TAMBO BLUFF

October Community Newsletter 2016

EUROPEAN HISTORY PRIOR TO 1960 In 1861, Thomas Telfer Stirling came tary of the Shire of Tambo in 1882. 1950’s, farming had become unviable to in partnership with Wil- There were a further 6 owners of the and the property was sold to Payne’s liam Roadknight and took up the property before being sub-divided. Properties for sub-division. Lake Tyers and Snowy River squat- W.B.P. Fell began pea farming in ters runs, adding the Nowa Nowa run 1920 and was the first grower to em- RAMSAR in 1869. This gave them control over ploy Italian migrants in the area. Pea all the land eastward from the Tambo and bean production became a flour- The Ramsar Convention is an to the Snowy River and northward ishing business in the surrounding international treaty for the con- from the lakes to Buchan. They ran area, largely due to the absence of servation and sustainable use of cattle and also ‘spelled’ horses from severe frosts. Cattle tracks <300mm wetlands. the Cobb and Co. Coach station at deep were uncovered when the Swan Reach. However Stirling even- ground was first being prepared for tually found that sheep were better pea planting. This gives some indica- The Ramsar site consists of a suited to the terrain and climate of tion of the easily erodible and com- series of lakes and fringing wet- the bluff. Under the terms of the pactable nature of the soil. In 1923, lands. It is the largest estuarine lease, parcels of land could be pur- the whole of the property known as lagoon system in Australia. chased by the lessee and Stirling se- Tambo Bluff was gazetted as a Sanc- lected Tambo Bluff, which had al- tuary for Native Game. It was not www.environment.gov.au ready become his home by 1863. uncommon for 80 black ducks to be T.T.Stirling became the first Secre- shot before breakfast. By the late www.depi.vic.gov.au SHY AND RECLUSIVE NEIGHBOUR We are privileged to share our part of the world with na- and the burrow at around twelve months of age. Its life tive wildlife. One unique, shy little animal is the ‘Short span is thought to be under ten years but some have been Beaked Echidna’ which can be seen roaming freely known to live for sixteen years in the wild. around the estate. Habitat consists of hollow logs, rock outcrops, under fallen trees or living rent free in aban- You can help echidnas by: doned wombat or rabbit burrows. Its rigid snout can sense electrical signals from insect bodies and also al-  Driving carefully lows it to break up the soil and decaying logs to find  Retaining or restoring echidna habitat. soil invertebrates such as termites, ants, moth and beetle larvae. Food is licked up with a long sticky tongue and  Establish native vegetation to provide habitat and then ground up with hard pads that are situated on the movement corridors. A ‘neighbourhood’ approach. roof of their mouth and back of its tongue. Many of you would have witnessed the ‘mating train’ during July and  Don’t let your pets wander unsupervised. Domestic August, where two to ten males line up nose to tail be- dogs and cats are both potential predators of echid- hind the female. She lays a single egg, which is incubat- nas. ed in her pouch and about ten days later a baby echidna about the size of a jelly bean hatches. Special glands in its mothers pouch secrete milk, which the ‘puggle’ laps up. It leaves the pouch approximately three months later

SHIRE PARKS AND GARDENS TAMBO BLUFF MAINTENANCE

Street sweeping, weed spraying on the verges, grass cutting at roundabouts where vegetation encroachment causes sight distance issues and trimming of branches and vegetation along paths Artwork by Annie Marshall and walking trails is carried out seasonally.

