PICS SEASONAL WALK -THE NOBBIES & SOUTH COAST RD

The weather failed to deter four intrepid members from meeting at the Nobbies Centre on Saturday the 16th of May for an informative talk by Graeme Burgan about the seals whilst we viewed them live on 'seal-cam', the camera spattered with spray, followed by a walk to the end of the boardwalk in gale-force winds. The blowhole was truly blowing with the spray reaching back over the cliffs adding to the excitement. The boardwalk, which was constructed 25 years ago, has subsided slightly in a couple of places because of general instability in the area and the wire netting covering its surface had been removed in several areas due to safety concerns. On such a day it was a pleasure to be able to drive along the South Coast Road from the Nobbies Centre to the Penguin Parade, observing the elements at work from the comfort of the car.

Gaye Cleeland

WORLD ENVIRONMENT DAY EXPO & SUSTAINABILITY FESTIVAL

Renowned climate scientist, Barrie Pittock, was the keynote speaker for this year's Sustainable Living Festival, held at San Remo Recreation Centre, 13th June. His presentation, entitled Climate Change: Risk, Responsibility and Opportunity gave a clear and concise update on key global observations such as CO2 concentration, average temperature increase, sea level rises, rates of Arctic ice melting and seasonal extent of ice, and rainfall and run-off data for Perth and the Murray River. Most of the graphs he presented included projections to the year 2100 for a range of modeling scenarios.

Recent trends in most of the data suggest that the more alarming projections are more likely. Many scientists now say that we should be aiming for a CO2 level in the atmosphere of 350 ppm if we want to avoid a 2°c rise in global temperature, or face dangerous climate change. Already levels are about 387 ppm and predicted to rise to >500 ppm if present trends continue. Barrie outlined the great range of options for reducing global energy use.

Bass Coast Shire Environment Manager, Paul Smith, followed on with a summary of the implications of climate change for landscape and infrastructure in Bass Coast Shire. Other speakers covered a range of topics relating to sustainability, including the new local Energy Innovative Co-operative, to be formally launched at Kilcunda on July 16th.

The excellent talks were only a part of this successful festival, which was co-ordinated by Lisa Wangman, Urban Landcare Project Officer (and PICS member) and funded from the Sustaining Coastal Communities project. The festival also included many displays and stalls with sales of a range of products relating to sustainable living. The local organisations represented included PICS, Friends of Koalas, Sth Gippsland Conservation Society, PINP, Landcare, Barb Martin Bushbank, Gippsland Waste Management, Westernport Water, Melbourne Water, Parks Victoria, the CERES energy trailer and Mornington Peninsula and Western Port Biosphere. A range of commercial enterprises were also represented.

The PICS display included posters describing the Society's objectives and activities, current newsletters and the PICS history was available for purchase. On the day, 4 copies were sold, and a copy given to the keynote speaker, Barrie Pittock, and to the new WP Water Managing Director, Murray Jackson.

The PICS display included most of the set-up used for the World Environment Day Expo that preceded the SLFestival, on the 10th and 11th June, and ensured that children's activities were available during the festival. This year marked the 10th year in which the WED Expo had been organised by the Bass Coast Shire to encourage environmental awareness among local school students, and the event continues to be well received. Over 600 primary school students from 10 local schools interacted with the displays and took part in a wide range of activities. These included litter beach-combing; dinosaur dig; marine puppet show; rubbish & recycling game; river biodiversity/waterbugs activity; environment bowling game, George Bass Coastal Walk; and the demonstrations on the CERES energy trailer.

The PICS display consisted of a mini-forest with information on the usefulness of trees and forest biodiversity, and aimed to counteract some of the hysteria that followed the recent Victorian bushfires. An additional challenge for students was to find 30 (plastic) "mini-beasts" and 16 local birds placed in the forest. The display incorporated contributions from FOK, whose giant Koala mascot, Urimbirra, welcomed students to a forest campsite. WESBOC was also represented.

Christine would like to thank those PICS/FOK members who braved the cold to capably help set up the display and dismantle it after the week's events: Sue Saliba, Bruno Chene, Patricia Hunt, John Jansson and Maurice Schinkel.

John Eddy

MELBOURNE WATER COMES TO PI

The Phillip Island Conservation Society will be hosting Phil Edwards, Team Leader, Stormwater Quality and Catchments, Melbourne Water on Thursday 2 July, 2-4 p.m. at the Heritage Centre meeting room, Cowes. Phil's team deals with stormwater quality, rain gardens, wetlands, etc. He will be discussing with us:

1. Update on Melbourne Water's activities in the Phillip Island area
2. Retarding basins and drainage as Public Open Space
3. the damming of water flow to wetlands.

