A L I P R A O

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South Channel Fort Reopens Steve Tuohy, Ranger, West Port Phillip

The thought of small birds being impaled on thorns as they try to which included and Queenscliff in a triangle of make their nests among boxthorn bushes is gruesome, to say the defence. The culturally significant site is a reminder of Australia’s least. But thanks to the efforts of the West Port Phillip team, that early military history and southern Port Phillip’s role in providing no longer occurs on the South Channel Fort in Port Phillip. defence lines for Melbourne and Geelong. The antiquated gun emplacements, a labyrinth of underground passages and South Channel Fort is located in the Southern end of Port Phillip, panoramic views of over Port Phillip provide visitors with a unique approximately 6.5 kilometres from Portsea, where it forms part of cultural experience. the Point Nepean National Park. The site is listed on the Register of the National Estate for its heritage and cultural values. Access The site is also a popular nesting site for sea birds, and has to the fort is by vessel. The jetty located on the western side of the become an important breeding site for the endangered white- site has a low landing that enables visitors to berth and unload. faced storm petrel. The island is one of only three breeding sites, and the second largest of the three known colonies. A number Over the past two years the West Port Phillip team has been hard of other species utilise the site for breeding, offshore feeding and at work cleaning up the fort for the benefit of native residents, roosting, including little penguins, Australian fur seals, black-faced licensed tour operators and tourists. Their work has involved cormorants and silver gulls. The marine environment around the removing pest plants, revegetation, fuel reduction burning, fort contains a diverse range of marine habitats, including intact signage and general site cleanup. sea grass communities in the torpedo bay area. Other works undertaken at the heritage site include installation of As a destination and as a part of a southern bay tour, including solar lighting and an OH&S audit of the old buildings and tunnels South Channel Pile Light, Pope’s Eye, Chinaman’s Hat, Fort to ensure that staff and visitors are safe. During these works Queenscliff and Point Nepean, South Channel Fort provides great access to the internal component of the fort was prohibited. opportunities for visitors, and is much enjoyed by dive groups and With work now complete Parks Victoria-registered licensed tour licensed tour operators. operators are once again offering guided tours of this historic site. For further information regarding the South Channel Fort contact The South Channel Fort is a small man-made island of Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 19 63 or visit approximately 0.7 hectares. It was built between 1879 and www.parks.vic.gov.au. 1888 as part of a military complex and naval defence strategy, Coast Action / Coast Care Education Trailer Jeremy Neilson, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator

Is it a billboard? Is it a fish tank? No, it’s the all new Coast Action/Coast Care Education trailer. The trailer was designed by the East Gippsland Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator to aid the delivery of coastal and marine education in schools and the wider community. The trailer, which is solar powered, has all the facilities of a modern classroom, including television and DVD players, capability for laptops, and yes, even a kitchen sink with its own water supply. CA/CC volunteers provided all the photography. So, if you are in East Gippsland and see the trailer, drop in and say hello. 8

Introducing Inner City Girls to the Wonders of the Coastal World Robbo Bennetts, St Aloysius College

Robbo Bennetts gives us an insight into Leonards. The spider crabs were piled they discard their armour in order to mate. the possibilities when planning engaging on top of each other in about 2 metres Later, they return to Bass Strait. coastal experiences for those who feel of water where the sea floor meets the Because this amazing love fest was so most comfortable in their familiar city sea grass. As many readers would know, public, so accessible, almost all of the surrounds. these large crabs enter Port Phillip Bay by girls were able to see it. For them, it was Organising outdoor education experiences running tiptoe along the old Yarra River like being inside a for inner city schoolgirls can be bed, and then get swept along by the documentary, something totally outside challenging. Many of the girls come from currents of the incoming tide. They mass their previous experience, something that backgrounds where there is little culture just inside the bay in peaceful refuges such momentarily at least, enabled them to step of visiting natural places, going to the as St Leonards and Sorrento. Here, in the into the exciting marine world of Victoria’s bush or the beach, or even going away safety afforded by their great numbers, coast. on holidays. Many have missed out on childhoods that many coastal dwellers take for granted: building sandcastles that get swamped by waves, boogie boarding at crowded beaches, or burning in the boiling summer sun. Too many of the girls couldn’t swim and, consequently, found the water, the waves, and snorkels strange and frightening. Even if girls manage to overcome their fear of breathing Darth Vader-like through a snorkel, and then immersing their faces in the water, they often see very little. Doing their best to remain vertical in the shallows, they may not see much more than a solitary fish, a dismembered crab’s claw or – on a good day – a sea star. In deeper water, while there is more to see, the most fearful girls are too busy slapping and splashing the water with their fins, or clutching to each other for dear life, to take very much notice of what is beneath them. Just occasionally, though, the natural world jumps out at us in ways that can’t be ignored. One such occasion occurred when a dead pilot whale was beached at Pt Addis. Over a period of weeks different groups of girls visited and mused over the pilot whale, watching as its teeth progressively disappeared, souvenired by trophy hunters. On another occasion, hundreds of thousands of northern Pacific sea stars were stranded on a sandy spit at St Leonards when the tide went out. There were so many that we couldn’t step in between these exotic pests. It was terrible to see them in such abundance. Most recently, one of our Year 7 classes was fortunate enough to see many thousands of spider crabs, also at St 9

Celebrating Champions in Coastal Conservation Kate Stivala, DSE

The Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence thousands of individuals and organisations of his exceptional efforts. gala event was hosted by the Victorian each year.” Birds Australia were recognised for their Coastal Council last night at the Melbourne “These inspirational people don’t just hope great work protecting Hooded Plover Museum. that our wonderful coastal ecosystems are breeding sites on the Victorian coast, An exciting range of coastal conservation being looked after, they get out there and empowering community groups to take the projects including a campaign to protect make it happen.” lead and conserve this flagship species. beach nesting birds are among the winners. Nominations ranged from Surf Lifesaving Other finalists and winners include the The 2011 awards attracted an impressive organisations, schools, Committees of East Gippsland Shire Council for their amount of nominations spanning several Management and community conservation urban waterways project, a revegetation categories to recognise Victoria’s real and protection organisations. campaign at Cape Paterson foreshore, champions in coastal conservation, Community volunteers include everyone and a project to protect penguin homes at including a stand out individual from school children, to those with full-time Phillip Island Nature Parks. achievement award. jobs and families; through to active retirees. “Congratulations to all nominees and Minister for Environment and Climate The award for outstanding achievement finalists.” Change Ryan Smith attended the went to Don McTaggart for his work as “And thank you to the Victorian Coastal awards ceremony and said: “The awards long-time leader of the Warrnambool Council for its efforts as the peak body demonstrate what can be achieved when Coastcare Landcare group. After losing his for planning and managing the Victorian communities come together to support our long-term battle with cancer in December coast” Mr Smith said. precious coastal environment.” 2010, Don has left a lasting legacy – the To see the full list of winners and finalists, “The coastal awards recognise the coastal environment of Warrnambool is visit the Victorian Coastal Council’s web site remarkable contribution made by healthier and more sustainable as a result at www.vcc.vic.gov.au/. The Victorians are flocking… Grainne Maguire, Birds Australia In what was our first ever statewide breeding stint within the area, something The Birds Australia boys slaved over the meeting, held at the end of April, 75 that would be very difficult for hooded BBQ to bring us lunch, after which we of the key players in Victorian hooded plovers to implement, because they have spent the afternoon in small groups, plover conservation came together at a prolonged breeding season and multiple sitting in the sun, discussing topics such Point Nepean National Park to share their breeding attempts. In Australia, we try as management, public engagement, experiences and brainstorm about future instead to share the beach while doing our resources needed for volunteers, future conservation goals. From what had been best to protect the birds. research, and legislation and policy. We historically a Mornington Peninsula and After a morning packed with regional could have spent days discussing these Phillip Island get-together, this meeting updates from speakers from so many active things but we were on such a tight expanded to involve coastal managers groups now participating in the monitoring schedule that we had only ten minutes per and volunteers from South Gippsland, and protection of hoodies across Victoria, topic. Warrnambool, Apollo Bay, Anglesea and we felt we really earned our lunch break. It We reconvened and had a large group the Bellarine. was very inspiring to hear each group talk discussion, at which we found that in We were very lucky to have a guest about their involvement and the different our small groups we’d all said very similar speaker talk about piping plover ways they’ve tried to raise awareness or things. Outcomes will be made available conservation on Prince Edward Island, help their birds along. We heard about on the Birds Australia website. Canada. There were so many similarities different approaches to engaging the We ended the day with a walk through between the two species, even the public, the challenges of managing threats coastal woodland to a small bay beach distinctive white nape of the birds. There in unregulated coastal reserves and of the where little BB (Brendan’s bird, after the were differences between the programs, Bass coast’s amazing tally of 17 fledglings. ranger who has been monitoring this pair) too: on Prince Edward Island, entire Until we tally our figures, was can say that took flight and fledged late this season. It sections of peninsula are closed to the approximately 44 fledglings made it this was such a fitting end to the day, with the public when the birds are breeding, season in Victoria, a definite improvement descending sun sending its rays through whereas no such closure occurs in Victoria. on the 2006, 2007 and 2008 seasons the grey green foliage, the wattlebirds It is possible to implement closure in but not as good as last year’s the boom clucking and the waves lapping against the Canada because piping plovers are season, when we had 60 young from 90 shore. We’d all survived another season migratory and arrive for a only a short monitored pairs. and made the Earth that little bit better. : h P OTO 10

