News archive

The committee gratefully acknowledges  the Anglesea And District Community Bank Branch of the Bendigo Bank‘s generous sponsorship of the “Roaming Reptiles” appearance at the Wildflower Weekend & Art Show.

Did you know that Grass Trees Park, 1430 Surf Coast Highway, Torquay was once a nightsoil site? Trust for Nature is inviting people to join them for a presentation and guided walk around this revitalised habitat, which is now a Community Parkland, on Sunday 14 October  between 11.00 a.m. and 4.00 p.m. The 25 hectare site is proudly managed  for conservation and the local community by the Surf Coast Shire.  RSVP: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Helen Tutt

Sedges, Rushes and Grasses Workshop

There are still a few places available for the Sedges, Rushes and Grasses Workshop. As advertised Geoff Carr will lead us in the study, over two days, into identifying monocotyledons in our region on Thursday 1 and Friday 2 November. It is free but there are only a few places remaining. Ring Bill on 52633673 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Bill Mckellar

Report on DSE Regional Fire Operations Meeting held on August 17

This meeting, at times very complex, outlined DSE’s approach to planning where and what to burn in the Otway National Park. They are required to burn about 7000 hectares this year.

The sites are governed by the need to protect people and communities, infrastructure, and biodiversity. For further information about the sites please refer to the plan for the next 5 years on the table in the ANGAIR Office. Where it is required to protect communities the Department will have smaller dense burns around townships, the burns will usually be in the spring and about each 6 years. The larger burns, often mosaic, will be in autumn. These burns will be less frequent.

The conservationists at the meeting were concerned about the loss of fauna and flora, particularly kolas. The Department acknowledged this problem hence the mosaic burns. Research is being done by two units, one from the University of Melbourne, looking at the effects of burns on biodiversity.

We pointed out that the knowledge of regional voluntary groups about rare and endangered species was poorly considered in that contractors doing the burns either don’t listen or aren’t told about the need to protect certain areas. DSE agreed to put in place improved communications and mapping.