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coastlineEdition 43. ISSN 1329-0835 autumn update 2008 State Coordinator’s Message In this issue Matthew Fox Statewide Program Coordinator State Coordinator’s Message 1 I’d like to welcome you to Coastline Autumn Update; the first for me in the role of State Coordinator, Approach to diversity and the first in this new newsletter format. The new-look newsletter has been developed to better rewarded 1 inform those with an interest in ’s coast. There will be an issue in autumn, winter and spring Keeping up with change 2 Victorian Coastal Awards and in summer, the usual Coastline magazine will be printed and distributed. In the interests of for Excellence 2008 2 reducing our environmental footprint, we have decided to distribute this newsletter electronically. Twitchers wanted 3 By doing so, we have already saved more than half a tonne of paper, as well as avoiding the few Coastal heroes 3 hundred kilograms of carbon emissions involved in the statewide transport process. We hope that you Rangers vegetation management workshop 3 find theCoastline Update both informative and useful, and we welcome your contributions. If you Coastal Fun 4 Kids 4 would like to contribute to the Update, please drop us a line or contact your local facilitator. Apollo Bay Music Festival cooler than ever 4 Evolution of monitoring 4 Approach to diversity rewarded Venus Bay fox control project 5 The efforts of the Coast Action/Coastcare Easter by the Estuary 5 (CA/CC) team to build inclusiveness into its Grants available for volunteers 6 programs and projects, has been recognised Reporting on catchment health 6 with a DisAbility award from the Department of Coming Events 6 Coast Action/ Sustainability and Environment. Coastcare Contacts 6 The CA/CC team actively encourages as many people as possible to enjoy and care for our coasts. The particular focus recently has been getting people from non-English speaking backgrounds, young people and people with A Coast Action/Coastcare identification day with disabilities involved. clients from Vision at , Lara in September 2007. Published by the Victorian Government’s The CA/CC team has forged new partnerships Department of Sustainability and Environment, April 2008 with disability, youth and cultural agencies and © The State of Victoria Department of service providers, and has been generous in Sustainability and Environment 2008 This publication is copyright. No part may sharing learnings with other teams within DSE. be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the The judges commended the CA/CC team for Copyright Act 1968. Disclaimer — This publication may be of demonstrating a high level of understanding assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee about inclusiveness by: that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for • incorporating it into everyday activities and your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or planning, and other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this • developing tailored programs where necessary. publication. Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Authorised by the Victorian Government, CA/CC has gained a greater understanding Gavin Jennings (at left) and Minister for Water, 8 Nicholson Street, East . For more information contact DSE of client needs by running each activity and Tim Holding (at right) present some of the members of Customer Service Centre 13 61 86. subsequent discussion and evaluation with the Coast Action/Coastcare team with the award (from partners. This means that future activities will be left) Matthew Fox, Phillip Wierzbowski, John Amor and even better! Congratulations to the Coast Action/ Bruce Atkin. Coastcare team – Matthew Fox, Dianne Moore, Phillip Wierzbowski, John Amor, Bruce Atkin, Denis Cox, Jeremy Neilson, Tracey Pennington and Frances Northeast. 2

Keeping up with change By Matthew Fox Coast Action/Coastcare Statewide Program Coordinator On the coast, nothing stays the into ensuring that decision-making in with Coastal Manna Gums and native same for long. Coastal dwellers are coastal management is well-informed, grasses. Eastern Yellow Robins have particularly aware of the dynamics as well as coordinated across all returned, and koala numbers are on of nature; the shifting dunes, the stakeholders. the increase. The transformation of relentless undermining of cliffs, The now-mainstream Integrated this small coastal strip from grassy the opening and closing of estuary Coastal Zone Management (ICZM) weed-bed to healthy coastal mouths. The coastal environment is in approach takes a holistic view of has been dramatic, yet had it not a constant state of change. In addition coastal management, and closely been pointed out to me, it would to these natural cycles, coastal areas considers the roles and linkages have gone unnoticed. The hard work often have complex social dynamics, within a broad range of players. of a handful of knowledgeable and such as the influx of visitors over Coastal communities are recognised dedicated volunteers was behind this holiday periods, or new development as key partners, and volunteer effort positive change. Many similar stories pressures brought about by the ‘sea- is now considered a key pillar in exist all along the 2000 km length of change’ phenomenon. the management framework. The our coast. It is this quiet dedication Coastal management is therefore very stewardship role that concerned of coastal volunteers that has always much concerned with managing this communities play is essential, while been at the core of the Coast Action/ constant change. A key example of the on-ground achievements of Coastcare program. Since the program this is the management of climate volunteer groups are impressive. Coast began in 1994, this much has stayed change impacts, which are likely to be Action/Coastcare exists to support the same. strongly felt by coastal communities. these motivated communities to both * For further information about the The Future Coasts* program bring about positive change in our Future Coasts program, contact (coordinated by the Department coastal environments into the long [email protected] of Sustainability and Environment’s term. Converting good intentions into Climate Change Adaptation Branch) is action, and in turn, into environmental assessing the vulnerability of Victoria’s improvement is a key challenge. coast to climate change impacts, and I recently visited coastal revegetation Victorian Coastal will develop tools and resources to works on Crown land on the Awards for assist management and adaptation. Mornington Peninsula. What was a There were many comments received tangle of environmental weeds five Excellence 2008 on the draft Victorian Coastal Strategy. years ago is now a fully-functioning, Since 1998 the Victorian Coastal The revised Strategy is currently being resilient coastal complete developed. A great deal of effort goes Council and Coast Action/Coastcare have presented the Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence to recognise the achievements of those who tirelessly dedicate their time and effort to the protection and enhancement of Victoria’s coast. Awards are presented in categories including lifetime achievement, innovation, education, planning and species protection. The awards will be presented by the Minister for the Environment and Climate Change, Mr Gavin Jennings MLC at the 2008 Ceremony on April 29th. More information is available at www.vcc.vic.gov.au/excellence 3 ehmke

glen : : hotos Twitchers wanted P By Dianne Moore West Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator There is increasing evidence that migratory shorebird populations throughout the world are declining. Shorebirds using the East- Asian Australasian Flyway are under threat from widespread destruction. This is particularly prevalent at staging areas (stop over points) in East Asia. Australia has a new program called ‘Shorebirds 2020’. The program is designed to reinvigorate and coordinate national shorebird monitoring in Australia. In particular, the primary objective of the program is to collect data on numbers of shorebirds that can be utilised in their conservation and management. The program will use the information to further understand the relationship between habitat quality and threats on the distribution and abundance of shorebirds. Birds Australia would like to hear from anyone with an interest in shorebirds and shorebird conservation, in particular, those willing to assist with biannual national population monitoring counts. Volunteers will be supported with a shorebird identification toolkit, workshops and regional mentors. While the first count has taken place for 2008, Birds Australia is still looking for more volunteers, particularly for remote sites. To register your interest, contact Jo Oldland or Rob Clemens at Birds Australia on phone (03) 9347 0757 and visit their website at www.birdsaustralia.com.au A Hooded Plover chick seeks protection to find out more about Shorebirds 2020 and explore the shorebird toolkit. under a shelter. Rangers vegetation management workshop Coastal heroes By Denis Cox Port Phillip East Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator By Denis Cox Port Phillip East Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator The Mornington Peninsula has six volunteer coastal Committees of Management that employ a full time Manager and/or Ranger. These are at Dromana, Capel Neil Bayne, Ranger at Balnarring Sound, Whitecliffs to Cameron’s Bight, Shoreham, Point Leo and Balnarring. Reserve, and Rosemary Birney, Apart from managing camp grounds and everything else associated with Secretary of Somers Reserve – two thousands of coastal visitors, Rangers also manage the natural resources of tireless workers for the coast – have their respective reserves. Most are assisted by committee members or local stepped aside for well deserved community groups. Because of their detailed knowledge of ground conditions, rests after years of very active they are often in a commanding position to plan and implement programs. commitment to their communities. There has been a long history of activities on the Peninsula to recover and restore Both have been presented with healthy vegetation on public land reserves in order to restrict erosion and provide Coastcare Heroes Awards for their habitat for . Sometimes it is beneficial for the Rangers to get together and much appreciated community share notes. service. Neil will be replaced by Paul le Page who has been a Ranger Coast Action/Coastcare recently conducted a vegetation management workshop at the Capel Sound foreshore for coastal Rangers. Held at the Point Leo Boat Club premises, the event provided an opportunity for all Rangers to compare methods, processes, successes and brings experience and skills. (and failures), pick up ideas, give advice to others and get an update on any Rosemary will continue her passion new management methods suitable for their areas. Representatives from the for the coast at a more relaxed pace Mornington Peninsula Shire Council and Frankston City Council, who are other with a new friends group soon to major contributors to coastal land management, also attended and added to the be formed at Somers. store of knowledge. 4

