IN BRIEF – July 4, 2019

First whale calf of season spotted
THE Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DELWP) has confirmed sightings of the first Southern Right Whale calf of the season at Logans Beach, Warrnambool. DELWP natural environment programs officer Mandy Watson said the female was known to the research team and has been sighted at Logans Beach for several years. “We’re encouraging members of the community to report any Southern Right Whale sightings along the Victorian coast at swifft.net.au/srwsmp to support ongoing research programs.”

City of Greater Geelong adopts budget
THE City of Greater Geelong has adopted the 2019-20 Budget and Council Plan 2018-22, Update 2019. The two major documents were endorsed by councillors without change, following the review of 52 public submissions. The budget forecasts a recurrent operating surplus of $1.4 million, while supporting services to the community costing $314.4 million, and lays out a strategic capital works program of $117 million.

Boardwalk near Balyang Sanctuary closed
THE Yollinko Wetland Boardwalk, on the Barwon River near Balyang Sanctuary, will be closed until the end of August to enable important safety upgrades. The boardwalk will be fitted with anti-slip mesh and kick rails to deliver a fully accessible wetland walk to the existing observation platform. The Corangamite Catchment Management Authority’s Wayne McLaren said the CMA was enhancing existing facilities and installing new multi-use platforms along the Barwon River as part of the state government’s Boosting Recreational Water Use Initiative.