Coastcare Victoria Grants Program Victoria Guess, Coast Action/Coastcare Program Officer

Since October 2009 more then 60 projects along the Victorian coastline have been funded through the Coastcare Victoria Grants program. The program has administered over $900,000 worth of grants to local Coast Action/Coastcare and friends groups as part of the Commonwealth government’s Caring for our Country program. Projects funded through the program range from fencing, revegetation and signage works, to the conservation of threatened species such as the hooded plover, and the enhancement of unique coastal environments. Grants provided by the program enable local community groups to play key roles in the protection of Victoria’s coastline. A quick read of the projects funded by the first phase of the grants program highlights the importance of the role played by our coastal volunteers. The next round of funding for the Coastcare Victoria Grants program will open in the coming financial year. For more information, contact your local Coastcare facilitator.

Projects funded 2009–11 Small grants projects • Friends of Somers Foreshore – staged restoration of coastal banksia ($5000) • ANGAIR – protection of a remnant stand of Moonah woodland in Anglesea ($5000) • Friends of Venus Bay Peninsula Inc. – protecting the hooded plover in Cape Liptrap Coastal Park ($5000) • Balnarring Foreshore Parks and Reserves Committee Inc. – Removal of Polygala myrtifolia, Dolichos lignose and other • Friends of Watkins Bay – making a difference locally woody weeds ($5000) through a public working bee with friends of Watkins Bay ($825) • Balcolme Estuary Rehabilitation Group – Mount Martha foreshore restoration project ($4940) • Friends of Williams Road Beach – communities restoring and extending habitat, Williams Rd beach, Mt Eliza ($4999) • Bass Coast Shire Council – Phillip Island volunteer groups’ revegetation project ($4620) • Hopkins Point Landcare Group – protecting the coast: Hopkins Point sand blow control ($4362) • Fawthrop Wetlands Coastcare Group - Putting the ‘We’ into wetlands ($5000) • Jan Juc Coast Action – tackling gazania on the Jan Juc cliffs ($4500) • Friends of Aireys Inlet Coastal Reserve – increase natural values of the Aireys Inlet coastal reserve ($5000) • McCrae Homestead Coastal Group Inc. – McCrae foreshore restoration 2008–12 ($4545) • Friends of Chinamans Creek Inc. – Chinamans Creek, ‘The Skink Link’ interpretation trail ($4200) • Merricks Beach Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management – eradicate ivy from reserve and replant with • Friends of Chinamans Creek Inc. – Romney Avenue orchid indigenous plants ($5000) recovery site ($5000) • Ocean Grove Coastcare – establishing the Ocean Grove • Friends of Edwards Point – enhancement of coastal Coastcare group ($5000) saltmarsh community, Edwards Point Wildlife Reserve ($790) • Phillip Island Nature Park – Coastcare Revegetation Day and Coastal ambassadors’ camp ($3400) • Friends of Flinders Coastline – coastal Flinders restoration project ($5000) • Port Fairy Golf Club – South African sea spurge removal ($1500) • Friends of Queens Park – weed control in Queens Park ($5000) • Robertsons Beach and Tarraville Community Consultative Committee – Tara River rehabilitation project ($3524) • Friends of the Hooded Plover – hooded plover protection in the Mornington Peninsula National Park ($976) • Somers School Camp – coastal banksia woodland regeneration ($2883) • Friends of the Hooded Plover Far West – improving awareness and breeding success of hooded plover in far • St Bede’s College – shearwater habitat and coastal west Victoria ($5000) revegetation protection project ($4050) • Friends of Rosebud Beach and Foreshore – banksia woodland restoration ($3840)

Continued on page 11… 11

Coastcare Victoria Grants Program… continued from page 10

Medium scale projects • Nelson Coastcare Inc. – Glenelg River estuary and discovery • ANGAIR – dune rehabilitation, Pt Roadknight ($5000) bay coastal parks ($49,250) • Bellarine Landcare Group Inc. – protection of coastal • Otway Coast Committee – protecting the hooded plover saltmarsh on private land adjacent to the Ramsar site of and its habitat, from Wye River to Castles Beach ($15,841) Lake Connewarre ($25,610) • Phillip Island Nature Park – protection of short-tail • Cape Paterson Residents and Ratepayers Association – shearwaters and hooded plovers at Berrys Beach, Phillip protecting the ecological integrity of Cape Paterson coastal Island ($10,000) dunes by controlling weeds of national significance and • South Gippsland Landcare Network – coastal Gippsland revegetating with indigenous species ($19,255) bridal creeper program – leading the way to sustained long- • Conservation Volunteers – conservation volunteers for term community management ($11,500) coastal protection ($44,600) • Sunshine Reserve Conservation and Fireguard Group – • Dromana Foreshore Committee of Management – coastal rehabilitation of upper Sunshine Waterview Rise site ($4700) banksia recovery and associated bridal creeper control • Surf Coast and Inland Plains Network – increasing landscape program ($30,080) scale conservation though Planet Days on the Surf Coast • Friends of Beware Reef – monitoring the threats to Beware ($48,975) Reef marine sanctuary ($13,545) • Three Creeks Landcare – protection and enhancement of • Friends of Buckley Park – landscape-scale conservation of the Kilcunda Coastal Reserve through coastal community coastal Moonah woodland community between Pt Lonsdale engagement and pest and animal control ($32,100) and Ocean Grove ($41,734) • Ventnor West Coast Action Group – protection of short- • Friends of Edithvale–Seaford Wetlands – protect and tailed shearwaters and hooded plovers at Ventnor West, enhance the biodiversity values at Edithvale–Seaford Philip Island ($18,700) wetlands ($30,000) • Victorian National Parks Association Inc. – Filling the Gaps: • Friends of the Marine Discovery Centre Sand Dune Revealing Victoria’s Hidden Marine Treasures ($49,550) Revegetation – An edu-action program ($19,160) • Woodside Landcare Group Inc. – connecting Jack Smith’s • Hamers Haven Residents and Ratepayers Group – land and remnant vegetation ($11,800) constructing the Coal Creek, Harmers Haven boardwalk/ • YMCA – Anglesea Recreation Camp control of coarse bridge ($26,900) dodder-laurel ($5000) • Heytesbury and District Landcare Network – Gellibrand to Curdies estuary care program ($50000) Indigenous Coastcare projects • Lord Somers Camp (Balnarring Landscape Scale Project) – • Greening Australia (Vic) – Limeburners Link–Wathaurong restoration of Merricks Creek banksia woodlands ($49,500) coastal saltmarsh rehabilitation ($32,700) • Narrawong and District Primary School – schools leading the • Peek Whurrong Coastcare – The Basin midden and dune community: rehabilitating Narrawong dune vegetation and protection project ($15,345) wetlands ($25,300) • Port Phillip EcoCentre – Country Connect ($10,000) 12