Coastal Fun 4 Kids By John Amor Far South West Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator The June-July school holidays are just over the horizon and that means one thing on the western part of our coast – the Fun 4 Kids Festival! Last year, the Festival celebrated its tenth year by taking mor out the coveted Australian Tourism Award for the second year in a row. A ohn Coast Action/Coastcare will once again be at the festival for the eight-day event. This year we will J :

have a crab theme to celebrate the release of our interactive crab children’s CD. hotos P It always seems like most of the 35,000 people who attend the festival come to our stand, which Coast Action/Coastcare surveys indicate is one of the most fun. With that fun comes lots of coast and marine information provides plenty of for children and their parents. entertainment at the Fun 4 Kids Festival – all There will be puppetry and performances by well known children’s entertainer, Barry Peters, and kids focussed on caring for will have the chance to make a crab hat and decorate it, just like a decorator crab does. We may not our coasts. be decorating with seaweed like a crab – more likely we’ll use crepe paper – but we will explain the problem of plastic in our oceans by decorating some with litter. We’re doing this to mimic the habit of crabs who’ve resorted to using litter to maintain camouflage in coastal areas and ports that have extensive litter. The Festival begins on the 29th of June. For more information go to www.fun4kidsfestival.com.au. Evolution of Apollo Bay Music Festival estuary monitoring By Frances Northeast Central South cooler than ever West Coast Actiion/Coastcare Facilitator By Tracey Pennington Central South West Coast Actiion/Coastcare Facilitator Community volunteers involved in the What do Landcare groups and music festivals have in common? Corangamite Catchment Management Authority Estuary Watch program can Not a whole lot you would think, but the Southern Otway soon add sand movement assessment Landcare Network (SOLN) is about to challenge that view, along to their list of parameters measured with those of thousands of people attending this year’s Apollo in their local estuary. Coast Action/ Bay Music Festival in April. Coastcare is working with the Estuary Watch Coordinator, Rhys Collins, to With funding and support from “Local and visiting festival goers will develop a sand movement assessment Coast Action/Coastcare, the Landcare be provided with opportunities to method and standard operating Network and partner organisations learn about climate change, ecological procedure that can be incorporated into including the Apollo Bay Foreshore footprints and how to reduce their the Corangamite community- Committee and festival organisers, will impact on the coast”, she said. based monitoring program. work to reduce the festival’s ecological “They will also be invited to plant Tracking sand movement over time will footprint through a unique carbon- seedlings and learn about carbon provide valuable information on the sequestering project. sequestration during each morning of dynamic nature of this environment Anna O’Brien of SOLN said the the festival”, she added. and the continual evolution of the festival’s average carbon emissions Local school children are preparing estuary mouth. had been calculated, and three re- posters for an eco-themed display, Rhys plans to run training courses for vegetation sites along the coast were and SOLN will also host activities for would-be estuary watchers at Apollo selected to counteract these emissions. children attending the event. Bay on Saturday 19th April from 1–3pm. For more information on how to become actively involved in your local estuary please contact Frances Northeast, phone (03) 5220 2008. 5

Venus Bay fox control project By Bruce Atkin West Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator To reduce the threat of fox to Southern Brown Controlling fox numbers will help to protect Bandicoots and Hooded Plovers, the Friends of Venus Bay the Southern Brown Bandicoot. Peninsula recently initiated a Community Fox Control Program. Concerned at the abundance of foxes “The support we received was when they began to increase again. around Venus Bay and in Cape Liptrap tremendous”, said Forum Chair, The next stage in March included Coastal Park, the Friends approached Janet Carey. “More than $18,000 shooting by registered contractors. Parks Victoria last May to discuss was raised. As well as funding from This program is a great example of control. Coastcare and other agencies, we community determination triumphing Together they formed a Community received community donations – one over the complexity of motivating Fox Control Forum, a great initiative pensioner donated $15.” agencies and individuals to achieve a that brings together representatives As an alternative to 1080 baiting, win for . from community groups and all experienced contractors laid soft-jawed Janet regrets having to kill the foxes, government departments and agencies traps along the peninsula. In ten days, adding “If there was a repatriation throughout the region. 36 mature foxes were caught and program, we would send them back The group raised money to trial a humanely destroyed. Since then fewer to their native home in Europe where control program in October. fox tracks were observed, until recently they belong!” Easter by the Estuary By Jeremy Neilson Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator

The Easter Bilby not only delivered chocolates over Easter, he also delivered some free coastal activities to lucky children holidaying in East Gippsland. The Coast Action/ Coastcare activities were held at Entrance, Tyers and Cape Conran over the Easter long weekend. The three days of activities were attended by more than 300 people, including locals and holiday-makers. Activities included a series of informative slide-shows about coastal and , with a strong conservation message. Children had the opportunity to become Junior Coastal Rangers and learn about caring for the coast. The Junior Biologist sessions were popular among budding young scientists. Children also had the chance to learn of the importance of the Seagrass communities. Guided coastal walks provided kids and adults the chance to explore the diversity of flora and fauna found within East Gippsland. And, although the Easter Bilby remained elusive this year, the youngsters enjoyed their Spot Light walk by the Lakes. For both residents and visitors, the traditional Easter holiday by the sea is a much-needed chance to relax and reconnect with nature. By involving children in these fun and educational activities now, it is hoped that some may go on A ‘Junior Biologist’ has the chance to learn to become the future custodians of our wondrous coastline. about anatomy and morphology. Codrington wind farm PhotO: Renee Sheehan, Portland Coast Action/ 6 Coastcare Contacts Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitators Reporting on Gippsland Region Grants available catchment health Jeremy Neilson for volunteers Tel: 03 5152 0431 Every five years the Victorian Mob: 0408 357 343 Victorian Volunteer Small Catchment Management Council Email: [email protected] Grants are available through (VCMC) reports to Parliament Yarram the Department of Planning through the Minister for the Bruce Atkin and Community Development Tel: 03 5183 9116 Environment and Climate Mob: 0429 842 142 to encourage local community Change on the condition and Email: [email protected] organisations to attract new management of Victoria’s land Port Phillip Region volunteers from diverse and water resources. In October Box Hill backgrounds and create new last year, the VCMC released the Denis Cox volunteering opportunities. Catchment Condition Report Tel: 03 9296 4532 The grant is open year-round 2007. This is the third report card Mob: 0409 958 050 Email: [email protected] to community not-for-profit on the health of our catchments Phillip Wierzbowski and it highlights existing and organisations that involve volunteers Tel: 03 9296 4525 at a local level, meaning that most new pressures on our land and Mob: 0411 409 815 coastal volunteer groups can apply. water resources. The report Email: [email protected] shows that Victoria’s overall Grants of up to $5,000 are Western Region catchment condition is either Anglesea available to support groups looking stable, or at risk of decline in Tracey Pennington (Mon–Tues) at new ways of recruiting new the more developed parts of the Tel: 03 5220 2008 volunteers and strengthening Mob: 0409 332 197 State. Positive improvements Email: [email protected] their organisation. Under the include the introduction of Frances Northeast (Wed–Fri) guidelines, applications for training, incentives for landowners to promoting groups, improving Tel: 03 5220 2008 protect and manage biodiversity Mob: 0400 906 653 access for people with disabilities, on their properties and methods Email: [email protected] facilitating participation by non- for reporting on the health of Warrnambool English speakers, upgrading of vital waterways. For those interested in John Amor equipment and the funding and resource management in Victoria, Tel: 03 5561 9955 promoting of ‘recruitment drives’ this report is essential reading. Mob: 0429 976 189 Email: [email protected] would all be considered. Copies available for download at More information is available at http://www.vcmc.vic.gov.au Dianne Moore www.dpcd.vic.gov.au Tel: 03 5226 4669 Mob: 0411 262 868 Email: [email protected] Coming Events Statewide Coordinator 29 April 2008 Victorian Coastal Awards For Excellence Award Melbourne ceremony Matthew Fox 5–7 May Enviro ’08 (Environment and Sustainability Exhibition) Melbourne Tel: 03 9637 9742 Mob: 0417 399 226 12–18 May National Volunteers Week Email: [email protected] 22 May International Biodiversity Day Visit our web site at: 23 May World Turtle Day www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts 5 June World Environment Day Australian Government 8 June World Oceans Day NRM Facilitator – Coastcare Tim Allen National Coastal Acid Sulfate Soils Forum, Geelong 11 June Tel: 03 9637 8493 6–13 July Naidoc Week Mob: 0438 463 884 16–24 August National Science Week Email: [email protected] 18–22 August Coast to Coast 2008 Conference, Darwin Coastline Editors: Matthew Fox & Carolyn Munckton

