BARWON COAST UPDATE – July 26, 2018

LOCALLY ENDANGERED ORCHID DESTROYED BY DUNE PARTIES
Early in July a disappointing act of sand dune vandalism ruined one of the last remaining sites of the locally rare and delicately beautiful Large Gnat Orchid. Illegal parties and camping in the sand dunes are an ongoing problem on the Barwon Coast. Please STAY OFF THE DUNES and if you see illegal activity contact the police. Fines for this type of activity can be significant.

SURF SCHOOL LICENCES EOI PROCESS
Beaches on the Barwon Coast are increasing in popularity for recreation in line with population growth in our region. The Barwon Coast Committee of Management strive to ensure equity of access for all users as well as the protection of wildlife and the natural values of the coastal reserve. To this end, we issue licences for learn to surf and similar operations on the Barwon Coast. In the next few weeks we intend to commence an Expression of Interest (EOI) process which will result in the issuing of five-year licences to run surf schools and similar operations at designated sites on the Barwon Coast. We will be consulting with the community on this process. If you would like to be kept informed on this project or be involved in the EOI for a licence please register your interest at [email protected]. au or call 5254 1118.

WHALE WASHED UP ON13TH BEACH
A whale carcass recently washed ashore on 13th Beach. Thank you to community members who reported this. Barwon Coast assisted the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to remove the carcass for analysis and disposal. Anyone who becomes aware of a stranded or injured whale or dolphin should call the Whale and Dolphin Emergency Hotline on 1300 136 017 immediately.

OCEAN GROVE SURF BEACH COMPLEX DEVELOPMENT
Builders have started works on the new Surf Beach Complex structure. This has resulted in an increase in heavy vehicle activity in the area. When you are in the Ocean Grove Main Beach area please pass the construction site with care and be alert to changed conditions and signage. We thank you for your patience during this phase of development