Welcome to July Coast News
In this edition:
For more information on GORCC including our news and project updates, visit www.gorcc.com.au.
You are invited to have your say as part of the second stage of consultation for the Erskine River Precinct Masterplanning process.
Erskine River Precinct Masterplan - Survey open
As part of the second stage of consultation for this planning process the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) is now seeking feedback on an ‘Issues and Opportunities Summary’. View the Issues and Opportunities Summary.
The Issues and Opportunities Summary is also available for viewing at the GORCC office (35 Bell Street, Torquay) and the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park Office (2 Great Ocean Road, Lorne).
Have your say: Begin the survey.
Hard copies of the survey are available at the GORCC office (35 Bell Street, Torquay) and the Lorne Foreshore Caravan Park Office (2 Great Ocean Road, Lorne) and on request. The survey closes midnight, Sunday 28 July.
Alternatively, submissions can be posted to GORCC (PO Box 53, Torquay Vic 3228). For more information, visit the Erskine River Precinct Master plan Project Page.
The Lorne Swing bridge is set to undergo remedial work following a structural investigation.
Lorne Swing Bridge Update
The Lorne Swing Bridge is temporarily closed as GORCC prepares to undertake remedial work on the east tower foundations, and the ageing deck and handrails. GORCC recognises how important this iconic bridge is to Lorne and will endeavour to complete the work before peak season 2013.
An inspection of the foundations was carried out in May and it has been determined that work must take place to ensure the bridge is safe and secured for the future. The remedial work to both the foundations and the deck and handrails will commence once funding has been secured.
The work is expected to come at a significant cost. GORCC has allocated funds to the project in the 2013/2014 budget and is working to secure further funding support to complete the restoration.
Latest news:
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The engineering study conducted in May showed that the eastern (or kiosk side) abutment needs to be re-built along with a new supporting tower.
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It has also been identified that there are some lesser remedial works needed on the Great Ocean Road side abutment.
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So far, 12 companies have expressed interest in the works so we are confident of an acceptable provider being nominated.
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Technical designs for this work are now complete and tenders have been called for the decking and handrail replacement, plus a separate tender for the abutment structures work.
Learn more about the Lorne Swing Bridge works.
Sign up to receive project updates via email or post.
Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos, GORCC CEO Richard Davies and Torquay Bowls Club Chairman Des Bruhn on site.
Torquay Bowls Club Construction
Major works to redevelop the Torquay Bowling Club (TBC) are set to commence with the contract awarded to Geelong based company Lyons Construction recently. Local firm, Insite Architects, Project Designers will act as superintendent of the works on behalf of the TBC.
Member for South Barwon Andrew Katos said the redevelopment, which is funded by a $1.5 million State Government grant, was expected to be completed by February 2014.
“Following a positive community response which indicated widespread support for the draft plan, the final plan has been approved, the contract has been awarded and we are now set for the construction phase.
“The redevelopment will meet the needs of not only the rapidly growing club but also the wider community and is a significant investment into the future of this region,” he said.
View the full media release.
Learn more about the Torquay Bowls Club Redevelopment.
This innocent looking plant is causing havoc on the coast.
Pretty little menace
A pretty perennial which features in many private gardens is invading coastal environments and proving that looks can be deceiving.
The Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) is a popular garden plant that features salmon pink or orange flowers and is available for purchase at a wide range of garden centres and nurseries. It’s therefore not surprising that many coastal residents don’t realise they are harbouring a noxious weed on their property.
Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) Conservation Office Georgie Beale said the Cape Tulip, which grows from a bulb, is a particular problem in the Aireys Inlet area. “This noxious weeds competes with and replaces indigenous species that provide habitat for native fauna by restricting their growth and regeneration.”
Ms. Beale encouraged landholders on the coast to identify the Cape Tulip and remove it from their garden. “Small, isolated pockets can be dug up and disposed of, however large areas may need spraying,” she said.
Read the full story on our blog.
Learn more about weeds on the coast – download Environmental Weeds Invaders of the Surf Coast Shire.
Visit GORCC’s website for more information on weeds.
Discover environmental volunteering on the coast.
The Birdlife Australia beach nesting bird team (L-R) Renee Mead, Meg Cullen and Grainne Maguire.
Conference for hoodie conservation
Current and future strategies for the protection of the endangered Hooded Plover were discussed at the Third National Beach Nesting Birds conference this month.
BirdLife Australia’s national conference attracted 150 attendees over two days and was held on 14 and 15 June in Queenscliff. BirdLife Australia’s beach nesting birds program manager Grainne Maguire said the event featured a range of new speakers and provided inspiration and new ideas to volunteers and land managers.
“We covered a whole range of topics ranging from research to new methods for protecting the birds and an overview on how the program has progressed over time. This included insights into the birds’ movements and life histories which have been revealed through our banding activities,” she said.
Hooded Plovers are endangered in Victoria and GORCC works closely with BirdLife Australia and volunteers to ensure their survival on our local beaches.
Read the full story on our blog
Become a Hooded Plover Volunteer Monitor.
Learn more about how you can help to protect Hooded Plovers.
The Bellbrae Station under costruction. The station is due for completion next week.
Bellbrae to vote on new CFA Fire Brigade
After six years of planning, on Monday 29 July, the Bellbrae community are invited to vote on whether to form a stand-alone Fire Brigade in Bellbrae.
The process involves two key meetings:
Meeting 1: Monday 29 July, 7:00pm-8:30pm, Bellbrae Fire Station at 80 Schools Road, Bellbrae
Members of the Bellbrae community (age 18 and up) are invited to vote for or against the formation of a Fire Brigade in Bellbrae and apply to be a future member of the new Fire Brigade. People to perform a variety of operational and non-operational roles are required.
Meeting 2: Monday 12 August, 7:00pm-8:30pm, Bellbrae Fire Station at 80 Schools Road, Bellbrae
A second meeting is held for future brigade members, to nominate and elect people to fill key brigade management roles such as Captain, three Lieutenants, Secretary and Treasurer.
The heart of any brigade is the community who run it. A very exciting time for the Bellbrae community!
To express an interest in joining either the Bellbrae or Torquay Fire Brigade contact Phil Campbell - 0414 614 577 or email a.vorvis@cfa.vic.gov.au