Regional Updates Far Southwest Beachfront Caravan Park). The relationship founded last year Marty Gent, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Warrnambool between Anglesea Coast Action and Quicksilver Torquay, will strengthened by their plans for a joint a major planting of the Exciting things have been happening in the far southwest and foreshore. Patagonia, a Torquay shop that specialises in ocean more is yet to come. products, hosted an inaugural ‘Home Grown’ event over the Preparation has begun for tens of thousands of plants to go Easter weekend (Ripcurl Pro). This included a Coastal Action in this season. Community groups from Princetown to Nelson, tent and representatives showcasing the works of Surfers who have been waging the war on weeds, will be planting up Appreciated the Natural Environment, Coast Action Torquay a storm over the next couple of months. and Coast Action Jan Juc. We’re also expecting our southern right whales to return soon. Thank you to everyone involved in these events and the many Once again volunteers will be signing up to be observers so who I haven’t the space to mention – your commitment to and they can collect valuable data. Every year dedicated volunteers stewardship of coastal environments is invaluable. spend hours on the Logans Beach platform, exposed to winter wind and rain. The data they collect help Mandy Watson from the DSE biodiversity team to learn more about this whale and Bellarine Peninsula Update help to protect them and their habitat. Joanne Ludbrook, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator If you’re interested in joining the Whale Watch team or helping There is so much movement across and within Victoria’s coastal out your local Coastcare group, just give me a call or send an and marine environment over the winter months. Coastal email at [email protected] and I’ll help you to become critters and communities across the Bellarine have much to see part of the team. and do during this colder period. Orange bellied parrot (OBP) observers across the Bellarine await this bird’s arrival from Tasmania, which marks the Surf Coast and Otways Update beginning of a busy winter of monitoring. Andy Gray, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator Another sign of the beginning of the colder months is the Winter works have kicked off with a bang throughout the arrival of southern right whales across southwest Victoria. Each region. The Anglesea, Aireys Inlet Society for the Protection of season, after their migration from colder Antarctic waters, Flora and Fauna have been working tirelessly at Melba Parade, Coastal volunteers are dedicated to monitoring the arrival of Pt Roadknight and Anglesea with the Great Ocean Road Coast these magnificent mammals. Committee, Eco-Logic and visiting schools. Bill McKellar of ANGAIR reported that the bulk of the work of removing the Meanwhile, coastal community groups and individuals are monoculture of coast tea tree (Leptospermum laevigatum), committed to onground revegetation and restoration projects. and then tackling the mass infestation of Polygala myrtifolia, is Tens of thousands of Victorians and visitors brave the cold to starting to show signs of success. propagate plant and pull weeds throughout winter months. All such community action is critical in maintaining and enhancing “We’ve got about 20 metres to go, and then the area just the natural and cultural values that our coast boasts. needs consistent followup weeding of seedlings, which should be achievable for primary school age groups.” Over winter a diverse range of volunteers – school curriculum, youth groups, corporate involvement, sports clubs or agencies The next stages of this project will include working with local – enjoys one-off opportunities to get involved in meaningful Pt Roadknight area residents to create awareness of the effects community action. There are also many committed individuals of polygala and other prevalent coastal weeds that escape who are members of coastal community groups dedicated to from private gardens. monthly or weekly working bees and monitoring sessions. Most work at this site has been funded by Caring for our So, if you are an individual looking to stay fit and/or social or Country and Coastcare Victorian Community Grants. are a member of an organisation looking to make a difference, Conservation Volunteers Australia has been finalising works give consideration to the dynamic Victorian coast as being a on a large project across the region, working with GORCC great place to get out and about this winter. (Surf Coast Walk), Otway Coast Committee (Paddy’s path) and Anglesea Coast Action (Anglesea Foreshore, Fairylands and the Continued on page 13… 13

…continued from page 12

Port Phillip erosion is threatening the area, so erosion control treatment Phillip Wierzbowski, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator will be needed to protect this valuable native plant. Even though winter is now with us, there are still a number Many groups are completing their Caring for our Country of things happening in and around the Port Phillip and grant projects. The next stage will be reporting. It is great Westernport bays including: to see the excellent work being achieved in the region • Western Port Welcomes Waterbirds information sessions with erosion control, weed reduction and new indigenous This two year Caring for our Country project is drawing to vegetation being established. Applications for the 2011–12 a close. The final information sessions are being held in San round of these grants were due on 31 May. Remo on 31 May 2011, and in Hastings on 1 June 2011. Training for groups to cover a range of needs and interests has The sessions will focus on the scientific report by the Arthur recently been completed, including occupational health and Rylah Institute, Improving Our Understanding of Waterbirds safety and snake management at Point Leo for Mornington Usage of Western Port, which aims to identify key waterbird Peninsula groups, and a chemical users’ course at Cowes for habitats and address current and projected threats. In Bass Coast groups. addition, stakeholders will make some brief presentations on the future management and care of key sites. The Central Coastal board invites you to select which session South Gippsland Update you would like to attend. Bruce Atkin, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Yarram • SAN REMO: Tuesday, 31 May 2011, Silverwater Resort, Seven coastal community groups in South Gippsland are 7 Potters Hill Road, San Remo. Melway ref: 634 H9. working on projects funded through Coastcare Victoria TIME: 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm (lunch and afternoon tea community grants. Tasks include: provided). • weed removal and revegetation (3 projects) • HASTINGS: Wednesday, 1 June 2011, Hastings Harbour • boardwalk to assist with threatened species protection View Motor Inn, 126 Marine Parade, Hastings, Melway • revegetation to connect remnants on private land to coastal ref: 154 J9. TIME: 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (morning tea and vegetation lunch provided). • multilingual signage and fliers to aid greater understanding • Victorian Subtidal Marine Identification workshop in July at of the hooded plover issue Williamstown. Contact Phillip Wierzbowski, Coast Action/ • bridal creeper control. Coastcare facilitator for further details on 9296 4525. • Enviro Kids Playgroup, 9.30–11.30am, 10 June 2011, Bay South Gippsland Environmental Education and Interpretation Road Sanctuary, Sandringham. Reuse and Design, World (SGEEI) has obtained funding from South Gippsland Water Environment Day, 8 July 2011, George Street Reserve, to assist with the revamping of the meeting room at the Sandringham. The Power of Fire, 12 August 2011, Ricketts Bunurong Environment Centre at Inverloch. The work Point. Trees Telling Stories, Banksias in Bayside. is designed to increase the capacity of the room as an educational resource. It is being painted by artist Colin Suggett Mornington Peninsula and Western Port in a style that represents the local environment. Colin is also designing a series of pull-up banners and an annotated relief Denis Cox, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator map of South Gippsland that will depict many of the region’s Coast Action/Coastcare was represented at a recent native natural features. vegetation forum at Lakes Entrance. At this forum there A committee of local residents, business owners and agency was the opportunity to interact with biodiversity officers staff met recently to explore ways to improve respect and from across the state and learn what important vegetation understanding between locals and the large numbers of pipi protection projects other DSE staff are involved in. collectors who visit Venus Bay each summer. The group involved with the population monitoring scheme The annual Coastal Ecology and Management workshop was for rare plants in Victoria has identified the rare crimson berry held at Sandy Point in early April. Feedback from participants (Leptecophylla juniperina ssp. oxycedrus) growing on south- has been very positive (see main article). facing cliffs of volcanic soils on Phillip Island. Unfortunately, Coast Action/ 14 Coastcare Contacts Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitators The 2011 Victorian Landcare Warrnambool and Southwest Marty Gent Awards are now open! Tel. 03 5561 9955 Nominations for the 2011 Victorian Landcare Awards will be accepted until Friday Mob. 0428 141 599 the 22 July 2011. Email: [email protected]