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 44. ISSN 1329-0835 winter update 2008 State Coordinator’s Message In this issue Matthew Fox, Statewide Program Coordinator State Coordinator’s Message 1 Caring for our Community Winter presents us with a good opportunity to do some forward thinking and planning. Coastcare 1 I recently attended the State Landcare Forum in Creswick, and was impressed by the strong Victorian Coastal Awards statewide partnership approach that occurs in Landcare. for Excellence 2008 2–3 The value of such partnerships cannot be understated. Experienced people and volunteers Recognising a conservation need the chance to work with newcomers so that valuable lessons are shared, and new volunteer 2 ideas exchanged freely. Narrawong pride 2 Corinella plans for success 3 The Coast Action/Coastcare program hopes to continue to strengthen its partnership Helping species protection approach over the coming year. We are also looking at new ways of assisting groups to through entertainment 3 develop and broaden their capacities further. The accumulation of new skills and expertise Future Coasts – preparing continues over a lifetime and so we must provide every opportunity for this to occur. Victoria’s coast for I encourage groups to come forward and discuss their needs with the facilitator team. climate change 4 Lastly, I encourage all readers to familiarise themselves with the new Caring for our “Truly Inspirational” 5 Country Community Coastcare Grants process. This new federal initiative represents a Reporting marine finds 5 significant opportunity for all of us to deliver some lasting gains on our coast. Be sure to Capel Sound cleans up connect with your local facilitator to find out more. at Keep Australia Beautiful Awards 6 June Revegetation 6 Reconciliate ‘08 – Caring for our Country Community Coastcare dreaming together 6 On 19 May, the Australian Government launched demonstrating significant in-kind and cash Boatie Update 7 the new Community Coastcare initiative, under the contributions, and those forging new partnerships Coming Events 7 CA/CC Contacts 7 ‘Caring For Our Country’ program. $100 million will be viewed favourably. Likewise, those projects has been committed nationwide over the next five demonstrating clear environmental outcomes years to assist coastal communities protect and around key coastal environmental ‘assets’ will be restore coastal and marine environments. Grants well received. will be available at two levels; smaller community Coast Action/Coastcare has been conducting grants and larger, regional ‘targeted’ grants. regional information sessions to assist community

Grants up to $50,000 are available to assist groups and coastal stakeholders to develop Published by the Victorian Government’s Department of Sustainability and community groups to deliver projects. Community project proposals prior to the July 25 closing date. Environment, July 2008 capacity building will be a key objective of these Information on these sessions is available through © The State of Victoria Department of Sustainability and Environment 2008 projects, along with demonstrable environmental your local facilitator. Those currently considering This publication is copyright. No part may improvements. Local government, individuals, developing applications should contact their local be reproduced by any process except in accordance with the provisions of the private sector and unincorporated bodies Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator to discuss their Copyright Act 1968. Disclaimer — This publication may be of sponsored by a legal entity are also eligible for ideas prior to developing proposals. assistance to you but the State of Victoria these smaller grants, which will allow projects to and its employees do not guarantee It is hoped that Victorians from a range of that the publication is without flaw of be completed over an 18-month period. backgrounds can develop successful projects that any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore Larger, regional ‘targeted’ grants of up to will not only deliver significant environmental disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from $250,000 are available to all coastal stakeholders, outcomes for the coast, but also develop you relying on any information in this including state government agencies. Such and strengthen partnerships and capacity for publication. Authorised by the Victorian Government, projects may be up to two years, and will be the management of our coastal and marine 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. expected to deliver significant environmental environments. For more information contact DSE Customer Service Centre 13 61 86. outcomes which address matters of national Further information is available at environmental significance. RAMSAR sites, http://www.nrm.gov.au/funding/coastcare.html protection of threatened species and communities, and those which address listed ‘threatening processes’ will all be considered. Projects 2

Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence 2008

Recognising a conservation volunteer Surf Coast community volunteer and environment leader, Margaret MacDonald, was presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at Narrawong pride the Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence. By Carolyn Silva, Principal, Narrawong Margaret provides some insights into how she came to be District Primary School (winner, Education Category) a volunteer, her past and present achievements, and what Narrawong is a small coastal town volunteering means to her. around 350 km west of Melbourne My initial interest in the Moggs Creek area began in the 1960s through and 70 km from the South Australian involvement with the Girl Guide Association, and leading camps at “Tallawalla” border. Our small school of 45 students, in Moggs Creek. My real involvement began in 1989 when my sister Kathie, five staff and network of families and brother-in-law Peter and I took up residence at Moggs. friends, are all passionate about looking My sister and I were heavily committed to exploring the Anglesea, Aireys after our coasts and rivers. Inlet, Moggs Creek area, and were particularly interested in finding and The Narrawong District Primary School photographing terrestrial orchids. We also enjoyed observing sugar gliders (NDPS) students, staff and community and yellow-bellied gliders which we tracked down in the forest at Moggs were absolutely thrilled to win the Creek and working closely with Mary White of ANGAIR and local rangers. Our Victorian Coastal Award for Excellence most exciting achievement was the re-discovery of the Merrans Sun Orchid in the Education category. We pride (Thelymitra merraniae) in 1992 – an orchid which was first discovered in the ourselves on the hands-on approach Moggs Creek area in 1929, but had not been recorded for a very long time. we have to environmental education In 1993 I retired from teaching and was thrown headfirst into conservation when and find this is the most beneficial and Mary White asked me to take on the three-year term of ANGAIR presidency in enjoyable way to deliver environmental 1994. I was reluctant, but Kathie persuaded me to take on the position. education. Sadly Kathie was very ill at the time, and passed away in January 1994. By 1998, We try to take a global balanced Margaret had taken on the position of Secretary of the Friends of Angahook- approach. We have planted more than National Park – now the Friends of Eastern Otways (Great Otway National 1000 on two properties (one on Park) Inc. – a position she still holds today. Margaret says she has enjoyed her involvement with both groups, and is proud of her achievements. Highlights the of the Surry River and include finding a new orchid species, clearing environmental weeds, production of the other on a feeder gully between Mt the book, Orchids of the Anglesea District (with friend Everett Foster), monitoring Clay State forest and the river), planted threatened species and conducting regular hair-tube surveys to find spot-tail Quoll grasses on the foreshore, learnt about and other rare species, and being involved with school groups. the hooded plover and the effects of over-use of sand dunes, searched for Margaret said she enjoys the experiences and challenges of working with the ‘spew worms’, learnt about the Bonny various agencies, including Parks Victoria, DSE, Alcoa, CVA, the SurfCoast Shire, and VicRoads, and was honoured to be chosen as the community representative Up welling, and the interaction between on the National Boneseed Committee. marine creatures and the ocean. We also do regular beach cleaning walks and try I have enjoyed interacting with people with so much knowledge about to ensure that the environmental global biodiversity in general, and boneseed in particular. You don’t go into education program for the students at volunteering to get awards, but it is nice to know your efforts are NDPS is adventurous and fun. appreciated. Your main reward is to see the preservation of the biodiversity of the In July we will return to the river to plant beautiful coastal heathland and the another 1000 trees and do water salinity coastal environment – it’s an area I’ve tests. The children understand that loved all my life and that’s why I’m keen actions that occur in the hills and at the to work to preserve it so that others will start of the Surry River ultimately affect be able to enjoy it in the future. the quality of the water at the outlet to the sea. While we are out planting, the < Margaret MacDonald receives her award students will be on the lookout for the from the Minister for the Environment and endangered Orange Bellied Parrot which Climate Change, Gavin Jennings frequents our area at this time of year. 3