For enquiries email: ‘For every minute you are angry you [email protected] lose sixty seconds of happiness’

1 THE ESTATES CHEQUERED HISTORY An inappropriate subdivision in the the condition and quality of the area Restructure Scheme. This formalised 1960’s by a developer who ‘went had declined due to weed infestation, the zoning and overlays and included bust’ has led to a chequered history erosion and vermin. The estate was areas that had significant vegetation for Tambo Bluff. The early develop- generally in a state of disrepair. In and environmental values. To recover ment that occurred at the then ‘Blue 1980, a restructure plan was produced substantial amounts from landowners Horizons Estate’, consisted of poorly by the Ministry for Planning. This within the estate for major servicing designed and unsealed roads without outlined the problems of steepness of and infrastructure a ‘Special Charge proper drainage, sometimes on steep slope, soil erosion, poor drainage and Scheme was implemented’. So after slopes, resulting in erosion on the the potential for septic tank effluent to languishing as an almost forgotten west and south faces of the bluff. The contaminate waterways. The proposal parcel of land things were finally Sanctuary proclamation as previously was to consolidate allotments to re- happening! mentioned was revoked in 1960, as it duce the number from 1228 (this in- was considered incompatible with the cluded 33 shop sites) to 298 and to WHAT IS A SPECIAL CHARGE proposed sub-division. Although legal close those roads deemed unnecessary SCHEME at the time, the estate was one of the or inappropriate. The plan was imple- last in the state before new planning mented in 1982 creating a number of The Local Government Act 1989 pro- laws required higher standards for larger lots for residential purposes, vides Councils with the ability to roads, drainage and the provision of while other land was deemed suitable introduce a Special Charge services. It had become apparent in for low intensity use or public open Scheme for seeking landowners 1970 that full residential development space. Various problems were identi- who receive a special benefit for a around the lakes would create serious fied in 1995 and a review recom- contribution towards infrastructure problems, thus threatening the very mended that some restructured lots be qualities which made them so attrac- re-categorised as low intensity projects such as roads, footpaths tive. The then Town and Country (considered undevelopable, many and drainage improvements. Planning Board recognised the need landholders neglected to pay rates and to address inappropriate estates and in subsequently Council has acquired 1973 they placed an Interim Develop- the lots). 35 years after the estate be- ment Order on the Tambo Bluff pro- gan, objectives were set out to proper- ‘The way to get ject. This halted further works until ly construct roads, drainage, obtain a impact studies could be carried out to water supply and reticulated sewer- started is to quit ascertain the effects of substantially age. Two more extensive reviews increased human occupation on this were undertaken by consultants in talking and begin site. It was stated that ‘Blue Horizons’ 2002 and 2005 and finally in 2007 the doing’ had not changed very much, in fact, Council developed the Tambo Bluff

TAMBO BLUFF LANDCARE BEGINNINGS Tambo Bluff Landcare began in 1992 by calling a public of which were the size of small houses was done solely by meeting of local landholders. Their aim was to implement members using a Landcare donated 900 litre spray trailer, some of the Gippsland Lakes Management Plan for the and boxthorns along the clifftops were pulled out by trac- area. The CEO of the then Shire of Tambo, recognised tor and chain. Hundreds of agapanthus were removed by the importance of preventing further land degradation and hand from the Bluff Lagoon area. There have been many supported the group. The dominant problems of Tambo accomplishments over the years by a small band of pas- Bluff that needed to be tackled were blackberry and box- sionate and dedicated residents who not only cared for the thorn infestations, rabbits, foxes, severe erosion, abuse by environment but wanted to see a beneficial impact on 4wd and trail bikes, rubbish dumpers and firewood gath- community life. Today the group is known as the Tambo erers. Apparently real estate agents referred to Tambo Bluff Landcare/Coastcare. Bluff as the ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’. The group’s first project was to revegetate a gully leading into one of POO PATROL the wetlands (Bluff Lagoon). It extended to the shore of Lake King, with 700 trees being planted. A second project The Shire recently advertised that dog owners are commenced with the aim to revegetate the cliff top, un- obliged to carry a plastic bag when walking their pet. fortunately this work was destroyed by vandals. Consider- There is a hefty fine for not complying. Warnings ing the publicity given regarding the need to restore and have ceased. It is not acceptable for the wider com- care for the coast this was particularly disappointing. The munity to be exposed to excrement from domestic scale of removing introduced plant species back then was pets on public open space, pathways and foreshores. enormous and continues today. Blackberry removal, some

Thank you to all those residents who are mindful of the regulations regarding wandering and unrestrained domestic pets.

