Community |
The Esplanade
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Fig and the Bay lookout
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Notes from 18th June 2024
· A new caravan park manager has been appointed and appears to be settled and working well.
· The online booking system appears to be working very nicely.
· The marked-up camping ground sites seem to work effectively.
· A planting session with volunteers was organised on the banks near the boat ramp with good result.
· Vegetation clean-ups around the ramp area and The Moorings were conducted and both areas are significantly improved.
· Some Landscape Plan works were commenced from Albon St towards Hughes St and some progress was made, although there’s more to do.
· Works were commenced from Balcombe to Jamieson St and quite a lot of dead vegetation was removed.
· We’re awaiting an arborist to come and report on the risk and value of some dead trees along the foreshore track.
· A large grant application for work on the foreshop tracks was unsuccessful. However, the CoM is renewing some quotes and plan to begin some works as soon as possible.
· The CoM will explore an arrangement with Birdlife Australia for inspection of the birdboxes along the foreshore.
· The CoM had discussions with Bass Coast Council about management of the weeds along the new track along the Esplanade. Council is planning to spray the weeds and have requested that the area is left un-mowed until this is done. The CoM will contact Council again to move this along.
· An extra bin has been placed near the fish-cleaning tables to try to reduce the fish matter being thrown onto the rocks and reduce the associated smell.
· Enquires were made to DEECA about rabbit management with calicivirus and are ongoing.
· The online booking system appears to be working very nicely.
· The marked-up camping ground sites seem to work effectively.
· A planting session with volunteers was organised on the banks near the boat ramp with good result.
· Vegetation clean-ups around the ramp area and The Moorings were conducted and both areas are significantly improved.
· Some Landscape Plan works were commenced from Albon St towards Hughes St and some progress was made, although there’s more to do.
· Works were commenced from Balcombe to Jamieson St and quite a lot of dead vegetation was removed.
· We’re awaiting an arborist to come and report on the risk and value of some dead trees along the foreshore track.
· A large grant application for work on the foreshop tracks was unsuccessful. However, the CoM is renewing some quotes and plan to begin some works as soon as possible.
· The CoM will explore an arrangement with Birdlife Australia for inspection of the birdboxes along the foreshore.
· The CoM had discussions with Bass Coast Council about management of the weeds along the new track along the Esplanade. Council is planning to spray the weeds and have requested that the area is left un-mowed until this is done. The CoM will contact Council again to move this along.
· An extra bin has been placed near the fish-cleaning tables to try to reduce the fish matter being thrown onto the rocks and reduce the associated smell.
· Enquires were made to DEECA about rabbit management with calicivirus and are ongoing.
Notes from 29th April
· The Caravan Park (CP) Managers gave notice, so a search began for a replacement manager. Subsequently, Stephen Bolger was interviewed and appointed.
· An electronic booking system for Caravan Park bookings was investigated and implemented. Applicants must apply and pay online, and it is expected that this will streamline the whole booking process. There will be a site map online and the sites will be clearly marked in the grounds so people will know where to go.
· The CoM units in the CP have been tested and tagged for electrical safety.
· DEECA managers came to meet with the CoM, discuss the Landscape Plan and walk through the Reserve discussing the works that could be done. It was decided that some Level 1 clearing could start and that an arborist should be engaged to identify potentially dangerous trees which should be removed.
· Warning signs were ordered and installed at both ends of the loop track.
· Some CoM members cleared some of the overhanging vegetation on the track in the South Precinct.
· A contractor was organised to clean up the area near the boat ramp which now looks far better.
· The drainage from Sea Bliss again overwhelmed and damaged the path south of O’Connor Rd. The problem has been discussed with the developer and DEECA and the CoM will be advised on planned changes.
· An electronic booking system for Caravan Park bookings was investigated and implemented. Applicants must apply and pay online, and it is expected that this will streamline the whole booking process. There will be a site map online and the sites will be clearly marked in the grounds so people will know where to go.
· The CoM units in the CP have been tested and tagged for electrical safety.
· DEECA managers came to meet with the CoM, discuss the Landscape Plan and walk through the Reserve discussing the works that could be done. It was decided that some Level 1 clearing could start and that an arborist should be engaged to identify potentially dangerous trees which should be removed.