Victorian Coastal Awards

for Excellence 2008 P hotos : glen ehmke

Corinella plans for success Helping species By Anwyn Martin and Barbara Oates, Corinella Foreshore Reserve Committee protection through of Management entertainment The Corinella Foreshore Reserve Committee of Management won the By The Connies (winner Species award for Coastal Conservation and Management by an Appointed Protection) Manager. Denis Cox, Port Phillip East Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator Winning the 2008 Coastal Award for asked Anwyn and Barbara the secrets of the Committee’s success. Excellence in the Species Protection Eight years ago the Foreshore Reserve was a mess with weeds, untended tracks, category has given us, The Connies, dilapidated facilities and general community dissatisfaction with its condition. a ‘spring in the step’ to continue So through public workshops, surveys and discussions we asked the community producing quality cards on the unique what they wanted. Responses were unanimous. They wanted the Foreshore Reserve species from our catchments, coastal returned to “its natural condition”, with improved amenities and safety issues dunes, estuaries, seagrass beds, kelp addressed. forests and intertidal reefs. The award has helped to energise The community wanted a place to walk the dog, enjoy the bush and birds, picnic with us in our quest to expand our family and friends, enjoy concerts or just sit and look at the beautiful understanding and love for our views. People wanted boating facilities, toilet block and the caravan park upgraded. catchments and coastline and to So we prepared plans for the next three years then began applying for grants. make Victorians aware of what Because our plans were manageable and clearly had community support, our causes, for example, pollution and applications were successful. how we can all help. As soon as we had the money we started projects using a combination of contractors The recognition also adds a ‘spring and many community working bees. Working bees were followed by sausage sizzles in the step’ to our yarning and to thank the workers and discuss the next stage with them. We made sure the work storytelling performers who get out was completed on time and we reported properly on how the money was spent, and about amongst a diverse array of with plenty of good photos. By demonstrating that we could complete projects in Victorians – young and old, in schools a timely fashion, funding bodies provide grants for the next stages of the project. or at farm field days, agricultural We kept the community informed of progress and conducted sessions where people shows and festivals. We received could learn about the Foreshore Reserve and its many natural values. warm congratulations recently when we attended a schools event at the Partnerships have been the essence of our success, particularly with DSE and Coast Heart Morass near Sale in Action/Coastcare, the community, and often with the generous assistance from Gippsland. The word had got around others conducting works in the area. and it warmed our spirits to be We are not finished yet. Every year we review priorities and plan further projects to appreciated for the role we play. add to the value of the Foreshore Reserve as a conservation and a recreational asset The Coastal Awards for Excellence for our community. Committee members were thrilled to receive the award and the ceremony brings together many community is just bursting with pride! people interested in Victoria’s unique coast. It’s important for us to gather occasionally to discuss what’s going on along the coast, especially for broad-ranging educators like the Connies. Thanks again to the many people who support and appreciate our efforts. > The Connies in action – spreading the environmental message Local and International Student Volunteers help plant out the healthland. 4 Future Coasts – preparing Victoria’s coast for climate change

By Cathy Ronalds, DSE Climate Change Adaption Branch The Future Coasts project, which beaches, cliffs, etc) to determine the Completion of Future Coasts is examining the vulnerability of erodability of the coast. The vulnerability assessments will be Victoria’s coast to climate change This will all come together to provide delivered at the end of 2009. It is likely and developing strategies to help vulnerability maps of the whole coastline that the assessments will be made communities and industry respond which will show where erosion and available in both web and GIS format. and adapt, is progressing and has so inundation are likely to occur. far undertaken a lot of research. For further information contact Cathy The high resolution DEM will enable Ronalds in DSE’s Climate Change The project involves a great deal of much more accurate modelling to occur. Adaptation branch: email data collection and scientific modelling. For example, we can determine the [email protected] Complementing this is a process height of waves as they form across the to determine appropriate planning seabed much more accurately under responses and adaptation strategies different climate scenarios. to support decision makers. An expert workshop was held recently Digital elevation modelling to assist the team in planning for (DEM) the remaining biophysical modelling Initially, this involves acquiring high work. Experts represented disciplines in resolution terrain mapping of the land coastal geomorphology, oceanography, (topographic) and seabed (bathymetric) atmospheric science and GIS, and along the coastline. This is called digital visualisation. Another interesting aspect elevation modelling (DEM) and is of this project is that it requires input acquired using an airborne laser system from a whole range of disciplines. – the technology used is LiDAR over land Planning responses and and LADS for the seafloor. adaptation strategies To date, most of the topographic The second phase of the project will The LiDAR data produces very high resolution mapping has been completed, with the deliver products to inform climate sea floor and topographic maps which final land data to be acquired during enables modelling of impacts of erosion change adaptation. It will provide early spring 2008 when the weather and inundation to a higher accuracy. The tools to assist land managers and local next allows. A large amount of land 3D snapshot is looking north east towards government implement the results of the DEM data is currently available and some Arthurs Seat. This data was captured in 2007. vulnerability assessments. Phase 2 will of our purchasing partners now have commence soon. this. The bathymetry DEM mapping is scheduled to be run over the summer Budget announcement! 08/09 period – a major undertaking The Future Coasts project received $8 requiring up to 14 weeks to complete million in the 2008-09 State Budget. the whole coast. This will be used largely to acquire bathymetric DEM data for the whole Modelling and research coastline. In order to produce vulnerability maps, a range of modelling and research needs A further $1.8 million was allocated to be undertaken to understand how for coastal asset management. This a changing climate could influence work includes the development of an storms, waves and coastal processes. inventory and GIS database of vulnerable This modelling is combined with public coastal assets using the Future an assessment of the geology and Coasts material. geomorphology of the coast (ie. sandy 5

Environment care group volunteers seeing first hand the effects of , “Truly Inspirational” fire and flood at Waterholes By Jeremy Neilson and Tonia Stokes Photo credit: Natalie Jenkins

Each year the dedicated environment hard-working, caring volunteers from and challenges – all inspired and volunteers of East Gippsland are treated other groups. extended volunteers’ horizons. to a day just for them – the Bringing the The June 2008 event, titled “Truly The day concluded with a skills Care Groups Together forum. Inspirational”, was organised by the workshop that aimed to equip Initiated by Fishcare and Coastcare facilitators of Fishcare, Coast Action/ volunteers to institute positive in 2003, Bringing the Care Groups Coastcare, Landcare, Waterwatch and change in their own lives, within their Together has become an annual event Land for Wildlife, with funding from organisations and for the communities attracting more than 60 volunteers, East Gippsland Catchment Management and environments they serve. representing some 18 different Authority, Fishcare and Coastcare. environment care organisations. “Forums such as Bringing the Care Sally Higgins, life and business strategist Groups Together are an integral way to This forum provides environment volunteers the opportunity to take time from Accelerate Now, was present to appreciate and invest in volunteers” says out to learn – rather than to just give inspire and motivate. Fishcare Facilitator, Tonia Stokes. of themselves to others and to their Care group volunteers presented case For more information, log on to projects – and to meet like-minded, studies that highlighted project successes www.fishcare.org.au.

Reporting marine finds By Bruce Atkin, West Gippsland Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator

The discovery last month of a dead Joan McDonald and her sad find Pygmy Sperm Whale on the ocean beach – a dead Pygmy Sperm Whale. of a South Gippsland island highlights the fact that sometimes it is only by plovers, and in the islands’ chance that we learn what is out dunes, lots of mysterious there in the marine environment. tracks of small mammals Retired teachers, Geoff and Joan and lizards. McDonald spend part of their leisure In May, Geoff and Joan time volunteering with the Victoria came to see me at the Wader Study Group and with the Port DSE office at Yarram. They Albert Maritime Museum. wanted to show me photos of a small One of their very favourite pursuits, when dead whale they had seen on one of the weather is suitable, is to take their the islands, and they weren’t sure what anything unusual – it may double canoe out into the waters of species it was (and nor was I). They had be something new to the area or that Nooramunga Marine and Coastal Park. attempted to report it on-line on an has never been recorded before. Even Geoff says, “As retirees we are able Australian Government website, but if it turns out to be relatively common, to choose the best days, unlike others weren’t sure their message was noted so it helps illustrate the point that these who can only go on weekends or in they decided to speak to a local! things are just out there in the marine the holidays. In fact winter, despite A quick check of various references environment but few people to get to the colder water, can be the best time confirmed it was a Pygmy Sperm. For see them.” for canoeing as we frequently get calm logistical reasons, relevant agencies were Update: Subsequent to the discovery sunny days when the water is like glass unable to visit the site, although staff of the dead Pygmy Sperm, a week or so and visibility excellent.” from the Dolphin Research Institute (DRI) later a juvenile about 1 metre in length Their preferred option is to paddle a few requested that skin and blubber samples was found stranded on nearby Snake kilometres to the inlet side of one of and measurements be taken if possible. Island. It died within a short time of the sandy barrier islands that separate The DRI’s Ben Camm says, “Sightings like discovery. It seems possible that it may Nooramunga from the sea. They this are really important, and we really have been the offspring of the dead regularly see seals, dolphins and hooded want people to continue to report adult. 6

Capel Sound Cleans Up at Keep Australia Beautiful Awards

By Rohan Sharp, Manager, Capel Sound Foreshores

Capel Sound Foreshore Committee members and Proud winners of the Capel Sound Foreshore Committee: entered all eight categories of the 2008 four staff: Ron Joy Bell (Office Administrator), Andrew Rogers (Casual Ranger), Rohan Clean Beach Challenge and Sustainable Fiske, Neville Sharp (Manager), Ken Serrvrier (Volunteer) and Mick Tonkin (Ranger). Cities Awards and at the presentation Fuller, Cheryl night in May, came away as a finalist in Witham, Norm McKinlay, Adrian Atkins, Congratulation to all involved and the six categories that were awarded. Gary Snooks, Rohan Sharp (Manager), especially to Norm McKinlay who put so much effort into preparing the Capel The Committee is very proud to be the Paul Le Page (Ranger – now managing Sound application and achieving so winners in two categories – Community Balnarring Foreshore), Andrew Rogers much admirable work on the foreshore. Action and Young Leaders. Not only (Casual Ranger), Joy Bell (Casual Office that, the Committee was the overall Administrator). winner of 2008 Clean Beach Challenge Another Mornington Peninsula volunteer Reconciliate 08 – for Victoria and is now a national finalist committee, the Crib Point Stony Point dreaming together for 2009! Foreshore Committee of Management, By Phillip Wierzbowski Port Phillip East Yes I’m boasting but why not – it’s a won the Protection of the Environment Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator great achievement for our six committee Award for its work at Woolleys Beach National Reconciliation Week is a great Reserve. opportunity to celebrate with Australia’s Indigenous people. The City of Melbourne, June Revegetation in partnership with Reconciliation Victoria, hosted activities showcasing Victoria’s By Travis Lee and Dianne Moore Indigenous talent through cultural activities During the month of June more than students to learn about a special and and dance workshops at Federation Square 1200 students took to the sand dunes unique environment, as well as taking and along the . from Queenscliff to Apollo Bay as part positive steps toward protecting that The Department of Sustainability and of the 2008 Sand Dune Edu-Action habitat,” said program coordinator and Environment’s Indigenous firefighters, cultural program – a month-long program aimed Marine Discovery Centre Educator, heritage protection team and Port Phillip at stabilising and revegetating sand Travis Lee. Indigenous engagement staff put together dunes across the Surf Coast and Bellarine “It is a great program”, said Coast a great display – “Dreaming Together”. Peninsulas. Action/Coastcare Facilitator Dianne “The success of this event was the feeling The project sees school groups working Moore. “Sand dunes are one of the most of respect and harmony amongst Indigenous closely with local land managers to sensitive that we have along and non-Indigenous people on the day and rehabilitate degraded areas of dune the coast. Increased people pressure and the discussions around coming together like by laying brush matting and planting inappropriate access across the dunes this to communicate and learn to appreciate indigenous plants. Coordinated by the results in significant degradation.” each others’ cultures and heritage,” said Marine Discovery Centre since 1986, “We encourage the community to do Phillip Wierzbowski, Port Phillip East Coast the project is made possible through their bit in supporting the hard work Action Coastcare Facilitator. “The stronger our funding from the Natural Heritage Trust, of the students, volunteer groups and relationships become, the greater benefit for the the assistance of Coast Action/Coastcare land managers who undertake this people and environment we interact with.” and the support of the Western Coastal challenging task, by keeping to the For further information, refer to DSE’s Board. walking tracks and access paths” said Indigenous Partnership Framework, see “Not only is it a fun day out of the Dianne. www.dse.vic.gov.au and follow the links classroom for the students, it’s a great Coast Action/Coastcare would like to to Land Management > Land > Indigenous. opportunity for the acknowledge the contribution from (L-R) Stephen Walsh (DSE), Shane Reger our partners (land managers), including (Parks Victoria) and Phillip Wierzbowski (DSE) Borough of Queenscliff, Barwon Coast Committee of Management, Great Ocean Road Coast Committee, City of Greater Geelong and Apollo Bay Foreshore Committee. Torquay Primary School undertaking brushmatting at Whites Beach. Coast Action/ 7 Coastcare Contacts Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitators Gippsland Region Bairnsdale Boatie Update Jeremy Neilson Tel: 03 5152 0431 Grants available for boaties Mob: 0408 357 343 State Government grants are now available to assist with upgrading of boating Email: [email protected] facilities and community harbours. Yarram Application forms for the 2008/09 Boating Safety and Facilities Program Bruce Atkin (Grants) can be downloaded from the Boating Industry Association of Victoria Tel: 03 5183 9116 (BIA) website at www.biavic.com.au. Mob: 0429 842 142 BIA is keen to support applications. Contact Christopher Keegan on phone Email: [email protected] (03) 8696 5600 or email [email protected]. Port Phillip Region Box Hill Closing date for applications is Tuesday, 15 July 2008. Denis Cox Tel: 03 9296 4532 Mob: 0409 958 050 Watch out pests Email: [email protected] Climate change and pollution are not the only serious threats to Victoria’s Phillip Wierzbowski marine environments. Tel: 03 9296 4525 Marine pests are invading and damaging our unique marine . Mob: 0411 409 815 Pests such as the northern Pacific Seastar from Japan and the Sabella worm Email: [email protected] from Europe are competing for food and resources with our native plants and Western Region animals, and having a severe impact on some species. Anglesea The Boating Industry Association of Victoria (BIAV) has information on pests Tracey Pennington (Mon–Tues) and how you can help, visit www.biavic.com.au. Tel: 03 5220 2008 Mob: 0409 332 197 Email: [email protected] Frances Northeast (Wed–Fri) Tel: 03 5220 2008 Mob: 0400 906 653 Email: [email protected] Warrnambool Coming Events John Amor Tel: 03 5561 9955 Mob: 0429 976 189 7–10 July Australian Marine Science Association and New Email: [email protected] Zealand Marine Science Society Christchurch NZ Geelong 25 July Closing Date for Caring for Our Country Community Dianne Moore Coastcare Grant Applications Tel: 03 5226 4669 Mob: 0411 262 868 18–22 August Coast 2 Coast 2008 (Darwin, NT) Email: [email protected] The Coast to Coast 2008 Conference will be held at the new Darwin Convention Centre, in the NT. The Statewide Coordinator Melbourne theme of this year’s conference is ‘Coast to Coast Matthew Fox Collaboration: Crossing Boundaries’. Tel: 03 9637 9742 7 September National Threatened Species Day (Australia) Mob: 0417 399 226 National Threatened Species Day is held each year Email: [email protected] to encourage the community to help conserve Visit our web site at: Australia’s unique native fauna and flora. www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts 19–22 October International Youth Coastal Conference Australian Government (Townsville, QLD) NRM Facilitator – Coastcare The conference seeks to raise awareness about the Tim Allen importance of protecting and enhancing our coastal Tel: 03 9637 8493 environments, communities and industries through Mob: 0438 463 884 education and involvement of the next generation of Email: [email protected] leaders. Coastline Editors: Matthew Fox & Carolyn Munckton

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 45. ISSN 1329-0835 spring update 2008 State Coordinator’s Message In this issue State Coordinator’s Message 1 By Matthew Fox, Statewide Program Coordinator Sure & Steady in 2009 1 I’m pleased to say that winter is behind us for another year. The wattles are out in bloom and the coastal heaths are bursting with life. Spring marks the end of hibernation for a lot of us and many Coast to Coast Conference 2 of our volunteer groups will be planning for a new season of activity. We wish you well in your Gippsland Climate Change Report 2 endeavours, and encourage you to make contact to seek feedback on your plans, and to make the Wetlands and Waterbirds 3 most of the resources we offer. Healthlands on the The Coast Action/Coastcare team is busy preparing for the annual Summer By The Sea program. Victorian Coast 4 Thanks for all of your feedback on last year’s program. Expect another great summer program. ID under the sea 4 Stay tuned for more information. Seaweeds are sea wonders 5 I should remind readers that the next issue will be the summer magazine which will contain details South West Estuary News 5 of the Summer By The Sea program. Keep an eye out for it around town or contact your Coast Rhythm of Change Action/Coastcare Facilitator for more details. Until then, enjoy the Spring Update, and more – Tarerer 12 years on 6 importantly, enjoy spring! Commonwealth Volunteers Grants Program 6 Nominate a Coastal champion 7 Sure & Steady in 2009 New coastal strategy due soon 7 By Matthew Fox, Statewide Coast Action/Coastcare Coordinator Coming Events 7 CA/CC Contacts 7 While not necessarily the most exciting aspect Over the next 12 months, we will be offering of volunteering, occupational health and safety more Volunteer Coordinator (VC) training (OH&S) is an extremely important part of the for coastal volunteers and Committees of work we do. For at the heart of OH&S is the Management. These training workshops will safety and wellbeing of our volunteers. It’s as be run right along the coast and are intended simple as that. for those in leadership positions in community For the past few years, Coast Action/Coastcare groups. Group leaders can then impart this new has led the push for safe working conditions knowledge when they go back to their groups. for volunteers. One key initiative has been the The training workshops will help volunteers development of an extensive OH&S volunteer to understand and minimise the risks involved in coastal volunteer work. They will also help Published by the Victorian Government’s program. By now, many volunteers will be Department of Sustainability and familiar with the Coast Action Sure & Steady volunteers better understand their rights and Environment, September 2008 responsibilities when it comes to safe © The State of Victoria Department of OH&S manual. Many volunteers would have Sustainability and Environment 2008 already participated in the Volunteer volunteering practices. This publication is copyright. No part may be reproduced by any process except in Coordinator training. Given the enormous contributions that accordance with the provisions of the Copyright Act 1968. volunteers make towards the protection Disclaimer — This publication may be of of our coasts, DSE and Coast Action/ assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee S O R Coastcare will continue to ensure that that the publication is without flaw of OORDINAT Steady any kind or is wholly appropriate for V O LUNTEER C A S TAL the volunteer experience is as safe CO your particular purposes and therefore FOR& Sure and as fulfilling as possible. Please disclaims all liability for any error, loss or OHS MANUAL other consequence which may arise from contact your local Coast Action/ you relying on any information in this publication. Coastcare Facilitator to indicate Authorised by the Victorian Government, your interest in these workshops, 8 Nicholson Street, East Melbourne. For more information contact DSE and to obtain copies of the Customer Service Centre 13 61 86. Sure & Steady manual for your group. 2

Coast to Coast Conference By Jeremy Neilson, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, East Gippsland

The 4th Biennial Coast to Coast sensitive coastal ecosystem (rather than Conference was held in Darwin from dismissing him as a madman!) 18–22 August. The conference Workshop sessions focused on brought together people from agencies, community programs from around the organisations and communities around country, covering a variety of topics from Australia to discuss emerging issues community-based monitoring to coastal facing our coastlines. Global and rehabilitation works. While community national topics were explored, including groups may operate at opposite ends climate change impacts, integrated of the country, the majority of groups catchment management, partnerships are facing the same issues (including a and community engagement and scarcity of funding). A discussion on the regional issues such as coastal future of Coastcare highlighted the fact development, estuary management and that Victoria is the only state that has local community based programs. retained its Coastcare facilitators. The Victoria was well represented at the Victorian example was flagged by the conference, with a number of insightful majority of representatives as a strong presentations on issues and pressures model, benefiting from both state and relevant to our coasts. Coast Action/ federal partnerships. A strong response Coastcare’s Far South West Facilitator from Victorian community groups John Amor stunned the audience with applying for grants through the recent

his presentation on the Maremma ‘Caring for Our Country’ funding round P hotos : I an F it z gibbon guard dog Little Penguin conservation may be due to the fact that Victoria has For those who would like further project in the state’s west. The audience a strong network of regional facilitators information about any of the responded well to John’s explanation of to assist the community in developing presentations, abstracts can be found at this innovative fox control method in a project ideas. www.coast2coast.org.au Gippsland Climate Change Report By Natasha Vasey-Ellis, Executive Officer, Gippsland Coastal Board The Gippsland Coastal Board has recently released the Climate Change, Sea Level Rise and Coastal Subsidence along the Gippsland Coast report. Chair of the Gippsland Coastal Board, Duncan Malcolm, said the report details how the threats from climate change and coastal subsidence are real and are significant. “The best scientific predictions are indicating that within 50 years, parts of the Gippsland coast will be inundated to an extent requiring protection or relocation of assets, including dwellings and commercial buildings,” Mr Malcolm said. “Decisions need to be made now about how to deal with this situation.” This report reveals that the impacts of climate change are complex and difficult to predict, yet too far-reaching to ignore. Mr Malcolm said the critical prerequisite for making informed and consistent decisions is for all levels of government to take a clear lead role in dealing with anticipated climate change, sea level rise and subsidence effects. In addition, regional collaboration will be a key driver for change in Gippsland. The Gippsland Coastal Board considers councils and community organisations to be central to this collaborative effort in the future. As part of the effort to gain a regional understanding of the issues surrounding climate change and coasts, the Board held an interactive forum in Lakes Entrance for practitioners and decision-makers on 11–12 September. For more information or a copy of the report please visit the Gippsland Coastal Board website at: www.gcb.vic.gov.au. 3

