- Shearwater rescue preparation begins
- Launch of Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve
- Environment Plan 2012-2017
- Community Information Guide
- Local Pass
Shearwater rescue preparation begins
The annual short-tailed shearwater migration is anticipated to begin late April and Phillip Island Nature Parks is seeking community support to ensure the safe passage of the birds.
“We expect the shearwater chicks will depart sometime between April 21 and May 7,” said Mr Burgan, coordinator of Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Shearwater Rescue Patrol.
“During that time birds may be on roads as they learn to fly. We urge drivers to take care.”
The birds are known to flock to the San Remo bridge lights. As in past years, the bridge lights will be switched off for a few nights around April 25 during the peak of departure. Signs will be placed at either end to warn drivers of the changed traffic conditions.
“We thank SP AusNet, Vic Roads and Bass Coast Shire Council for their assistance in ensuring the safe migration of the birds from Phillip Island,” said Mr Burgan.
Nature Parks’ staff and volunteers will be patrolling areas where the birds land on roads, particularly around Surf Beach, Cape Woolamai and near the Penguin Parade. A training session for volunteers will be conducted on Wednesday April 17. Those interested in volunteering should contact Graeme Burgan on 5951 2873 or gburgan@penguins.org.au.
Since the inception of the Shearwater Rescue Patrol in 1999, hundreds of birds have been saved from the roads as they attempt to fly. Community support and volunteers have been instrumental in reducing the number of shearwaters killed or injured on roads.
About short tailed shearwaters:
Short-tailed shearwaters are seabirds which undertake one of the world’s great migrations - flying over 16 000 kilometres on a round trip from the Bering Sea near Alaska to their breeding grounds on Phillip Island each year.
Arriving in September, they spend the summer raising a single chick. In mid-April, the parents fly back to the Bering Sea, leaving their chicks behind. By late April, the chicks emerge from their burrows and take to the skies for the first time for their long journey northwards.
Launch of Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve
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Phillip Island’s surfing community celebrated the formal declaration of Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve today at a ceremony at Cape Woolamai Beach.
Surfing legend Layne Beachley hosted the event and the Minister for Environment and Climate Change and Youth Affairs, The Hon Ryan Smith MP, formally opened the reserve, made up of four sites along Phillip Island’s coast: Cape Woolamai, Smiths Beach, Summerland and Cat Bay.
Seven times world champion, Layne Beachley, was happy to be back at Phillip Island
“I am honoured to be part of the official launch of Victoria’s first National Surfing Reserve. Phillip Island has always been one of my favourite surfing destinations with its four excellent breaks; Woolamai the hero, Smiths Beach and Express Point, Summerland and Cat Bay.
“As Ambassador to Wyndham Hotel Group, encompassing the Ramada hotel brand, it has been an honour to be asked to be part of this historic event and to know that Phillip Island’s breaks are respected and protected for our fellow surfers.
“On behalf of The Phillip Island Surfing Reserve’s preferred accommodation supplier, Ramada Resort Phillip Island, we would like to extend a warm welcome to visiting surfers and their families for many years to come.”
Phillip Island Nature Parks CEO, Matthew Jackson, said the Nature Parks was proud to have been involved in the establishment of the Reserve.
“It has been quite a journey since I first raised the idea of a Phillip Island Surfing Reserve back in 2011 and I want to congratulate the working group who have made today possible,” said Mr Jackson.
“The beaches that make up the Reserve lie within the Phillip Island Nature Parks and
I would like to acknowledge our staff who have worked alongside the community to have this Reserve declared.”
Cape Woolamai was the magnificent backdrop for the proud contingent of local surfers, including star surfers Glyndyn Ringrose and Nikki Van Dijk, who were on hand to witness the declaration. Representatives from Australia’s surfing fraternity, including the Founder and Patron of National Surfing Reserves (NSR), Brad Farmer and NSR Chairman, Prof Andy Short, were also in attendance.
Only 25 National Surfing Reserve sites have been nominated across Australia and Phillip Island is the 18th to be declared. It is the first of its kind in Victoria.
The philosophy of National Surfing Reserves is to ‘care, share and preserve’. National Surfing Reserves is a voluntary collaboration dedicated to recognising iconic surfing sites in Australia and assisting NSR sites globally. Self funded and non-political, the National Reference Group comprises experienced individuals from across Australia to facilitate NSR nominations and management processes. Find out more at www.surfingreserves.org.
The Phillip Island National Surfing Reserve community project is proudly supported by San Remo District Financial Services, Ramada Phillip Island, Phillip Island Nature Parks, Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Board Riders Club and Woolamai Beach Surf Life Saving Club.
Phillip Island Nature Parks launches Environment Plan 2012 -2017
Phillip Island Nature Parks is proud to release their major Five Year Environment Plan 2012-2017. This important plan was developed through extensive community consultation and focuses on environmental objectives and outcomes for the Nature Parks.
The remarkable diversity and quality of ecosystems found within Phillip Island Nature Parks means that it is one of Victoria’s truly special places. The responsibility to conserve and enhance these important natural values is the Nature Parks’ key priority.
“The Plan was developed through months of significant community consultation including two rounds of community information sessions involving over 200 participants as well as regular updates through local media and our ‘Community News’ website,” said Matthew Jackson, Phillip Island Nature Parks’ Chief Executive Officer.
“Our environment team also consulted with specialist advisors, partners, key stakeholders and our community to achieve the most comprehensive evaluation of the current status, priority needs and potential threats to the Nature Parks’ natural assets ever produced.”
The Draft Environment Plan was released in June for five weeks for public comment and 28 formal submissions were received. These submissions were considered in the final Environment Plan 2012 -2017.
Plan Snapshot
The Plan identifies goals and actions that the Nature Parks will undertake in planning, conservation and community partnerships and is presented in two sections:
1. Park-wide issues, opportunities and goals relating to planning, conservation and community partnerships; including actions relating to fauna, flora, pests, heritage conservation and risk management affecting many parts of the Nature Parks.
2. Key Area Management: applying an ‘Assets Based Framework’ to understand and plan for the many different areas which comprise the Nature Parks at a more detailed level.
“The next step will be to work in collaboration with key stakeholders, in particular our community, Bass Coast Shire Council and Department of Sustainability and Environment to implement the Plan which will provide significant benefits to Phillip Island and the environment,” said Mr Jackson.
Please call 5951 2804 or email executiveassistant@penguins.org.au if you have any queries or comments about the Nature Parks’ Environment Plan or would like to be notified of future community consultation opportunities.
Environment Plan 2012-2017 (5 MB)
Your Free Community Information Guide
The Phillip Island Nature Parks team is proud to release their first Community Information Guide and your free copy is now available.
The booklet aims to provide the community with as much information as possible about the Nature Parks’ role, departments and the areas it manages. The booklet details the history and current activities of the Nature Parks and contains important handy information including the yearly cycle of the little penguins and contact numbers such as who to call if you find injured wildlife or see a fox on the island.
Pick up a copy of the free guide from a Phillip Island Visitor Information Centre or any Nature Parks outlet: Penguin Parade, Nobbies Centre, Koala Conservation Centre and Churchill Island, or download a copy.
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Local Pass
Do you live in the Bass Coast Shire? Phillip Island Nature Parks has launched an exclusive Bass Coast Shire residents 'Local Pass'.
For the cost of one single 3 Parks Pass the new Local Pass gives unlimited 12 month entry into the Nature Parks’ 3 major attractions - the Penguin Parade, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Koala Conservation Centre. (Nobbies Centre is free).
Cost:
$38.40 per adult
$19.20 per child (4 to 15 years)
To ensure the pass is exclusive to Bass Coast Shire residents, you must show identification of your residency within the Bass Coast Shire – driver’s licence, rates notice etc. The pass is available for purchase from the Penguin Parade, Koala Conservation Centre, Churchill Island Heritage Farm and the Nobbies Centre. Photo ID needs to be presented with the pass to gain entry at all locations.
Contact us for more information:
Email: bookings@penguins.org.au
Ph: 5951 2830
The Phillip Island Penguin Parade is one of Australia's most popular wildlife attractions - perfect for a family holiday or getting back to nature.
Experience wild koalas in their natural habitat and stroll through Aussie bushland at our environmentally sustainable Centre dedicated to koala conservation.
Step back in time... meet the farm animals, relax in the cafe, enjoy the water views, stroll amongst heritage buildings and lovely gardens.
Located only 5 minutes from the Penguin Parade and overlooking the wild water of Bass Strait, the FREE Nobbies Centre showcases Australian fur seals and the unique marine life in our Southern Oceans.