· Warning signs were ordered and installed at both ends of the loop track.
· Some CoM members cleared some of the overhanging vegetation on the track in the South Precinct.
· A contractor was organised to clean up the area near the boat ramp which now looks far better.
· The drainage from Sea Bliss again overwhelmed and damaged the path south of O’Connor Rd. The problem has been discussed with the developer and DEECA and the CoM will be advised on planned changes.
Illegal taking of Shellfish – what to do
The illegal taking of mono-valve shellfish (sea snails) is a problem we have from time to time at Corinella. Waters below the high water mark where these creatures live is under the control of Parks Victoria. There are signs prohibiting this activity erected at numerous access points around Corinella.
If you see people who appear to be taking sea snails illegally you should contact Victorian Fisheries on 136 3474. This is a 24 hr hotline to report illegal fishing.
If you see people who appear to be taking sea snails illegally you should contact Victorian Fisheries on 136 3474. This is a 24 hr hotline to report illegal fishing.
New Signs installed on Settlement Point.
Volunteer committee members have been installing new safety compliance signs at Settlement Point.
Snapshots from Committee meeting held on January 5th 2024
The CoM held its’ first face to face Meeting for some time with all members present.
The persisting rabbit problem was discussed and the CoM is to contact Bass Council to seek a joint solution to the problem.
A sub-committee will meet on site to ratify signage around the Reserve using the “National aquatic signage manual” as reference. The Loop track at Settlement Point may require additional signage pending cultural permission to upgrade the track which was applied for some time ago. It requires more care when traversing than the rest of the track.
Barriers highlighting some of the dangerous cliff edges have been installed with appropriate signage, however, there are many other potentially unstable areas and all track-users are advised to stay on the track and use the established lookout points.
To help alleviate fish smells from the fish cleaning tables at the Boat Ramp, Bass Council have agreed to install an extra bin. Requests for fishermen using the tables to put fish waste in the bins has been requested through the Corinella Boating and Angling Club and Social Media sites. Also new, extra signs have been placed at the tables.
Some additional security cameras covering boat trailer parking areas are to be installed this month.
We are waiting to hear from DEECA re starting dates for the implementation of the Landscape Plan.
Contractors were engaged for two days of track maintenance prior to Christmas and managed to check a considerable amount of the track.
The upgrade of the parking/picnic area at Oconnor Road has been completed thanks to Chris from “Sea Bliss”.
The persisting rabbit problem was discussed and the CoM is to contact Bass Council to seek a joint solution to the problem.
A sub-committee will meet on site to ratify signage around the Reserve using the “National aquatic signage manual” as reference. The Loop track at Settlement Point may require additional signage pending cultural permission to upgrade the track which was applied for some time ago. It requires more care when traversing than the rest of the track.
Barriers highlighting some of the dangerous cliff edges have been installed with appropriate signage, however, there are many other potentially unstable areas and all track-users are advised to stay on the track and use the established lookout points.
To help alleviate fish smells from the fish cleaning tables at the Boat Ramp, Bass Council have agreed to install an extra bin. Requests for fishermen using the tables to put fish waste in the bins has been requested through the Corinella Boating and Angling Club and Social Media sites. Also new, extra signs have been placed at the tables.
Some additional security cameras covering boat trailer parking areas are to be installed this month.
We are waiting to hear from DEECA re starting dates for the implementation of the Landscape Plan.
Contractors were engaged for two days of track maintenance prior to Christmas and managed to check a considerable amount of the track.
The upgrade of the parking/picnic area at Oconnor Road has been completed thanks to Chris from “Sea Bliss”.
Snapshots from Committee meeting held on 14th November 2023
• The risk management plan for the caravan park has been updated.
• The caravan park licence has been renewed.
• In response to some obvious tree vandalism, we prepared and distributed notices and erected a deterrence sign.
• Additional Cliff Hazard signs have been erected.
• The French Island Barge licence is in the process of being renewed.
•The Committee is working with Chris Hall from Sea Bliss and DEECA to finalise additional works at the O’Connor Rd picnic and parking area.
• Landcare has conducted weed spraying throughout the Reserve.