The Landcare Awards recognise the invaluable work done by committed volunteers Otways and Surfcoast protecting and restoring our natural resources. Andrew Gray All winners from the National Categories in 2011 Victorian Landcare Awards will go Tel: 03 5220 2008 forward as nominees in the biennial National Landcare Awards in 2012. Mob: 0409 332 197 Email: [email protected] This year, to mark the 25th Anniversary of Landcare, we are taking nominations for Geelong and Bellarine a Victorian Landcare Honour Roll. This Joanne Ludbrook is a one-off opportunity for groups to Tel: 03 5226 4669 acknowledge the work of their longest serving and most committed members. Email: [email protected]

For more information visit Landcare Online Port Phillip Bay or contact Monique van Wierst, Victorian Phillip Wierzbowski Landcare Awards Coordinator by email Tel: 03 9296 4525 [email protected]. Mob: 0411 409 815 Email: [email protected]

Westernport and Mornington Coming Events Peninsula Denis Cox Tel: 03 9296 4532 June 2 World Environment Day Moolapio Celebration To register, contact Lyn Willcock at Greening Australia, Mob: 0409 958 050 email [email protected] Email: [email protected]

June 5 World Environment Day South Gippsland Bruce Atkin June 5 Celebrate World Environment Day, Tel: 03 5183 9116 Sunday, Discover Witternberg Bushland Mob: 0429 842 142 Email: [email protected] June 6 Tarerer Tree Planting Day (10am – 4pm) Gorman’s Lane, Killarney East Gippsland For further information contact Bec on 0418339117 or Jeremy Neilson [email protected] Tel: 03 5152 0431 Reserve 11.00 am – 1.00 pm, Witternberg Ave, Frankston Mob: 0408 357 343 (Mel Ref 103 B 10) Email: [email protected] June 8 World Oceans Day Statewide Coordinator, Melbourne July 30 Three Creeks Landcare Group. Matthew Fox Revegetation working bee. Tel: 03 9637 9742 More details contact Bruce Atkin on 5183 9116 Email: [email protected]

August 6 Planting for Bronzewing Pigeon habitat, Saturday, Visit our web site at: George Street. Sandringham www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts

August 19–20 Victorian Community Coastal Forum (Details TBC – more Coastcare’s national website: information available from your facilitator soon!) www.coastcare.com.au

August 20–21 International Lighthouse Weekend and Festival of Words, Aireys Inlet Coastline Editor: www.splitpointlighthouse.com.au and/or Matthew Fox http://www.aireysinlet.com.au/words/ To receive Coastline in the future contact your local Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator or phone (03) 9637 9742. www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts 1

coastlineEdition 57. ISSN 1329-0835 spring update 2011 In this issue Coordinator’s Message Coordinator’s Message . . . . . 1 Victoria Guess, Coastcare State Coordinator, DSE Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2011–15 ...... 1 Hello, and welcome to the spring 2011 edition of Coastline. In this edition of Coastline we will explore Coastcare Victoria Community some of the issues and projects being undertaken by coastal volunteers along the Victorian coastline. Grants Now Open ...... 2 The winter planting season is in full swing. For the thousands of volunteers working across the state High and Dry: An unexpected landing . . . . 3 the last few months have been action packed. Applications for a new round of grants funding is now Tree Day Trail ...... 3 open to community-based conservation volunteer groups. Applications close 30 September 2011, so Rising Sea Levels Threaten contact your local facilitator or visit our website for more information. Indigenous Sites ...... 4 In August, over 100 coastal volunteers from across the state attended a two day forum in Coastcarers Have Their Say . . . 5 Williamstown hosted by DSE. The forum provided a fantastic opportunity for volunteer groups A Geologist’s Take on Recent Coastal Erosion to come together, discuss the program’s direction, develop long term strategies and build group Events ...... 6 networks. Chair of the Victorian Coastal Council, Libby Mears, launched the 2011–15 Coastcare Sand Dune Rehabilitation . . . . 6 Victoria Strategy, which sets out the three key strategic priorities for the program in the coming GORCC Launches years: engaging volunteers, building capacity and supporting participation. With endorsement from Environmental Education the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, Coastcare Victoria can look forward to continued Program ...... 7 support for all the coastal volunteers’ conservation efforts. New Coastcare Group Taking Care of Ocean As winter drew to a close, the Coastcare Victoria team said goodbye to two valued staff members. Grove’s Beaches ...... 7 Joanne Ludbrook, Bellarine Peninsula Coastcare Facilitator, has provided a wealth of skills and A Surfer’s Vision of expertise to the many coastal volunteers who have operated in the area over the past two years. Jo Coastal Management . . . . 8 has accepted an excellent opportunity to work with a climate change adaptation project in Western Group Update ...... 8 Achievement of Young Australia. DSE and the Coastcare team thank Jo for her work over the past two years and wish her all Conservationist Recognised 9 the best in her new job. Regional Updates ...... 10 State Program Coordinator Matt Fox has also accepted an exciting opportunity in Indonesia, where Coming Events ...... 13 he will work with Conservation International. Matt’s leadership of Coastcare Victoria for the past four Coastcare Contacts ...... 13 years has seen grants payments delivered to over 100 coastal community groups. He has coordinated the annual Summer by the Sea flagship program and been instrumental in guiding the team in delivering the Coastcare Victoria 2011–15 Strategy. On behalf of the Coastcare team, we thank Matt for his invaluable contribution to Coastcare Victoria, and wish him all the best in his new job. As the weather begins to warm up and days become longer, I look forward to meeting as many

groups as possible and visiting the many projects being undertaken along our unique Victorian Published by the Victorian Government’s coastline. Department of Sustainability and Environment, September 2011 © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2011 This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the Coastcare Victoria Copyright Act 1968. Disclaimer — This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee Strategy 2011–15 that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for The new Coastcare Victoria Strategy 2011–15, was officially your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or launched by Libby Mears from the Victorian Coastal Council other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this in August 2011. The strategy sets a clear strategic direction publication. for the program and the actions required by the Coastcare Authorised by the Victorian Government, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. team to deliver the program. For more information contact DSE Customer Service Centre 13 61 86. An online copy of the strategy is available from our website www.dse.vic.gov.au at www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts For a hard copy or more information contact Victoria Guess

at [email protected] Coastcare Victoria Community Grants Program 2009–2011 2

Coastcare Victoria Community Grants Now Open Aiden Campbell, Coastcare Project Officer, DSE

From the meandering lakes of East Gippsland toGuidelines the rugged Investment will be directed August towards projects that address 2011 the coastline of Western Victoria, the Victorian coast supports following criteria: unique ecosystems and provides locationsThe for Coastcare all Victorians to Victoria • actions Community that address weeds Grants of national Program significance 2009–2011 (WONS) is a enjoy. To support the crucial role that volunteer community on the coast groups play to protect the natural value ofpartnership Victoria’s between• actions the that Victorian address threats and to RamsarAustralian sites from Governments. invasive coastline, funds are now available throughThe Coastcare Coastcare Victoria Victoria plants Community and animals Grants Program is delivered by Community Grants Program 2011–12. • projects that increase landscape scale conservation The Coastcare Victoria Community Grants Programthe State’s• Department activities that address of Sustainabilitykey threats to critical andaquatic Environment is a partnership between the Victorian and Australian ecosystems governments. Funding is provided under the Australian • activitiesthrough that theaddress Coast threatening Action/Coastcare processes to endangered Program. government’s Caring for our Country program, which is communities or species on the coast delivered by the Victorian Department of Sustainability and • activities that protect and rehabilitate endangered and Environment through Coastcare Victoria. vulnerable coastal ecological vegetation classes • projects that protect state-significant coastal ecosystems The Coastcare Victoria Community Grants Program will provide • projects that protect indigenous landscapes or culturally grants of between $2000 and $25,000 to assist community sensitive sites and record traditional ecological knowledge. groups to undertake conservation-focused projects along the Victorian coast. Funds will be directed to projects that contain Additionally, funding may be used to help establish new a sizeable onground works component and that help protect Coastcare Community Groups as part of a larger project that the ecological integrity of Victoria’s coast. delivers onground conservation outcomes. The grant process is open to any incorporated community Applications for this round of grants close on the 30 group (including Coastcare groups), as well as Indigenous September 2011. Groups that wish to apply for funding are organisations, community service organisations and clubs, and encouraged to contact a Coastcare facilitator in their area. educational institutions. To simplify the application process, For more information on Coastcare Victoria Community Grants only one grant application type will be released through this Program, visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts or contact your application round. local facilitator. 3