Wetland and Waterbirds By Phillip Wierzbowski, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Port Phillip East

Wetlands are geographic areas of estuaries. In Victoria, there are 159 land where the soil is permanently or wetlands of national significance which temporarily saturated with moisture; are either natural or artificial and occur the interface between terrestrial and in all but one of Victoria’s 28 bioregions aquatic systems. In Victoria, natural across the State. wetlands occur in a various locations There are also international agreements within the landscape and can be to protect migratory shorebirds and classified into six types (based on water their habitat. The central principle is depth, frequency of inundation, salinity an obligation under international law and dominant vegetation) – freshwater Victoria has 11 Ramsar sites; six are to preserve a representative sample of situated along our coastline and include meadow, shallow freshwater , world wetlands. deep , permanent open , Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands, Perhaps the most important international freshwater, semi-permanent saline or Gippsland Lakes, Port Phillip (Western agreement was made at the Convention permanent saline. Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula, on Wetlands of International and Westernport. These ecosystems reflect the different Importance, held in Ramsar in Iran Conservation of biodiversity is a shared biological and physical processes within in 1971. Wetlands of international the landscape and are rich in biodiversity, responsibility between government, importance listed under the Convention industry, education and the community. scientific, economic, cultural, and are known Rasmar listed wetlands. recreational values. These environments Urban encroachment has caused The aim of the Convention was to halt support diverse assemblages of serious and sometimes irreparable the worldwide loss of wetlands and to mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and environmental damage to Victoria’s conserve those that remain through invertebrate species, and in particular, unique bioregions. The conservation of local, regional and national actions migratory bird species (birds that make wetlands which provide vital habitat for and international cooperation. As of regular seasonal journeys in response to migratory birds is critical for their survival August 2008, 157 nations had signed changes in food availability, habitat or and requires both local and international up to the Convention and more than weather and time of year). cooperation. 1700 wetlands around the world, dependant species such as If you would like to become involved in covering over 151 million hectares, have shorebird conservation through activities shorebirds and waterfowl can be divided been designated for inclusion in the into resident, migratory or vagrant such as habitat protection, bird banding Ramsar List of Wetlands of International and monitoring, contact your local Coast species and frequent coastal areas such Importance. as beaches, bays, inlets and estuaries. Action/Coastcare Facilitator. Some bird species can also be found in inland wetlands. Along the coast in Victoria, shorebirds feed during low tide on intertidal and find areas above high tide for roosting. Each year many migratory shorebirds visit Victoria in summer to feed on invertebrates. They travel from their breeding areas in the tundra regions of the northern hemisphere and back again along particular routes known as flyways. Along the way they stop at suitable wetlands to feed and build reserves of fat for the next stage of their journey. A directory of more than 850 nationally significant wetlands has been produced that details the most important natural wetlands, including alpine peatlands, riverine and lakes, lakes of volcanic origin, saltmarshes and Visitors learn more about their local wetland ecosystem 4 Gorse Bitter-pea - Davesia sp.

Heathlands on the Victorian Coast By Denis Cox, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Port Phillip East

Spread across Victoria’s coastal areas, heathlands are plant communities that are characterised by tough, woody shrubs, various herbs and often gnarled small trees growing in harsh ID under the sea conditions. The vegetation is typically dense and shrubby, by Dianne Moore, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, generally not reaching much above two metres, although Port Phillip West heathy will have low Eucalypts. Heathlands are A new marine monitoring kit is currently being developed found in areas where limiting factors such as low fertility, high for the Sea Search and Reef Watch programs with funding water table, shallow soils, dry sandy soils or soils lacking certain from Envirofund. These kits will assist with community micronutrients restrict vegetation growth. monitoring programs of local marine habitats. The kits will Plants found in heaths tend to have small, tough leaves and be user-friendly and include a beginners ID chart for those often have lignotubers; a thickened stem base that will re- who are new to sub-tidal marine monitoring. shoot after the plant has been damaged by fire or similar A series of training workshops will be conducted across the disturbances. Bulbous herbs that die back during summer Victorian coast, starting in early 2009. The workshops will are also typical of heathlands. Some plant families such as provide opportunities for volunteers to learn how to use the the Peas, Epacrids, Proteads, Daisies, Orchids and Lilies are kits which focus on sub-tidal marine monitoring. Free kits conspicuous in heaths. Wattles, pea plants can fix nitrogen into will be provided to volunteers willing to undertake quarterly the soil and contribute to improved soil fertility. Heathlands monitoring activities for either Reef Watch or Sea Search. are also noted for their distinctive fauna including Earlier this year a photo competition helped source Antechinus, Bristle Bird and Potoroo. photos for the marine ID charts, drawing on communities’ Spring is the best time to visit heathlands when a kaleidoscope interest in underwater photography. Keen photographers of flower colours can be seen, much of it at about eye level. submitted many excellent photos which were assessed by Excellent sites to visit can be found near Discovery Bay at a panel of experts. Portland, Port Campbell, Anglesea, Crib Point, French Island, Congratulations to the following winners. Wonthaggi, Cape Liptrap, Wilson’s Promontory, and other areas of coastal East Gippsland. Check Photographer Species Prize Parks Victoria Notes or contact the local foreshore committee 1. Glenys Tassled Angler Seiko Dive Watch for more site details. Greenwood Fish Coast Action/Coastcare groups are involved in protecting 2. Freddie Leong Spider Crab Aquability Dive Shop heathland from weed and feral animal invasion. You can help voucher ($400) by joining the local group and when walking though heathland 3. Caroline Old Wife and Keen Hybrid keep to tracks to avoid disturbance. Swinburne Snook adventure shoes 4. Karen Mayo Yellow Marine Life book Zooanthids 5. Bev Wood Brittle Star Marine Life book Thanks to all the sponsors for their generous donations and to all photo submitters. We will be using many of the images in the collation of the marine ID charts. Look out for more training workshop dates in our bumper Summer edition of Coastline. For further information contact Dianne Moore, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, phone (03) 5226 4669.

First Prize winner Glenys Greenwood’s photo of a Tassled Angler Fish P hoto : G lenys reenwood 5

Seaweeds are sea wonders By Tracey Pennington, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Central South West