• Quotes were sought and received for the improvement of various sections of the track based on the surveying and engineering designs and a CPAR grant application ($150,000) was prepared and submitted.
• A request for permission from the Bunurong LC to improve the Settlement Point loop track was followed up but no response received at this time.
•The CoM contributed financially and some members were involved physically in the erection of bird boxes throughout the Reserve, a project organised by interested residents.
• The Landscape Plan should be released very soon. (UPDATE – Landscape Plan has been released).
• Some CoM participated in a Deakin University mangrove planting project beyond the Northern Precinct.
• A current Fire Risk Assessment Report has been forwarded to DEECA in consideration of the up coming fire season.
•Contractors will be on the Reserve mid December doing some cleanup along the track area for the fire season
• In discussion with council on modification to the bins at the fish cleaning station to reduce fish remains being disposed on the foreshore or in the water. Corinella Boating & Angling Club has been asked to request people using the cleaning tables to dispose of fish waste in the bins provided and not in the water. The area can become quite smelly and affects the residential area.
• The caravan park licence has been renewed.
• In response to some obvious tree vandalism, we prepared and distributed notices and erected a deterrence sign.
• Additional Cliff Hazard signs have been erected.
• The French Island Barge licence is in the process of being renewed.
•The Committee is working with Chris Hall from Sea Bliss and DEECA to finalise additional works at the O’Connor Rd picnic and parking area.
• Landcare has conducted weed spraying throughout the Reserve.
• Quotes were sought and received for the improvement of various sections of the track based on the surveying and engineering designs and a CPAR grant application ($150,000) was prepared and submitted.
• A request for permission from the Bunurong LC to improve the Settlement Point loop track was followed up but no response received at this time.
•The CoM contributed financially and some members were involved physically in the erection of bird boxes throughout the Reserve, a project organised by interested residents.
• The Landscape Plan should be released very soon. (UPDATE – Landscape Plan has been released).
• Some CoM participated in a Deakin University mangrove planting project beyond the Northern Precinct.
• A current Fire Risk Assessment Report has been forwarded to DEECA in consideration of the up coming fire season.
•Contractors will be on the Reserve mid December doing some cleanup along the track area for the fire season
• In discussion with council on modification to the bins at the fish cleaning station to reduce fish remains being disposed on the foreshore or in the water. Corinella Boating & Angling Club has been asked to request people using the cleaning tables to dispose of fish waste in the bins provided and not in the water. The area can become quite smelly and affects the residential area.
Destruction of Vegetation on the Reserve
It has come to the Foreshore Committee’s notice that further destruction of vegetation has occurred on the Corinella Foreshore Reserve opposite Albon Street. This has involved the cutting of heads out of several sheoak trees. The debris has then been either thrown over the cliff edge or hidden in nearby scrub. This type of behaviour cannot be tolerated and there are heavy penalties awaiting those caught doing this. The way the debris has been left will add to ground fuel in what promises to be bad fire season. These trees are adjacent to a stand of Blackwood trees that suffered the same fate a little while ago.
If you are the one doing this or you know who is, it needs to stop.
Any damage should be reported to Bass Coast Shire Council.
If you are the one doing this or you know who is, it needs to stop.
Any damage should be reported to Bass Coast Shire Council.
Snapshots from Committee meeting held on 26th September 2023
Walking track surveying & engineering.
The surveying has been completed and we expect the plans for the complete pathway shortly.
Replacement “you are here” information map signs have been ordered for around the track, as well as some new information/regulation signs at track entrances.
O’Connor Rd Parking/picnic area.
The Sea Bliss developer has provided plans for some additions to the carpark area to better delineate the picnic, walking track and carpark areas. These are with DEECA for approval.
DEECA walk-through
Pat Lambert and Tamika Lovett conducted a walk-through of the Reserve with some members of the COM to review the area before the up-coming summer and assess the appropriateness of the Landscape Plan, which is expected to be released within about 4-6 weeks.
Concerns with upcoming fire season.
The committee have contracted a specialist for an updated fire assessment for the foreshore and are awaiting the report.
Graffiti
Graffiti was reported at O’Connor Rd and at Settlement Point. (this has since been removed).
Installation of bird nesting boxes.