Native wildlife is continually vulnerable and under threat

2 TAMBO BLUFF LANDCARE/COASTCARE Accomplishments over 24 care for our estate is always a challenge. If you have an years have been many and interest in the environmental health and amenity of the varied. Many of us who wetlands, feeder gullies, reserve sanctuaries and coast- have made our home on the line then join the group (young and old welcome) and Tambo Bluff sub-division help in the stewardship of the Bluff’s natural assets. would not have seen the land degradation by 100 Email: [email protected] website: tblc.org.au years of farming. Members publically elected, made sub- stantial contributions to three Council committees con- BUSY BEE cerned with the redevelopment of the estate from 2000- 2014. They negotiated for variations to the Special Saturday the 15th October Charge Scheme infrastructure works contract, to ensure [and possibly the 16th] minimal vegetation and soil disturbance throughout the life of the projected 18 months (actual time 6 years). Gul- Meet 10am at Landcare shed or 10.30 lies and slopes have been and are continually being re- at Gannet Grove steps vegetated from hot, barren, weed and pest infested moon- scapes, into cool, shaded, living environments, providing Bring gloves, insect repellent, hat, sturdy wear, water not only habitat for native fauna but a healthy biodiverse landscape for residents. To achieve many positive and All Welcome recent outcomes, development and submission of grant applications are required to fund revegetation, pest, plant control, erosion prevention and track construction. Link- age pathways/wildlife corridors through closed streets, steps and walking tracks through gullies have been fund- ed by the Federal Government through the Green Army Program, Shire by way of the Special Charge Scheme and sale of Shire recovered land. Assis- tance was provided by our federal member Darren Ches- ter. Getting enough people together who are prepared to METUNG COMMUNITY GROUP The Metung Community Group includes nominated rep- The MCG has been instrumental in a variety of projects resentatives of 25 different local organisations from Me- that include lowering of speed limits on Metung and Har- tung and Nungurner. It is an excellent forum to keep all dys Rds, removing unnecessary signs from scenic areas, groups in touch with their activities and fosters a great providing dog litter bags and bins, consultation on ‘working together’ on local projects. It also provides the streetscape improvements, Patterson Park redevelopment, Shire and other authorities with a way of consulting with waste management, the marina development, promoting a broad base of community opinion on services and facil- a 'plastic free' town, developing a local incident manage- ities. The Metung Community Group began in 2011 ment plan, producing a pamphlet on agapanthus, and re- when residents met to develop a future plan for their ducing the cost to Council of maintenance by volunteers neighbourhoods and the broader community. Priorities cleaning and painting the Village Green BBQ shelter and were identified to improve life for people of all ages, to boardwalk handrails with Shire supplied materials. Cur- develop economic opportunities and to promote a sus- rently a review of walking trails is being prepared with tainable environment. You can view or download ‘The recommendations for Council and a campaign to improve Metung Nungurner Community Plan 2012-17’ from the ambulance services is in progress. Next year the Metung East Gippsland Shire website. The plan covers the area Community Group organisations will ask their members from Tambo Bay, Tambo Bluff and Kings Cove to the to rate how well the objectives of the 2012-17 Communi- west of Metung and across to Nungurner in the east. Four ty Plan have been met. A new plan will be formed from priorities were identified as major projects of wide com- these results and include the views of residents to ques- munity benefit. They are reviewed annually and the larg- tions like “what can be done locally to improve life for er plan will be reviewed in 2017. you and your family, in this neighbourhood, and in this town?”. Your contribution of ideas are always welcome The four major priorities are: and your involvement in making the area a better place to live has its own rewards.  Extension of the boardwalk to Chinamans Creek. Jim Fyfe, Secretary  A safe pedestrian path from Hardys Rd to the boardwalk. Contact details: [email protected]

 A safe crossing for juniors at the Metung yacht Metung Nungurner Community Plan 2012-17 see East club. Gippsland Shire website link http:// www.eastgippsland.vic.gov.au/Plans_and_Projects/  Community education and information programs Your_Place/Metung_Nungurner about the natural environment and sustainability.

