Barwon Coast takes direct steps in wildlife preservation

BARWON Coast is introducing exclusion zones on beaches along the coast to strengthen wildlife protection measures this spring and summer.

The Temporary Exclusion Zones will be declared on an “as-needs” basis at various locations along the coastline.

Barwon Coast community liaison and education manager Maddie Glynn said various species arrived on our coast to rest, recover or breed during spring.

“Juvenile seals and little penguins will soon leave their mums behind and learn to survive in the big, deep blue sea.

“Unfortunately, this doesn’t always go to plan and they end up on our beaches – unwell, exhausted and disorientated.”

She said short-tailed shearwaters flew up to 15,000 kilometres every year from Japan, Siberia and Alaska and settled in for a well-earned rest along the Barwon coastline.

“Wildlife needs to be left alone to rest, recover or breed while on our beaches.”

Ms Glynn said there were several things beach users could do to help.

“When you see a sign alerting you to a Temporary Exclusion Zone, don’t linger – turn around and walk the other way.”

Birdlife Australia beach-nesting birds project officer Renee Mead said she supported closing off areas for hooded plovers.

“Hooded Plovers lay highly-camouflaged eggs directly on the sand on Barwon Coast beaches.

“Last year, we had 12 pairs lay 27 nests on the Bellarine, but only five chicks hatched. Sadly, none of these chicks survived to reach flying age.”

In 2016, a 12-day-old Hooded Plover chick was allegedly mauled by a dog and dumped in a rubbish bin on 13th Beach.

Barwon Coast can declare Temporary Exclusion Zones under regulations supported by the Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.

Temporary Exclusion Zones will be well-signed and promoted in newspapers, on Barwon Coast’s website barwoncoast.com.au and through social media.

The Barwon Coast is the stretch of coastline that centres on the townships of Ocean Grove and Barwon Heads. This unique area includes the Barwon Estuary, sand dune systems and popular surf beaches that host a wide range of wildlife.