High and Dry:

An unexpected landing Leatherback Turtle Stella Caon, Year 4, junior founding member of Friends of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary Diversity and succession are important 2. They are the largest turtle and the The turtle’s skeleton, soft tissues and parts of any volunteer group and it’s no deepest diver. barnacles will be added to the Museum different for the newly formed Friends 3. They grow to between 1 and 2 metres of Victoria collections. of Eagle Rock Marine Sanctuary (FERMS) and weigh up to 900 kilograms. The The ways you can help these beautiful in Aireys Inlet, the latest in a long list largest ever recorded leatherback animals are by of junior Coastcares around Australia. turtle was 2.6 metres long and • not littering What follows is a report from one of our weighed 916 kilograms. • raising awareness newest and most enthusiastic recruits. 4. They are carnivores and they have • supporting organisations that It all began on Tuesday night, 14 June, spines down their throat that help to are trying to help them, such as when Mum ran into the house and push down their favourite food, sea Melbourne Aquarium and World told me, ‘There’s a leatherback turtle jellies. Wildlife Fund (WWF). 5. They are critically endangered. In the [Dermochelys coriacea] washed up on If you ever find an animal such as this Pacific, leatherback populations have the Aireys Inlet beach’. We ran back out one, contact DSE on 136 186. and hopped in the car. declined by 95 per cent in the past 22 years. A big thank you to Stella for taking When we got there, I saw it to the right. 6. The main ways they die are the time to submit this great article. As I got closer I noticed it had barnacles • by catch and entanglement in It’s exciting to know that we have such on its back. fishing gear passionate young marine enthusiasts on We got some pictures of it. I noticed the • boat strike our coast. I’m sure Stella is going to be tail, and because it was short, [I knew] it • ingesting marine debris, such as a contributor to marine conservation for was a female. I was stunned. It was so plastic bags, which look like jellies many years to come. Stella was invited to great to get up close to a creature like • disturbance of sites and harvesting the Coastcare Victoria statewide forum this. I even got to touch it. It felt really of eggs. in August. I’m sure she will have made a leathery. valuable contribution. On Thursday, the turtle was taken up to I’ve been doing some research. Here are the Melbourne aquarium for an autopsy If you’re school aged and interested in some facts. to find out why it died. Dr Rob Jones being a part of a coastal volunteer group 1. One of their main feeding grounds in said that ‘Although there was an ulcer or you know someone who is, don’t Australia is Bass Strait, but they head in an intestine, and she showed signs of hesitate to get in touch with you local to warm tropical waters to nest. Like dehydration, there was no clear cause of Coastcare facilitator to find out what’s other turtles, they usually return to the death’. happening in your area. place where they were born to nest. ent Tree Day Trail G arty

Marty Gent, Coastcare Facilitator, DSE M : hoto

For nearly 10 years Warrnambool Coastcare/Landcare, local surfers and P Warrnambool City Council have been working together to revegetate an area of coast known as The Flume. It has become the traditional site for National Tree Day activities, and this year over 200 people joined in the fun to plant 3000 local indigenous seedlings. There was an added element to this year’s event. Lisette Mill was behind the idea that volunteers take the opportunity to raise awareness about native plants through the installation of a temporary interpretive trail of signs that led from the carpark to the planting site. One purpose of the signs was to show volunteers what the seedlings they were Lisette Mill, with one of her temporary signs’ planting would look like in adult form. Lisette, with the help of some friends, positioned a number of temporary signs in places where fully grown examples of each species were present. Lisette said that National Tree Day provided the opportunity for people to learn more about the plants that grow in our local area. ‘Every year we plant thousands of plants,’ Lisette said, ‘but we don’t often get a chance to talk to people about what we are planting or why. The signs help people identify local species and find out a little more about them.’ 4

Rising Sea Levels Threaten Indigenous Sites

Phillip Wierzbowski and Stephen Walsh, DSE

A new research project led by Indigenous The steering committee includes Representatives from DSE, Parks representatives and coast experts is representatives from Aboriginal Victoria, the Department Panning and exploring how rising sea levels could Traditional Owners, who have an interest Community Development (Aboriginal affect Aboriginal heritage sites in Port in protecting and managing Aboriginal Affairs Victoria and Heritage Victoria) are Phillip. The project is investigating links heritage in and around Port Phillip Bay. also members of the steering committee. between cultural heritage and natural The five Port Phillip Aboriginal groups resources, as well as developing an involved are For further information or to obtain a approach to managing the sites. • Boon Wurrung Foundation copy of the final report on DSE’s PPACH The Port Phillip Aboriginal Culture • Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal project, contact one of the project team. Heritage (PPACH) project is collating Corporation Stephen Walsh, Indigenous Facilitator, baseline information on social, traditional • Wadda Wurrung Aboriginal at [email protected] and contemporary sites. PPACH, a Corporation partnership of Port Phillip Aboriginal • Wathaurung Aboriginal Corporation Phillip Wierzbowski, Coastcare Victoria groups, is supported by DSE. (Registered Aboriginal Party) Facilitator, Port Phillip Office, at [email protected] PPACH is also providing a unique • Wurundjeri Tribe Land Compensation opportunity for traditional owners, and Cultural Heritage Council coastal managers and agencies to meet (Registered Aboriginal Party). and discuss management of Aboriginal heritage sites around the bay. Managed out of the Box Hill office, the project team is made up of Cindy Wood (project manager), Stephen Walsh and Phillip Wierzbowski. Cindy Wood said that recording and sharing traditional ecological knowledge builds a two-way education process and develops better decision making for marine and coastal environments. ‘Working with Indigenous communities has never been so important because of the increasing along Victoria’s

coastline,’ Cindy said. ‘DSE is liaising i with the traditional owners to identify k bows

places or areas of cultural significance, z

such as shell middens, that could be wier . impacted and need protection.’ phillip Shell middens, sites where debris from :

eating shellfish and other food has hoto P accumulated, tell us a lot about past Aboriginal activities. Aboriginal shell midden 5

Coastcarers Have Their Say Landcare Australia Limited

Landcare Australia has been funded by the federal government being conducted by Coastcare groups and to raise awareness to provide financial support to the Coastcare community. of coastal issues in the hope of increasing volunteer numbers. This funding has been distributed among several Coastcare June was the most commonly preferred month to hold a projects, including the Coastcare website and database, the Coastcare Week campaign. monthly e-newsletters, a national Coastcare Week campaign, Coastcare volunteers play an important role in conserving and and the national and state level Coastcare awards. Earlier protecting Australia’s coastline. Survey results showed that the this year, during February and March, Coastcare undertook a most common activities undertaken by Coastcare volunteers nationwide Coastcare group survey in order to gauge from this are weed management, revegetation and community community what the most appropriate level of national media awareness raising. Coastcare group respondents stated how and public relations support the Coastcare movement requires their greatest needs are an increase in volunteer numbers and if Coastcare Week is a relevant project to undertake. and funding, as well as help with promoting Coastcare The survey was conducted by phone interviews, a web link groups’ work and assistance with applying for grants. Many posted on the Coastcare website and by email. We received respondents had an opportunity to leave constructive feedback 501 responses, which was a very positive result. Respondents for Coastcare. One Coastcare volunteer stated that ‘My were from all states and the Northern Territory, with the grandchildren simply loved the rockpool ramble that took place majority being from New South Wales. All 501 survey at Balnarring. They came back saying it was awesome. We also participants went into the draw to win a $500 grant for their very much value the input and support from Denis Cox, the Coastcare group. South Port Noarlunga Coastcare Group won regional facilitator. He is always ready to offer suggestions and the $500 grant in time to purchase a new banner that will help advice. Thanks.’ promote the group’s success as a winner of the 2010 Keep Overall, the 2011 Coastcare national group survey was a Australia Beautiful ‘Australia’s Cleanest Beach’ competition. great success, thanks to all the groups who participated. The key findings of the survey were released in theCoastcare The survey will enable discussions between Landcare Australia National Group Survey 2011 Report published on the and the federal government to take place in order to Coastcare website. These findings indicated that 50 per cent determine future funding opportunities for Coastcare. Head of Coastcarers interviewed believe that Coastcare Week was to www.coastcare.com.au if you would like to see a full a relevant tool to help people recognise the important work copy of the survey report.

