Committee For Lorne: A word from the Chairman

I THOUGHT it was topical to continue the discussion about “Mother Nature” and just how important our environment continues to be not only for us, but also for the future generations ahead of us all. We have spoken about the weather patterns, the tides and natural progression of change that has been somewhat out of our control, and I can understand that. But there is another element that has been “swept under the carpet” for too long that we can change and have some influence over.

Recently a work colleague of mine returned from a short stay in Bali and being an avid, mad keen surfer was disgusted to experience the ever increasing amount of pollution, especially plastics, that were evidenced in Balinese waters. I’m sure we’ve all seen ongoing evidence of this world-wide problem and yet not too many have been prepared to implement and support change to help our environment, and I, to a degree, am guilty!

I have been extremely fortunate to have experienced Sri Lanka over recent weeks with very good Lorne friends and it was here that my learnings and appreciation for the range of problems we are creating went to another level. It was at the Mahamodara Sea Turtle Hatchery and nursery that my complacency was finally to end. It was not this single beautiful endangered species that was the sole driver to ignite my motivation for change but a combination of factors that I could no longer live with, not the least being how may our Lorne environment look for further generations if we do not initiate and embrace change now.

I am conscious that we don’t have turtles in Louttit Bay, but I am concerned that for future generations, our own unique environment needs to be preserved as much as any other. To learn that Turtles, which feed on Jelly Fish are unable to distinguish between their preferred delicacy and a plastic bag is as much concern as seeing a plastic bag, bottle or cup washing up on the beach in front of the Lorne Surf Club or being entangled in the weed beds beneath the pier. It is a stark reminder that we must change.

It was almost twelve months ago that Sarah Harbison led the push for Lorne to go plastic free and ensure every chance of retaining our greatest natural assets are protected with the respect they demand. It’s been a big step forward for Lorne and one that now needs to go to another level, and the Committee for Lorne are hopeful it will.

And following on with a bit of trivia I learnt that a turtles heart only beats every 9 minutes, and I feel sure that if you can help make a difference that your resting heart may be in the low range of the Australian average that sits within 60 to 100 beats per minute!

Ian Stewart
Chairman – Committee for Lorne