The idea of nesting boxes on the Reserve re-emerged after a resident requested permission to install and monitor some bird nesting boxes. The committee supports this initiative but needs to verify some legal and practical issues before approving the project.
Caravan Park.
An application has been made to renew the caravan park registration.
Cliff Monitoring.
There has been a significant rock fall from the cliff just south of Beach St.
New signs “Keep 5m from cliff” have been installed on both the northern and southern approach to this area as well as on the start of the cliff about 300m north of Beach St. heading towards Settlement Point.
A large crack in the cliff just south of Hughes St. is a potential fall area and the cliff becoming undercut (adjacent to the recent fall) just north of Hughes St. is another potential fall area.
The surveying has been completed and we expect the plans for the complete pathway shortly.
Replacement “you are here” information map signs have been ordered for around the track, as well as some new information/regulation signs at track entrances.
O’Connor Rd Parking/picnic area.
The Sea Bliss developer has provided plans for some additions to the carpark area to better delineate the picnic, walking track and carpark areas. These are with DEECA for approval.
DEECA walk-through
Pat Lambert and Tamika Lovett conducted a walk-through of the Reserve with some members of the COM to review the area before the up-coming summer and assess the appropriateness of the Landscape Plan, which is expected to be released within about 4-6 weeks.
Concerns with upcoming fire season.
The committee have contracted a specialist for an updated fire assessment for the foreshore and are awaiting the report.
Graffiti
Graffiti was reported at O’Connor Rd and at Settlement Point. (this has since been removed).
Installation of bird nesting boxes.
The idea of nesting boxes on the Reserve re-emerged after a resident requested permission to install and monitor some bird nesting boxes. The committee supports this initiative but needs to verify some legal and practical issues before approving the project.
Caravan Park.
An application has been made to renew the caravan park registration.
Cliff Monitoring.
There has been a significant rock fall from the cliff just south of Beach St.
New signs “Keep 5m from cliff” have been installed on both the northern and southern approach to this area as well as on the start of the cliff about 300m north of Beach St. heading towards Settlement Point.
A large crack in the cliff just south of Hughes St. is a potential fall area and the cliff becoming undercut (adjacent to the recent fall) just north of Hughes St. is another potential fall area.
Snapshots from Committee meeting held on 22nd August 2023
The DEECA approved path from Seabliss estate to foreshore track has been completed by the contractor.
Preparations for the upcoming fire season are in progress.
Design plans are progressing for walking track upgrades which will progressively be done as appropriate grants can be sought.
“Dogs off leash” sign south of Beach St steps is being re-established by Bass Coast Council after it was washed out by storm tides.
Extra cliff warning signs are ready to be installed on the “Dogs off leash” sign.
Discussions continuing with Bunurong about improving the surface of the Loop Track to Settlement Point stairs.
French Island barge contract is being updated.
Plans for a big fishing competition by the Corinella Boating and Angling Club on cup weekend are being considered.
Preparations for the upcoming fire season are in progress.
Design plans are progressing for walking track upgrades which will progressively be done as appropriate grants can be sought.
“Dogs off leash” sign south of Beach St steps is being re-established by Bass Coast Council after it was washed out by storm tides.
Extra cliff warning signs are ready to be installed on the “Dogs off leash” sign.
Discussions continuing with Bunurong about improving the surface of the Loop Track to Settlement Point stairs.
French Island barge contract is being updated.
Plans for a big fishing competition by the Corinella Boating and Angling Club on cup weekend are being considered.
Snapshots from Committee meeting held on 11th July 2023
Secretary to Contact Melbourne Water for advice on trees planted in the vicinity of drainage courses.
Considering options, approvals and funding to repair the Settlement Point loop track which provides access to the new Settlement Point stairs down to the rock shelf.
O’Connor Rd picnic area re-development has been completed in line with the DEECA approved plans.
CoM has approved the application for a gravel path from the Seabliss estate to the foreshore track. Proposal is with DEECA for final approval.
CoM has approved new version of volunteer work record sheets to align with the updated volunteer agreed tasks documents.
A contractor will be spraying various part of the walking track and foreshore in the near future.
