Local organisations unify to protect clifftop habitat

MAKESHIFT hangouts have been identified and piles of rubbish collected from forcibly cleared bushland along the Jan Juc clifftop.

A coalition comprising Victoria Police, Surf Coast Shire and Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee have unified to prevent further mistreatment to the narrow clifftop ecosystem.

Evan Frances, a member of the Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee, said old trees had been cut down and used for firewood. Bottles had been smashed, rubbish scattered and tarps, tables and chairs carried in.

“Some of the trees that were destroyed would have been over 100 years old. So what takes minutes to destroy may take decades to recover,” he said.

“The clifftop habitat through Jan Juc is comprised of Coastal Moonah Woodland, which is a listed threatened plant. It is estimated that only 10 per cent of its pre-European distribution remains,”

“The loss of habitat via the destruction and clearing of vegetation is the main risk of people gather

ing in the dunes. Our dune systems are home to many animals that rely on the specific plant communities. Every time vegetation is removed, we lose that habitat.”

Mr Frances said rubbish left on clifftops eventually washes into the ocean and into the stomachs of marine wildlife.

Two officially threatened animals, the Swamp Antechinus and Rufous Bristlebird rely on the remaining coastal habitat to survive.

Rufous Bristlebirds can be seen bouncing and calling near to walking paths, but the Swamp Antechinus, a small carnivorous marsupial related to the Tasmanian Devil, is more elusive.

Acccording to environmentalist Graeme Stockton, who has been instrumental in headland revegetation projects, said their short lifespan means a healthy habitat is essential for its survival.

“Maintaining a good habitat is so important because they are literally reliant on each years offspring to carry the next generation. If habitat is under pressure and they don’t successfully breed then there aren’t adults with the population that can hold over for the following year,” he said.

Victoria Police have increased patrols by local units, including foot and bike patrols to deter anti-social behaviour and prevent further unnecessary destruction to the bushland.