South Port Noarlunga Coastcare group 6

A Geologist’s Take on Recent Coastal Erosion Events Candace Jordan, Graduate Project Officer, DSE, Anglesea

The southwest coast of Victoria, which is prone to some amounts of erosion. Foreshore systems such as those at Apollo rigorous weather, has recently been hit by severe storm surges. Bay–Marengo and Fairhaven are examples of beaches that These surges, which have eaten away at some coastal dunes, are prone to such erosion. These systems formed during a have led to a range of coastal infrastructure being damaged. fall in sea level, which resulted in the dunes not having time Erosion of coastal dune systems occurs every year, especially to cement and stabilise. From a geological viewpoint these during winter when the coast is battered by large swells. Local erosion events are a part of an ongoing cycle that has been conditions and sediment composition along the southwest occurring over thousands of years, but now, with human coast make some areas particularly vulnerable to significant settlement increasing on the coast, these erosion events pose a problem for coastal managers. Understanding the process behind what has occurred can help managers and volunteers cope with the issues that arise. Dune erosion can create public access difficulties, as well as cause damage to fencing and other building structures situated on the foreshore. From a safety perspective, such damage influences the ability of community groups and volunteers to undertake their tasks. For the time being sand is being transported to damaged areas. This sand needs time to settle and stabilise. Volunteers are also planting, weeding and brush matting along the coast to further help stabilise the dunes, work that is vital to maintaining the coast. Consideration needs to be given by coastal communities, user groups, tourists and land managers as to how the dunes are to be used to ensure that residents and visitors to the coast can Beach Erosion July 2011 continue to enjoy Victoria’s beaches for many years to come.

Sand Dune Rehabilitation Anne McLaughlin, Marine Discovery Centre

The start of Term 3 saw the first of more than 600 students Discovery Centre, this project is supported by Coastcare taking to the sand dunes – for all the right reasons. It’s the Victoria Community Grants, a program delivered jointly by beginning of the 2011 Sand Dune Rehabilitation program, a partnership between the federal government’s Caring a month long program aimed at stabilising and revegetating for our Country and the Department of Sustainability and sand dunes across the Surf Coast and the Bellarine Environment’s Coastcare Victoria program. Peninsula. Run annually since 1986, the program has seen According to Coastcare Facilitator Joanne Ludbrooke, ‘Sand tens of thousands of students, as well as many community dunes are among the most sensitive habitats we have in and industry groups, working hard to rehabilitate many this region. Increased people pressure along the coast and kilometres of degraded coastline. inappropriate access to the beach through the dunes has School groups work closely with local land managers led to a lot of degradation over the years. Coastcare aims and marine education officers to rehabilitate areas in the to promote conservation by fostering links between the sand dunes by laying down brush matting and planting community and the sea. This project is just one of the ways indigenous plants. Organised and coordinated by the Marine in which this can be achieved.’ 7

GORCC Launches Environmental Education Program Jane Rowlands, Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, Community Liaison Manager

Opportunities are being offered at no charge by the Great conservation team, have been set up with funding from the Ocean Road Coast Committee’s new Environmental Education federal government’s Caring for our Country program. and Activities Program to schools and groups who want to ‘We are lucky to have such a dedicated team of experienced learn about and care for coastal environments. land managers and conservation experts to run this The program offers a range of participation options, program and share their wealth of knowledge about coastal from hands-on activities that make a difference to coastal environments with the community,’ said Jane. environments to interactive presentations about a range of Funding has also enabled the development of educational important environmental and conservation-based topics. resources that will be made available online and will include Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Community Liaison fact sheets, web clips, games, puzzles, activities, lesson ideas Manager Jane Rowlands said the program has been specifically and more. designed to be flexible, as well as to cater for a range of ages, Jane said that ‘Fun, interactive environmental resources and skills and requirements. activities are currently in development and will be made ‘The program provides valuable learning and participation accessible by the end of this year for use by teachers, students, opportunities for participants, ranging from prep to tertiary parents and anyone interested in coastal environments.’ students and adult groups. The Environmental Education and Activities Program is being ‘We want everyone to love, protect and enjoy our beautiful offered to groups of 10 or more and includes all equipment. coast as much as we do,’ she said, ‘so we are offering learning For more information about the program or to register your opportunities that will equip participants with the knowledge school or group, visit the Great Ocean Road Coast Committees and skills they need to better understand, respect, protect and website at www.gorcc.com.au or contact Jane Rowlands, enhance their beautiful coastal surroundings.’ Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Community Liaison Activities, which are led by the committee’s experienced Manager on (03) 5220 5055. New Coastcare Group Taking Care of Ocean Grove’s Beaches Joanne Ludbrook, Coastcare Facilitator, DSE Twelve months ago, with the aid of huge piles of polygala and collected Thank yous have been sent to all those Coastcare Victoria Community Grants, many bags of rubbish from the dunes enthusiastic volunteers. For those of DSE Coastcare Victoria, Barwon around 7W in Ocean Grove. you who are interested in participating, Coast Committee and community Department of Sustainability and our working bees, which commence at representatives established a new coastal Environment Coastcare Facilitator Joanne 10 am, are held on the last Sunday of community group. Called Ocean Grove Ludbrook said, ‘I can’t speak highly each month. Coastcare, this group held its first official enough of the level of motivation among To celebrate its first birthday, Ocean working bee in June 2011. Ocean Grove Coastcare members. This Grove Coastcare volunteers held a get Ocean Grove Coastcare is a dynamic young group has already run coastal together with a movie night at the group with volunteers young and old, and marine workshops for Ocean Grove Ocean Grove Chicken Shop in August. who get together to make a positive Nippers, clean-up days with the surf For more information, please contact difference to Victoria’s coastal and club and had a presence at many local Andrew Gray at marine environments. community events.’ She said that this [email protected]. It is with much excitement that the was one of the highest turnouts of any Ocean Grove Coastcare group has set first working bee she has ever been to work on weed removal. Thirty-six involved with. volunteers joined in this first Ocean Ocean Grove Coastcare President Jackie Grove Coastcare activity: it was all hands Scally said, ‘A fun morning was had by on deck to concentrate solely on the all and it was very satisfying to step back foreshore. Together we removed two to see what we’d achieved.’ 8 A Surfer’s Vision of Coastal Management