There are 2 areas of possible cliff collapse, that have been marked with “Danger” tape. One is just north of the Hughes St viewing platform and the other is a little south of that viewing platform. Please keep at least 5 meters from both cliff areas. Further warning signage has been ordered.
Considering options, approvals and funding to repair the Settlement Point loop track which provides access to the new Settlement Point stairs down to the rock shelf.
O’Connor Rd picnic area re-development has been completed in line with the DEECA approved plans.
CoM has approved the application for a gravel path from the Seabliss estate to the foreshore track. Proposal is with DEECA for final approval.
CoM has approved new version of volunteer work record sheets to align with the updated volunteer agreed tasks documents.
A contractor will be spraying various part of the walking track and foreshore in the near future.
There are 2 areas of possible cliff collapse, that have been marked with “Danger” tape. One is just north of the Hughes St viewing platform and the other is a little south of that viewing platform. Please keep at least 5 meters from both cliff areas. Further warning signage has been ordered.
Bass Coast Council has been contacted to re-establish the “Dogs off leash” sign below the Hughes St viewing platform that was again displaced by the recent high tides.
Some maintenance has been completed on the boat ramp finger jetties. “Whale Nursery” signs have been placed on the finger jetties.
Snapshots from the committee meeting 30/5/2023
Morton Bay fig trees at the caravan park have been injected to treat the Psyllid bug.
Repairs to finger jetty:
- Replace 18 fenders and 3 ladders
- Re-fix timber stair treads
- Re-fix loose deck timbers and remove protruding screws
- Re-new white paint
- Wash table – remove timber housing for redundant hose
Replacement for damaged grab rail at boat ramp is in production.
Part of Esplanade kikuyu has been sprayed, waiting to see result.
Noted: large amount of oxalis weeds from O’Connor Rd to the bridge in the southern precinct.
Landcare to spray weeds on northern precinct.
Fees for caravan park to rise from July 1st.
Volunteer task sheets have been updated to include some requirements from DEECA and will be progressively rolled out to all volunteers.
The developer of the Seabliss Estate, at his own cost, is re-developing the carparking area at the end of O’Connor Rd including planting coastal banksias and bollard fencing.
The Bunny Sheriff has laid baited carrots along the foreshore reserve to try to reduce rabbit numbers.
Settlement Point stairs to rock platform are complete with the addition of the sign for recognition of the First Nation Bunurong people.
Surveying of the walking track has been completed, waiting on engineering details for drainage.
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Minister Visits New Foreshore Access Stair
Minister Visits New Foreshore Access StairOn Wednesday March 15 Foreshore Committee Members David Laing and Jim Woods met with the Minister for Planning and Outdoor Recreation, Sonya Kilkenny, our local Member Jordan Crugnale MP, Chris Padovani from the Victorian Fisheries Authority and Minister Kilkenny’s personal assistant Oscar. They were following up on the final grant money allocated to the Foreshore Committee whch allowed for the final stage of the Settlement Point Stair Access to be completed (Floating Boardwalk). The Minister also inspected the Lookout area and could see the erosion first hand. The party also took the opportunity to check out our Caravan Park and Boat Ramp facilities.
The floating boardwalk was the culmination of the stairway project which was the work of three consecutive Committee's of Management involving past and present members.
Funding for this project was provided by Victorian Fisheries Authority.
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Foreshore Highlights Newsletter
Community News Archive
Settlement Point Stairs
The stairs with a floating boardwalk at Settlement Point giving access to the bottom of the cliff for walkers and land based fishermen has been completed. Discussion is taking place for appropriate Cultural Heritage interpretive signage to be displayed. We ask that you be aware that this is a culturally sensitive area so please keep to the walkway and formed tracks.
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A mower strip access to the cliff edge has been created opposite Palmer Street despite a warning sign for unstable cliffs . This was not done or sanctioned by the Foreshore Committee. The cliff edge at this point is undercut and very dangerous as the photos show. Please for your own safety stay clear of the cliff edge.
Kids as Catalyst
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The program has been completed for this year with a great outcome for the kids and the committee. Barbara Oates was given a Certificate of Appreciation for her work with the kids.
Kids as Catalysts is an award-winning creative learning program that equips children aged 8-12 with real world experience in leading positive community change. Congratulations Barb on your involvement in this worthy program. |
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