3 HARDYS ROAD SUCCESS Due to concerns raised by Tam- painting of centre lines on the bo Bluff residents and the inval- bends on Broadlands Rd. MCG uable assistance from the Me- will continue to advocate for CLEAN AND OLD tung Community Group and East lighting to be installed at the Gippsland Shire, Vic Roads Hardys Rd, Metung Rd intersec- BLANKETS have accepted the proposal to tion and daytime visibility of on- drop the speed limit on Hardys coning traffic improved. Thank SHEETS TOWELS Rd from 100kph to 80kph. When you to all residents who contrib- the change becomes official new uted to a positive outcome. signs will be erected and new limits monitored. Previously in 2011 Council submitted a speed SLOW zone review to Vic Roads, that application was not successful. The communities serviced by this 1.4km sealed section of road have grown substantially Do you want to see a walk/cycle trail from Tambo since then, with a noticeable in- crease in traffic movements. Bluff Estate to Metung ? This exercise has also led to the TIM BULL’S VERY SPECIAL PLACE It is pleasing to have the opportunity to something Metung lacked previously. The $10million contribute to the Tambo Bluff commu- Gippsland Lakes Environment Fund was also important nity newsletter. As some readers would in my view to look after our greatest regional asset and I know, I was born and raised in Metung was delighted to be able to establish this. There remains (paradise) and for many years had a more to do and although many of the ideas and/or issues block at Tambo Bluff, which was sold that come to me are shire related, readers should not hesi- to become the deposit on my first house tate to drop me a line to [email protected] when I was married. My great grandfather, Captain at any time on local matters. Enjoy the upcoming spring James Bull worked on several steamers on the Gippsland and summer period in one of the greatest places on Lakes, the most prominent being the original Tanjil and earth!! my grandfather Joe (Bossy) and Dad (Dave) with his two brothers (Bob and Jim) were the foundations of Bull’s Disappointing to see more roadside litter appearing Shipyard, which was located where the ‘Moorings At Metung’ currently sits. I still spend a lot of time in Me- on Metung and Hardys Roads tung and prawning and floundering with my kids remains one of my favourite pastimes as I try to give them a taste of the lifestyle I was lucky enough to experience in my youth. Metung is a developing community and in recent years when in Government it was pleasing to be able to secure funds for several projects, the main two being the FINE ITALIAN DELICACIES new Metung Wharf, which was an $800,000 project com- pleted in conjunction with Gippsland Ports – and Traditional Handmade Gnocchi $300,000 for the Paterson Park upgrade, which was done Cannelloni & Napoli Sauce Lasagne Pesto in partnership with East Gippsland Shire. I saw both of these projects as important to cater for increasing tourist and much much more numbers to the region easing the congestion of boat moorings and Paterson Park now provides a great loca- 9 Falcon Rd Tambo Bluff Metung tion for families on days not conducive to the beach, 5156 2810

FRONTLINE FOR BIRDS to all residents who contribute to Tambo Bluff, whether it be mowing their verges If you have a love for Australian birds, learn (and a little bit extra) weeding, mulching from Birdlife Australia about the fight to save down steps, picking up roadside/foreshore litter, retrieving and correctly disposing of dog drop- threatened species across the country, from pings from walking trails, all is appreciated and wetlands to woodlands. doesn’t go unnoticed. Hopefully you have enjoyed this edition. Positive feedback, ideas and stories are wel- www.birdlife.org.au come. Email: [email protected]

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