Cr Phil Wright – Churchill Ward, Bass Coast Shire Council I am a keen surfer and currently a reserved as coastal Crown reserve. This our strategy in order and develop councillor for Churchill Ward in Bass land is now owned by the Department management plans suitable for all Coast Shire Council, which takes in the of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) local beaches. The community wants coastal communities from Smiths Beach and managed for DSE by the Phillip high quality environmental values. In to the western boundary of Newhaven. Island Nature Park (PINP) or by the Bass order to meet their requirements, it On 11 May 2011, Bass Coast Shire Coast Shire Council (BCSC), though the is my intention to create a working Council presented a report to the state community may not be aware of the group that consists of BCSC, PINP and planning minister that showed that point at which responsibility changes community members, including surfers, tourism brings in $1.1b annually to the from BCSC to PINP. Coastcare groups and residents of local local economy. A 2010 report presented From 1955 to 1975 the number of subdivisions, to develop management to council showed that people visited the holiday house blocks on the island rose plans. The working group will tackle all island for a variety of reasons, including from 80 to 2500. Building on these subjects: reef management, erosion, its natural beauty, wildlife, easy beach blocks did not always take into account coastal planting, fences, weeds, dogs, access, tranquillity and sightseeing. clear views of public open space or toilets, fishing, car parking, dogs and The impact of tourism and settlement at coastal management needs. To help false reefs. The working group’s objective Phillip Island will continue to grow, with rectify this, the PINP Management Plan will be to move council onto centre stage significant population increases over the Review and BCSC Rural Review Strategy to coordinate coastal management. next 50 years. were prepared in 2011. Anyone interested in joining this group can contact me through the BCSC web When the island was surveyed in 1872, BCSC is using the PINP Management page at www.basscoast.vic.gov.au. 30 metres from high tide mark was Plan Review as a catalyst to get

Group Update Mick Tonkin, Manager, Capel Sound Foreshore Committee of Management

Capel Sound Foreshore volunteer committee of management and Friends of Chinamans Creek are partners in protecting 3.75 kilometres of foreshore and 4 kilometres of Chinamans and Drum Drum Alloc Creeks. Programs, which have involved the coast action group, local schools, Friends groups and volunteers, include weed control and revegetation to increase the biodiversity of the reserves. An orchid recovery program to save the recently discovered six species of native orchids at Capel Sound Foreshore has been carried out by two botanists. Local bushland contains areas of banksia woodland, an ecological vegetation class considered endangered in the Gippsland bioregion. The committee of management and Friends of Chinamans Creek have entered the 2011 Tidy Towns – Sustainable Communities awards under the category ‘Protection of the Environment’. Chinamans Creek 9

Achievement of Young Conservationist Recognised

Bruce Atkin, Coastcare Facilitator, DSE

Four years ago, Kayla Groombridge particularly by those who chose to drive in the process was to find a from Tarraville in South Gippsland was right to the very edge of the bank. that the majority of people were happy so concerned about the poor condition Accelerating erosion of the banks, with. Recently, after the planting was of the banks of the Tarra River across if left unchecked, would eventually completed, she received complaints the road from where she lives that she remove the riparian reserve and could that the work had ruined a good fishing decided to take action. Kayla began ultimately threaten the adjoining road to spot! lobbying the agencies responsible for the Robertsons Beach. In recognition of her outstanding efforts river, as a result of which she has since It is exciting to find a person ofK ayla’s in 2009, Kayla won the Yarram Landcare learnt a lot about how complex natural age being actively involved in coastal Network’s Young Landcare Award, resource management can be. So far this management and showing initiative and and then went on to win at the State story would seem unremarkable, but for strong leadership. Landcare Awards, which were presented the fact that Kayla is currently a Year 11 Kayla is vice-president of the Robertsons at Government House. She was also student. Beach and Tarraville Community a nominee for the National Landcare The stretch of the Tarra River near Representative Group. Last year this Awards and travelled to Canberra for the Kayla’s home, less than 1 kilometre organisation successfully applied for ceremony. from its entrance into Nooramunga a Coastcare Victoria grant. The grant Despite the complexity of dealing with Marine and Coastal Park, is managed provided funds to purchase plants for the various agencies and individuals to by Parks Victoria. Although authorities revegetation and to erect a low barrier achieve her aims, Kayla is undeterred often regard erosion processes as fence to prevent vehicle access to the and still hopes to begin a career in the natural, Kayla was concerned that it was river. Kayla said the greatest challenge environmental field. being exacerbated by visitor pressure,

Kayla Groombridge, Vice President of the Robertsons Beach and Tarraville Community Representative Group atson W andy 10 M : hoto P

Regional Updates ‘Southern right whales off Port Fairy’

Far South West volunteers and a couple of new coastal volunteers joined Marty Gent, Coastcare Facilitator, with Anglesea Coast Action to do the planting. It was a cold, wet, miserable winter in the far southwest. Anglesea Coast Action and ANGAIR leaders provided local Storms and rough seas resulted in significant coastal erosion expertise, which includes years of revegetation knowledge. and dune collapses. Yet despite the harsh weather, the The day was conducted with careful planning that left nothing southern right whales returned in June to help brighten to chance. In fact, I have never seen a revegetation project our days. work so fluidly; it all comes down to the great commitment and organisation by everyone involved. Whales were spotted all along our coastline. Residents of Warrnambool and Port Fairy were lucky to see quite a lot Anglesea Coast Action is committed to reinstating the of surface activity during July. We also had an unusual visit threatened coastal Moonah woodland patch. from a light grey adult this year, which received quite a lot of As you can see, with the support of GORCC this foreshore is attention. Although southern right whales are usually dark definitely in good hands. blue or black, they can also be any shade of grey to white. Spring is a busy time of year for volunteers. As well as there Joanne Ludbrook, Coastcare Facilitator, Bellarine Peninsula being lots of planting days, it is also the beginning of the After two years in the Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator’s role penguin and shore bird monitoring season. All this activity with DSE’s Coastcare program I am handing over the reins. makes it a great time to get involved, learn new skills and meet I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the Coastcare and new people. So give me a call and I will put you in contact Public Land Services teams, as well as working on this stunning with your closest Coastcare volunteers group. section of coast with its dedicated coastal people. The program has the capacity to reach and connect with Otways and Surf Coast a diverse range of organisations that all have meaningful Andy Gray, Coastcare Victoria Facilitator, involvement in looking after Victoria’s coast, its sea and its First and foremost, a great big farewell to Joanne Ludbrook, inhabitants. our departed Bellarine Peninsula Facilitator. Jo worked as a I would like to take this opportunity to personally thank Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator at the DSE for almost two the individuals who continue to work so hard in coastal years. Jo’s can do attitude, her drive and enthusiasm will be conservation and share their passion for protecting and sorely missed by colleagues and volunteers alike. Following enhancing our precious coastal environment. on from the last update, coastal volunteer groups continue to So, thank you. Key organisations I have had the pleasure of take advantage of the great growing conditions. Coast Action working with are as follows: Torquay has teamed up with the Great Ocean Road Coast • coastal community groups and community group networks Committee (GORCC), Crown Plaza and a Coastcare-funded • Indigenous community groups Conservation Volunteers Australia team at Whites Beach to • colleagues at DSE conduct works that included weed removal, brush matting • Corangamite CMA, particularly Coastal Projects, and planting. Waterwatch and Estuarywatch Jan Juc Coast Action underestimated the amount of interest • the Commonwealth government there was in the local community in their recent AGM and • Greening Australia strategic plan launch: over 30 people took pleasure in a • Birds Australia presentation by Simon Branigan of Victorian National Parks • Reefwatch Victoria Association about the wonders of our marine parks and • People and Parks Foundation sanctuaries. The implementation of a strategic plan is sure • Barwon Coast to enhance the already greatly effective Jan Juc Coast Action • Bellarine Bayside Foreshore Committee group and its work with GORCC in this high profile area. • Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Friends of Point Addis has completed another tremendous • City of Greater Geelong planting effort at South Side Bells Beach with the help of • Borough of Queenscliff approximately 100 Year 3/4s from St Therese school in Torquay. • Surf Coast Shire Thanks Glenda, for creating another great opportunity to • Conservation Volunteers Australia utilise the community Coastcare tools trailer. • Wada Wurung Corporation • Corporate Partners Rhonda Bunbury of Torquay Landcare organised a fourth • schools, and many more. consecutive planting day with its corporate sponsor Quicksilver Torquay. On a sunny winter’s day in late July, 22 Quicksilver Continued on page 11… 11