You are all invited. The session is free. Phil will speak for about an hour, followed by questions and discussion on participants' concerns. Afternoon tea will be provided. If you would like to attend, could you please contact me, Christine Grayden, ph 5956 8501 or email: cgrayden@waterfront.net.au by Tuesday 30 June.

WESTERN PORT WELCOMES WATERBIRDS

Several members attended this information session held at the Education Pod at PINP on Friday May 8 at which four speakers explained the project currently underway titled: Western Port Welcomes Waterbirds. This project aims for good outcomes for waders and other waterbirds using our Ramsar wetlands through "a collaborative and well targeted management project which addresses threats to shorebirds". Outcomes hoped for include updated maps of roosting and feeding areas, an analysis of threats to the birds, the future impact of climate change and human pressure and growth, and the development of collaborative management programs. The project has 11 partners and a research officer and will make extensive use of the data collected by the BOCA Westernport Wader counts conducted by dedicated volunteers (including many WESBOC members) since 1973. A forum followed the speakers, and this proved to be very robust, with several present pointing out inadequacies in present management regimes. Bob Baird cited the example of Rhyll Inlet, where the speed limit does not apply to power boats or jet skis until after they have entered the inlet and already disturbed the roosting waders, etc. Parks Victoria staff stated that the speed limits were put in place purely with boating safety as the main criteria and that the act under which they operate is not an environmental act. (Sounds like Vicroads!). The new Water Watch officer for the area, and now a local resident, Sarah Crinall, also pointed out that water quality of catchment and the bay's waters could well be a factor that does not seem to have been considered. The project goes for 3 years and will involve PINP staff Roz Jessop and Peter Dann, both of whom have a deep interest in Western Port's waders and other waterbirds. We look forward to the outcomes. Christine Grayden

NATURE NOTE -Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos

Over the past two months a flock of about 25 yellow-tailed black cockatoos has been residing in Ventnor, and frequently seen in our mature gum trees. We wondered what they were finding to eat, til the other day when their strange calls could be heard from a row of large pine tree (P. radiata) adjoining the back of our property. The morning was sunny and still, and a different sound mingled with the chattering of the birds. It sounded like the crackling of a fire coming from the tree tops. On approaching closer my daughter Karen and I realised with amazement that it was the sound of the cockatoos using their strong beaks to rip open the pine cones to feed on the seeds. Pine seeds are winged to allow normal dispersal by wind, and we could see many membranous seed wings floating to the ground, without their seeds! The banquet lasted for about 1/2 hour before the flock moved on. John Eddy

THIS IS SERIOUS! WE NEED MEMBERS!

Those of you who read the minutes of the Annual General Meeting will have seen the motion for the committee to investigate ways of canvassing for new members. This has come about because PICS has a limited core of active members, some of whom have been in their roles for many years with no evidence of anyone on the horizon to take over from them. While we realize this is a common problem for community groups these days, we would still like to hear from members about ways we may recruit new members to take PICS into the 21st century. If you have any thoughts on this important matter you may phone our President, Margaret Hancock on 5952 2557; mail us on PO Box 548, COWES, 3922; or email the Society via Christine Grayden: cgrayden@waterfront.net.au If you have been a member and have not re-joined but still receive our newsletter, we would appreciate feedback as to why you have not rejoined. Contact us as above.

"An Island Worth Conserving" is awarded major prize!

Saturday May 16 brought me a wonderful birthday present when my sister Billie and I attended the Victorian Community History Awards ceremony at the regal Queen's Hall, Parliament House, Melbourne. On the advice of an historian friend I had entered our book in two categories: Best Print, and Collaborative/ Community Work. The latter was the first category dealt with and I was pleased to hear our book called out first as a finalist. I walked to the front of the 300-strong audience as instructed and waited until the other two finalists arrived. The winner was then announced, and it was us! It was certainly an amazing feeling to think that we had won in what is surely the most prestigious event in the state for local historians. In my thank you speech I pointed out that I had put my 3 yr old daughter into Family Day Care to allow me to start work on the PICS History, and that she turned 18 this year! The whole project really got off the ground once we got our editor, PICS member David Bradley, and a sub-committee together. David worked with me constantly for almost 12 months, and we all met regularly for the last four months of the project; lots of others played a part and are listed in the book. Their efforts no doubt contributed to our award. A prize of $1,000 is awarded to us by Information Victoria, who runs the VCHA. The judges' comments on our book read:

Here is an impressive track record of 40 years of battling developers in a seemingly endless struggle to preserve habitat and curb unwanted commercial growth on Phillip Island. Members of the conservation society have been steadfast in their dedication to keep their island in a condition of natural beauty, and have inspired subsidiary groups along the way. The book is supported by Bass Coast Shire Council.

If you don't own a copy yet, you can order An Island Worth Conserving: A History of the Phillip Island Conservation Society 1968-2008. Send $20 per book + $5 per 1-2 copies postage to The Treasurer, PO Box 548, COWES, 3922. Cheques and money orders to be made payable to Phillip Island Conservation Society Inc. Include your name and address. Thanks! Christine Grayden

CHURCHILL ISLAND MATTERS

EXTRACT FROM "UPDATE TO COMMUNITY MEMBERS" FROM CEO OF PINP, 19.2.09 (received by PICS 6.6.09)
We are considering the introduction of up to 6-8 wallabies on Churchill Island and we are seeking feedback. This is being considered for the following reasons:

• We see this as a potential opportunity to reintroduce native species (not only wallabies) and at the same time keep our visitor numbers up in tough times. Animals would be from a captive population and they would need to be sterilized (so that over population does not occur or escapees breeding with locals on Phillip Island).
• We think it would add to the experience of visitors to see wallabies in their natural setting.
• We recently held a discussion with Grayline Bus Company and they advise that bookings have dropped off substantially since they commenced coming to Churchill Island instead of Warrook Farm. We stand to lose more than 14,000 visitors per year to Churchill Island including other companies. Grayline and others have asked whether it is possible to have wallabies at Churchill Island (doesn't need hand feeding, although we need to guarantee seeing them.) We have agreed with Grayline to investigate and get back to them within a month.

Since the Victorian bushfires, we have also received numerous requests from schools wishing to camp on Churchill Island and have an educational tour. They claim that all of the youth camps are booked out solidly and this is reducing opportunities for us in the education market. We allow camping at Easter with Working Horse attendees and stallholders. We have notified FOCIS for their feedback and community members are also encouraged to have a say as well.

PICS's REPLY: PICS has written to the Hon. Gavan Jennings, Minister for Sustainability and Environment, objecting to captive wallabies on Churchill Island as being against the PINP's "vital role in caring for the natural environment of both Phillip and Churchill Islands, and a correspondingly vital role in demonstrating respect and care for wildlife". The issue is that the wallabies are being treated "purely as an item for commercial display", and not as part of the natural environment. PICS requests that "when the new Board of the Phillip Island Nature Park is appointed, you (the Minister) ensure that as part of their introduction to their environmental responsibilities they are given a clear understanding of the history of the establishment of the Nature Park, the environmental principles by which it should be governed, and the necessity of adhering to those principles if the PINP is to be a respected part of the Bass Coast community. As a first step, the new Board could begin by rescinding the motion to have a Wallaby Enclosure on Churchill Island." (Quotes from PICS letter to the Minister, 8.6.09; cc to Cr J Duscher, Mayor, BCSC; Mr David Beattie, Chair PINP Board; Mr Mark Manteit, CEO, PINP.

Minutes of General Meeting held April 18, 2009

1. Welcome. The President, M. Hancock, welcomed everyone and opened the meeting at 8.10 pm.

2&3. Attendance. As per attendance book. Apologies. M. Cleeland.

4. Minutes of the previous General Meeting. 10 January 2009, as circulated in the Newsletter.
Moved: B. Howe, seconded: A. Martin, carried.

5. Business Arising.
Summerland Road Closure -The Phillip Island Nature Park proposes to close the South Coast Road to vehicular traffic. Members were requested to consider the matter following the AGM and notify the Committee of their views however no comments were received.
Changes to the Constitution -Underway.
Public Liability Insurance -the insurance broker reported that PICS is covered.
PICS Performance Troupe -there was a query regarding the Troupe's next performance.
PINP proposal for a 'Rope Adventure Course' on land across the road from the Koala Conservation Centre -no further information available.

6. Correspondence. In Tabled -documents relating to various planning matters currently underway.
- Publication 'Australia's Biodiversity Conservation Strategy 2010-2020'
http://www.environment.gov.au/biodiversity/strategy/draft-strategy.html
Out: Tabled Moved: A. Davie, seconded: P. Manning, carried.

7. Treasurer's Report. Tabled. Moved: C. Grayden, seconded: A. Stocker, carried.