On a visit to our magnificent coastline Australian Fur Seals and Great White you will probably encounter seaweed; Sharks. How can you help protect seaweed habitat? perhaps growing on rocks, floating Seaweeds are categorised into three • Walk on dry rocks or sandy in the water, or washed up on the main groups according to colour: green patches when exploring intertidal sand. Most of us don’t give seaweed seaweeds (division Chlorophyta), brown (or marine algae as it is more correctly seaweeds (division Phaeophyta), and red reefs. known) a second thought, yet it is a seaweeds (division Rhodophyta). The • Never pour oils or garden vital living part of our oceans providing coloured pigments capture different chemicals down the sink. important habitat and forming the basis wavelengths of sunlight, allowing the • When boating, use moorings or of many food webs in the sea. plants to manufacture their own food place anchors securely to prevent Algae is the largest group of marine through a process called photosynthesis. dragging. plants, producing food, shelter and The pigments also determine the depth oxygen for sea creatures. Seaweed is the of water in which the seaweeds can larger or macroscopic members of the live. Green algae live in shallow waters, marine algae family, while Phytoplankton brown algae live in deeper waters, and forms the microscopic component. red algae can live where there is little On intertidal reefs, seaweeds provide light penetrating the water. habitat for grazing animals such as Few Victorians are aware that the sea-snails, crabs and sea-stars, while coastal waters of South East Australia seaweeds of sub-tidal areas support have the greatest diversity of marine a variety of fish, sea horses and sea- algae in the world. Over 1,300 species urchins. The famous kelp forests of of algae have been recorded in our our southern oceans can be up to 10 waters, and of these around 70-80% metres long and are habitat for fish, are endemic, occurring nowhere else. South West Estuary News By Frances Northeast, Coast Action/Coacast Facilitator, Central South West Within the Corangamite region there Currently there are nine EstuaryWatch long-term dataset that will enhance are 40 unique and interesting estuaries groups across the CCMA region. the community’s understanding of the that vary in shape and size; from long, The latest EstuaryWatch sites are at dynamic nature of their estuary. It will narrow, river-like estuaries such as Skenes Creek, Wild Dog Creek and provide a solid base from which estuary Wild Dog Creek to broad, open water . Murray Champion management decisions can be made. estuaries such as the at from the newly-formed Skenes Creek If you would like to become involved Peterborough and Painkalac Creek at EstuaryWatch group says becoming in the EstuaryWatch program or want Aireys Inlet. Each estuary ecosystem an estuary watcher was a natural further information, contact Rhys Collins, functions differently along the estuary progression from being involved in EstuaryWatch Coordinator, Corangamite and over time. The dynamic nature Waterwatch monitoring. For him it CMA, phone (03) 5232 9100 or Frances of estuaries presents a challenge to made the connection between the Northeast, Central South West Coast waterway managers, particularly when catchment and the coast. Murray Action/Coastcare Facilitator, phone making decisions with limited data. says the aim is to develop an intact, (03) 5220 2008. The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority (CCMA) has recognised that there is a lot that we don’t know about estuaries and in response has developed the EstuaryWatch program. EstuaryWatch aims to help local communities and waterway managers learn more about their estuary – how it functions and how healthy it is. Wild Dog Creek Estuary 6

Rhythms of change – Tarerer 12 years on By John Amor, Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitator, Far South West

This November marks the 12th anniversary of one of Australia’s longest running Indigenous festivals. Held over two days on the picturesque and culturally significent Tarerer country at the Killarney Recreational Reserve, Tarerer is a practical example of local reconciliation. Early records describe great Indigenous gatherings at this place and the coastal middens bear witness to a long history of use by a large number of people. The Festival is renowned for the quality of musical performances in the main marquee and the smaller youth stage, and in the past has included Archie Roach and Troy Casser-Daly. This year’s event has again attracted a great lineup and will be headlined by the newly reformed ‘No Fixed Address’, considered Australia’s original and best Indigenous reggae band. Their albums and the documentry Wrong Side of the Road are iconic amongst music fans. The festival celebrates many aspects of Indigenous life, including food, art, environment and more. Coast Action/Coastcare has enjoyed a long association with Tarerer, sharing the same ideals about caring for coastal country. The Tarerer totem is the threatened Hooded Plover, which along with Gunditjmara people, still survives and thrives on Tarerer country. The Tarerer Gunditj Association (which includes both Indigenous and non-Indigenous members), has undertaken environmental works in the past including vast replantings of the area. This year, in order to reduce the event’s carbon footprint, all tickets sold will include a ‘green levy’ to assist in the purchase of thousands of indigenous plants for the site. Earlier this year, the Minister for Environment, The Hon Gavin Jennings, awarded the Tarerer Gunditj Association with the Cultural Achievement prize for the 2008 Victorian Coastal Awards of Excellence. Tarerer runs over the weekend of 15–16 November at Killarny, between Warrnambool and Port Fairy in the state’s southwest. For further information and a full list of performers visit www.tarerer.com.au Traditional dance at Tarerer Festival Commonwealth Volunteer Grants Program 2008

The Commonwealth Government recently announced its Commonwealth Volunteer Grants Program 2008 close on Commonwealth Volunteer Grants Program 2008. These grants Friday 17 October 2008. For further information visit the are open to not-for-profit groups that involve volunteers in Commonwealth Volunteer Grants Program 2008 website their activities. http://www.facsia.gov.au/internet/facsinternet.nsf/aboutfacs/ Commonwealth Volunteer Grants Program 2008 will fund: programs/sfsc-vgp_2008.htm • purchases of small equipment and sporting items to help If your organisation requires funding for equipment and/or their existing volunteers and to encourage more people to travel costs, you may like to apply for a Commonwealth become volunteers Volunteer Grant 2008. The focus of the Commonwealth • contributions towards fuel costs incurred in their Volunteer Grants Program 2008 is funding equipment and travel volunteering work, such as when using their cars to costs. They complement the Victorian Volunteer Small Grants transport others to activities, deliver food and assist http://www.grants.dpcd.vic.gov.au, which are focused on people in need. recruiting new and diverse volunteers to not-for-profit groups. Coast Action/ 6 Coastcare Contacts Coast Action/Coastcare Facilitators Gippsland Region Bairnsdale Nominate a coastal Jeremy Neilson Tel: 03 5152 0431 champion! Mob: 0408 357 343 Just a reminder to everyone that nominations for the 2009 Victorian Coastal Email: [email protected] Awards for Excellence will open in October. Last year’s awards saw a range Yarram of individuals and organisations recognised for their efforts in protecting and Bruce Atkin maintaining Victoria’s magnificent coastline. Tel: 03 5183 9116 Mob: 0429 842 142 If you think you know of some worthy nominees for next year’s awards, why Email: [email protected] not nominate? Those who nominate a finalist will receive an invitation to the Port Phillip Region awards ceremony! The Victorian Coastal Awards for Excellence are proudly Box Hill hosted by the Victorian Coastal Council and Coast Action/Coastcare. Denis Cox More information is available at www.vcc.vic.gov.au/coastalawards Tel: 03 9296 4532 Mob: 0409 958 050 Email: [email protected] Phillip Wierzbowski

Cabinet-in-confiden ce Tel: 03 9296 4525 New coastal Mob: 0411 409 815 Email: [email protected] strategy due Victorian Western Region

Coastal Strategy Anglesea 2008 Tracey Pennington (Mon–Tues) soon Tel: 03 5220 2008 The third Victorian Coastal Strategy is nearing Mob: 0409 332 197 completion, and is expected to be released very Email: [email protected] soon. The new strategy has gone through an Frances Northeast (Wed–Fri) extensive round of consultations, and will set Tel: 03 5220 2008 the priorities for coastal and marine planning Mob: 0400 906 653 and management in Victoria for the next five Email: [email protected] years. Warrnambool John Amor More information is available from the website Tel: 03 5561 9955 of the Victorian Coastal Council www.vcc.vic.gov.au Mob: 0429 976 189 Email: [email protected] Geelong Dianne Moore Tel: 03 5226 4669 Mob: 0411 262 868 Coming Events Email: [email protected] Statewide Coordinator Melbourne 20 Sept Sea Search Marine Monitoring Training, Jawbone Matthew Fox Marine Sanctuary & Parks Victoria, Williamstown Tel: 03 9637 9742 www.seasearch.org.au Mob: 0417 399 226 Email: [email protected] 20–21 Sept Annual ANGAIR Inc. Wildflower and Art Show Visit our web site at: Anglesea Community Hall, Mc Millan street Anglesea www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts Enquiries to ANGAIR, phone (03) 5263 1085 Australian Government 13–14 Nov Managing Country Together – Statewide Indigenous NRM Facilitator – Coastcare Coastal Conference, Point Nepean Tim Allen Tel: 03 9637 8493 1–7 Dec Great Victorian Fish Count Mob: 0438 463 884 www.reefwatchvic.asn.au Email: [email protected]

1–7 Dec Coastcare Week Coastline Editors: www.coastcare.com.au Matthew Fox & Carolyn Munckton

To receive Coastline in the future contact your local Coast Action/Coastcare facilitator or phone (03) 9637 9742. www.dse.vic.gov.au/coasts