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Port Phillip Mornington Peninsula and Westernport Phillip Wierzbowski, Coastcare Facilitator, Denis Cox, Coastcare Facilitator, Winter did not dampen the enthusiasm of volunteers in and Coastal community groups have been busy applying for the around Port Phillip and Westernport Bays. Despite the cold we 2011–12 Caring for our Country grants. Grant funding will carried out the following projects. help them complete important rehabilitation works in their • Reel Scientists areas of interest. were announced For various reasons the completion of some previous grant the winners of projects has had to be delayed. The construction of walkways the Excellence in at Ventnor, Phillip Island, that are to be built over shearwater Marine and Coastal (mutton birds) burrows to protect them from beach users, had Management Award to be delayed until the birds returned to Siberia and burrow for their Victoria’s access could be made without disturbing them. Volunteer Angler The landscape-scale Caring for our Country grant project with Diary Program at eight partners along the Merricks Creek (Somers to Balnarring) the United Nations is well underway, with some extensive weed removal works Association of being undertaken. Australia World Reel Scientists, winners of the Excellence in The Royal Botanic Gardens, Cranbourne, was the site for the Environment Marine and Coastal Management Award recently held Western Port Biosphere informative forum on the Day Awards southern brown bandicoot and its present status. Concerted 2011. For further effort by a number of organisations and groups to control feral announcements see www.unaavictoria.org.au/awards- animals is seeing this little marsupial returning to its former programs/world-environment-day-awards. haunts. • The Western Port Welcomes Waterbirds investigation was released. This two year Caring for our Country project The Mornington Environment Association has been doing focused on the scientific report by the Arthur Rylah Institute extensive coastal planting with indigenous plants, but this is (ARI) titled, Improving Our Understanding of Waterbirds leading to problems with another indigenous local. Native Usage of Western Port. For further information see bush rats are thoroughly enjoying the treats that have been www.ccb.vic.gov.au/waterbirds.html. provided for them by these plantings, so attempts are being • There was a great deal of interest in the Victorian Subtidal made by MEA to shelter the new plants from this enthusiastic Marine Identification Workshop, which was held 31 July but unwanted attention. Mike Everitt, ranger at the Dromana at Williamstown and attended by 60 participants. The foreshore, who has had similar problems there, has been success of this event was due to a combination of the passing on his protection solutions to MEA. knowledge and experience of the three presenters: Wendy On 29 July, National Tree Planting Day, many Coastcare groups Roberts, Jacqui Pocklington and Hugh Kirkman, together succeeded in getting lots of plants in the ground. With the with the partnership arrangements with Parks Victoria and help of over 50 volunteers, the Sunshine Reserve Fireguard Williamstown High School – Bayview campus. Thanks again Group (Mt Martha) planted over 3000 trees and seedlings. to all presenters and participants. On a recent excursion to Grantville on the eastern side of Western Port, over 25 Year 9 students from Newhaven College (Phillip Island) learnt all about mangroves and the important role they play in protecting the shore from corrosive wave action and in providing essential habitat for marine invertebrates and young fish that have the opportunity to grow into healthy adult fish.

National Tree Planting Day activities at Sunshine Reserve Fireguard Group (Mt Martha)

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South Gippsland East Gippsland Bruce Atkin, Coastcare Facilitator, Jeremy Neilson, Coastcare Facilitator, With the aid of funding from Coastcare Victoria and great Winter can be a quiet time of year for volunteers, who often support from Bass Coast Shire Council, two successful projects want to stay rugged up inside because it is cold and wet were conducted. outdoors. East Gippsland’s winter has definitely been cold and • Three Creeks Landcare Group has just completed a wet, and a number of areas have been flooded. But regardless Coastcare Victoria-funded project of weed control and of this weather, there has been plenty of activity, albeit indoors. revegetation on two sites adjacent to the rail trail that East Gippsland Coastal Board hosted a two day forum runs along the coast at Kilcunda. Coastcare facilitator in Paynesville entitled ‘Saltwater Wedge’, which brought Bruce Atkin attended the final working bee on 30 July together more than 20 experts to present papers on a range when about 30 volunteers made short work of planting of issues that are affecting the Gippsland coast. A major 2000 shrubs and grasses. highlight of the forum was Dr Neville Rosengren’s presentation • At Cape Paterson earlier in July, the very active Residents about Gippsland estuaries and marine embayments. The and Ratepayers Association held its eleventh working bee forum, which was open to all stakeholders, from volunteers (its fourth this year) in support of its objective to replace to government agencies, was attended by more than 100 weeds with native vegetation. Some 20 community participants. volunteers planted 500 tubestock items at five separate Another major project for Coastcare is the Coastcare sites on the Cape Paterson Foreshore Reserve. Indigenous Trainee project, which involves creating • Further east, the Sandy Point Foreshore Committee of employment for four Indigenous trainees who will undertake Management, using an existing former trail through the a six month training and work placement program to obtain reserve, recently completed a gravel trail from the township the skills that will enable them to become interpretive guides. to Shallow Inlet. This trail, which is proving very popular, Once they have completed the course, the guides can then be provides a great recreational asset as well as improving engaged to provide activities not only for Summer By the Sea, safety by separating cyclists from vehicles. but also for a number of other programs across government, • Well-known Phillip Island palaeontologist and schools and community. environmentalist Mike Cleeland has recently been appointed education officer for Bunurong Coast Education, the And finally, this year’s annual Care Groups Day, which this year new name for the education arm of the South Gippsland will be held on Thursday, 22 September. The theme of this Conservation Society, which is based at the Bunurong important event will be the history of Lake Tyers. The day will Environment Centre at Inverloch. Mike is no stranger to the also feature a bus trip from Lakes Entrance to Lake Tyers. Coastcare program, having for many years been a regular A tour of scenic Lake Tyers Aboriginal Trust will include lunch. provider for the Summer by the Sea program. Places on this day trip fill fast, so if you are interested, contact Jeremy Neilson on (03) 51520431 soon. Coastcare 13 Contacts Coastcare Facilitators Warrnambool and Southwest Coming Events Marty Gent Tel. 03 5561 9955 Mob. 0447 135 626 Saturday Warrnambool Coastcare/Landcare, Spring Planting at Email: [email protected] September 3 Harris St Reserve, 10am–12noon. For more information please contact Coastcare Facilitator Marty Gent [email protected] Otways and Surfcoast Andrew Gray Saturday Coastal Wildlife Forum 11am–3:30pm, Tel: 03 5220 2008 September 10 Wonthaggi Workmans Club. Mob: 0400 074 143 For more information please contact Coastcare Facilitator Email: [email protected] Denis Cox [email protected] Geelong and Bellarine Thursday Care Groups Day, Gippsland. Places are filling fast, Tel: 03 5226 4669 September 22 please contact Coastcare Facilitator Jeremy Neilson on (03) 5152 0431 Port Phillip Bay Saturday 24 ANGAIR Wild Flower Weekend and Art Show Phillip Wierzbowski and Sunday 25 Tel: 03 9296 4525 September Mob: 0411 409 815 Email: [email protected] Friday Applications Close for Coastcare Victoria Caring for our September 30 Country Grants round. For more information please Westernport and Mornington visit www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts or contact your local Peninsula Coastcare Facilitator. Denis Cox Tel: 03 9296 4532 Saturday Coastal Processes Shaping Coast Carers (Walk & Talk Mob: 0409 958 050 November 12 with an internationally respected Geomorphologist), Anglesea Email: [email protected]

South Gippsland Bruce Atkin Tel: 03 5183 9116 Mob: 0429 842 142 Email: [email protected]

East Gippsland Jeremy Neilson Tel: 03 5152 0431 Mob: 0408 357 343 Email: [email protected]

Statewide Coordinator, Melbourne Victoria Guess Tel: 03 9637 8957 Email: [email protected]

Visit our web site at: www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts

Coastcare’s national website: www.coastcare.com.au

Coastline Editor: Victoria Guess

To receive Coastline in the future contact your local Coastcare Facilitator or phone (03) 9637 8957. www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts