Welcome to the July edition of Coast News 
In this edition:
Fishermans Beach construction launched
Mr Damian Drum, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development joinedthe Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) in June to launch the construction phase of the Fishermans Beach Redevelopment.
The event marked a major milestone in the development of the much anticipated, $2.8M project, which will deliver improved access to the precinct, community facilities such as new toilets, a kiosk and meeting rooms and new facilities for the Torquay Angling Club and Torquay Marine Rescue Service (TMRS).
The new, purpose built, secure TMRS building will be a two-storey structure that includes an emergency control and communications room on the top floor. The control room will be decked out with radios and second radar on the top floor which we can use to train members and observe smaller vessels in the area.
GORCC acknowledges the support of funding partners Regional Development Victoria, the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Surf Coast Shire.
For project news, updates and further information, visit Fishermans Beach Redevelopment Project page on the GORCC website.
Environmental Education Program launched
Opportunities for schools and groups to learn about and care for coastal environments are being offered for free through the GORCC's new Environmental Education and Activities Program.
The program is aimed at offering learning opportunities which will equip participants with the knowledge and skills to better understand, respect, protect and enhance their beautiful coastal surroundings.
A range participation options are offered, ranging from from hands on activities to interactive presentations and the program caters for a range of ages, skills and requirements.
Activities are led by the Committee’s experienced Conservation Team, and have been set up through funding from the Australian Government’s Caring for our Country program.
The funding has also allowed for the development of educational resources which will be made available online and will include fact sheets, web clips, games, puzzles, activities, lesson ideas and more. These resources will be made available by the end of the year.
The Environmental Education and Activities Program is being offered to groups of 10 or more and includes all equipment. For more information about the program or to register your school or group, visit the Environmental Education and Activities Program page on our website.
Pool heating not proceeding.
GORCC has announced that the heating of the Lorne Pool will not proceed following a full review of the options available.
After 3 years of working to achieve the heating of the pool and despite extensive planning and carrying out design works since last July, GORCC has regretfully announced that all avenues in attempting to realise the project have been exhausted.
The project was found to be unviable after it was determined that project building costs would exceed budget and that adequate funding could not be secured to run the heated pool, which was identified as as a significant expense.
It was also found that the cost of managing the pool, estimated at a minimum of $90,000 a year, would be most likely commercially unviable, and a commercial operator for this task had not been identified.
Additionally, it was determined that running the pool would attract a substantial commercial risk, which GORCC was not in a financial position to bear. To date, GORCC has developed funding applications, expended over $75,000, and worked closely with the Lorne Aquatic Project community team in an attempt to realise the project.
“We understand that the Lorne community, which has shown great support for this project, will be disappointed and we too are disappointed that it cannot proceed," said Committee CEO Richard Davies.
Community members interested in more information about the decision are also invited to attend a community briefing session scheduled by GORCC for 14th July 2011 at 5.30pm at Figtree House. GORCC CEO Richard Davies will be in attendance to discuss the decision and answer any questions regarding the project.
For further information, access the full media release here.
Fairhaven Ramp to be demolished
GORCC is demolishing a section of the Fairhaven Beach Access Ramp in the interests of public safety after it was damaged by recent high tide s.
Permanent barriers have been erected around the area to restrict public access but the beach is still accessible via another nearby ramp.
GORCC is working with the Department of Sustainability and Environment and the Fairhaven Surf Life Saving Club and considering options to reinstate beach access at the site.
Erosion of sandy shores by high tides and seas is a natural process that affected the entire coastline. Particularly high tides occur a few times a year and generally in winter, resulting in shoreline erosion right along the coastline.
GORCC regularly monitors coastal infrastructure to ensure it is safe for public use, and is currently undertaking a study into coastal processes and the likely affects of climate change on the local coast.
Read the full media release here.
Kiosk construction begins
Construction of the new kiosk on Torquay’s main surf beach is underway following GORCC awarding the construction tender to Torquay Homes Pty Ltd.
The kiosk is being built to enhance beachgoers' enjoyment of Torquay's most popular beach, and cater for increasing demand for coastal recreation facilities
The kiosk will feature an outdoor seating area overlooking the beach and will be constructed from steel sheeting recycled from flood mitigation sites on the Murray River.
The new kiosk is one of the priorities set out under GORCC's Community and Tourism Facilities Project as part of a plan to deliver new public facilities at Torquay’s main surf beach, and follows the refurbishment of the Surf Beach Toilet Block.
The construction of the kiosk will occur in conjunction with the refurbishment of the existing green dressing shed building.
The Community and Tourism Facilities project forms part of the Great Ocean Road Renewal program ‐ a three‐year, $1.35 million program ‐ which will deliver four discrete projects each benefiting the region and the community in different ways and is supported by funding from the Australian Government.
For more information visit the Great Ocean Road Renewal Program Page or Project Updates Page.
Beachgoers warned to take care: unstable ‘sand cliffs’ 
Beachgoersa are being warned that areas of coastal shoreline erosion have created unstable ‘sand cliffs’ which can collapse.
Erosion is a natural process that has been intensified following recent high tides and waves, and has affected large areas of the coast.
Many areas are affected and examples of unstable cliffs can be found at Fishermans and Whites Beach, Point Roadknight, Fairhaven and opposite Aquila Avenue in Torquay.
Parents are advised that children in particular should be prevented from playing or digging in the cliffs, which could be attractive places to play for children.
Vertical sand cliffs are inherently unstable, and while they currently pose a risk they will naturally settle to more stable slopes.
GORCC monitors erosion along the coast and is undertaking a study into coastal processes and the likely affects of climate change on the coast which will assist in planning future mitigation strategies.
Read the full media release here.
Erosion closes beach access at O’Donohue’s
The access stairs to the popular beach at the O’Donohue Road car park, close to Anglesea have been closed following severe erosion from the recent high tides and large storm swells.
Park Victoria Ranger in Charge, Frank Gleeson says the stairs have been closed following a safety inspection by an engineer.
“The engineer found the dunes on which the stairs are built have been severely undermined and because they are in danger of collapsing, they are a safety hazard,”
Mr Gleeson said. “People should stay well away from the stairs.”
“There has been a combination of king tides, heavy rainfall and large swells over the past few months, and these have contributed to erosion right along our beaches,” he added.
Parks Victoria and GORCC manage the area and are working with the Department of Sustainability and Environment to find alternative reinstate safe public access to the beach at O’Donohue Road.
See the full media release here.
Joint force protects Anglesea Moonah Woodlands
Anglesea Coast Action (ACA ) has joined forces with other coastal volunteer groups, students, a local business and local land managers to protect threatened Coastal Moonah Woodlands.
The work is focused on the sand dunes at Main Beach Anglesea, and is necessary protect n earby Moonah Woodlands from the devastating impact of environmental weeds.
“Birds transfer seeds via their droppings into the woodland and the weeds then grow, eventually taking over the area by sucking all the moisture out of the soil and killing the Moonah trees,” says ACA president Carl Rayner.
Year nine students from St Bernard’s Catholic Boys College in Essendon assist ACA in their conservation work each year. The project is an outdoor education experience for students and for some it is their first experience of the coastal environment.
GORCC's Conservation Team organises the mulching of cut vegetation after working bees, which is then recycled for use at the time of planting.
Once the site has been prepared, the Torquay Landcare Group facilitates approximately 40 staff volunteers from Quicksilver to plant 1500 indigenous plants in one day. The Quiksilver Foundation has sponsored Torquay Landcare in the group's re-vegetation projects for four years.
This story was featured as part of the fortnightly 'Going Green Column' in the Surf Coast Times
Read the full story here on the Great Ocean Road Coast Blog
Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park announces new facebook page and package deals.
The Torquay Foreshore Caravan Park has joined the online revolution and has a new Facebook page.
Campers can 'like' the page to recieve updates from the park - everything from news and specials to fishing and weather updates is included. Access the page here to get on board!
The park has also just released some great new package deals to suit families and couples alike.
Romantic Get Away Package
(Valid 1/08/11 – 1/11/11)
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2 Nights Accommodation in Seaview Cabin, late check out (Stay mid week get 3rd night free)
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Bottle off Wine and chocolates on arrival
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Couples mass-‘ah’-ge in a double room @ Endota Spa (A customised massage prompts muscles to release stress, toxins and tension. Scented with your choice of endota oil blends. + a Soak on the side;Looking for something a little extra on the side? Land yourself in hot water... or soak with your partner).
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2 x Dinner at Torquay Hotel
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2 x Breakfast at local bakery
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Total $560.00
Family Escape
(Valid 1/08/11 – 1/11/11)
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2 nights Accommodation in 3 br Seaview (Stay mid week get 3rd night free)
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Discount learn to surf for 2 children
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Discount access to Surf Coast Museum (2A & 2C)
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Discounted entry to The Rock Adventure Centre (2A & 2C)
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2 x Meals @ Torquay Hotel 2A & 2C
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Total $650.00
Great Ocean Road Renewal Renewal Program on track
A 12 month review against actions and targets GORCC established at the beginning of the Great Ocean Road Renewal program has found that significant advances have been made in all four projects.
The Natural Values Project continues to progress with over half of the targets now met and most of the remaining targets in progress and on track for completion by the end of the project (end of year two).
Over 108 hectares of important coastal habitat has been subject to major weed removal works, while over 3.3 Ha has been intensively rehabilitated. Notable progress has been made with:
• Prevention of new and emerging weed threats (such as preventing the colonisation of Sea Spurge along the Great Ocean Road Coast).
• Removal of weeds from high value native vegetation. (e.g. removal of Polygala, Boneseed, Italian Buckthorn in Point Roadknight Moonah woodland areas)
• Intensive restoration and rehabilitation of selected highly degraded areas
• Communication of conservation strategies and approaches to stakeholders and the wider community, through various sources including the print media, the web, onsite signs and local television.
• Strengthening partnerships with coastal conservation groups.
The Conservation Team has been present at the majority of community working bees during the first year of the project, providing expert advice, skills, professional equipment and extra hands. The team has provided over 1,000 hours of assistance at volunteer group conservation activities in the project’s first year. They have also provided at least $20,000 worth of plant and equipment use free of charge to volunteer groups.
The Cultural Values Project is also going to plan with the project-funded Aboriginal Heritage Conservation Manual nearing completion. The manual will provide a comprehensive assemblage of cultural heritage information as well as conservation strategies and priorities – including strategies for involving Aboriginal people in heritage conservation and interpretation.
The project has included ground surveys, mapping, interviews and fieldwork with representatives of Aboriginal groups, radiocarbon dating of selected highly significant sites, cataloguing of found material and the compilation of cultural heritage information for use in interpretation and education.
The Coastal Climate Change Vulnerability and Adaptation Project assesses the potential risks of climate change to coastal reserves between Torquay and Lorne – and to develop and initiate adaptation strategies. The final report is almost complete and already the project is providing valuable insights into local-scale risks and management options
The Community and Tourism Facilities project is also steaming ahead as the construction of the new Torquay Surf Beach kiosk begins (see above).
For more information, photos and updates visit the Great Ocean Road Renewal Program Page here.
Surf Coast Walk Update
The Surf Coast Walk Redevelopment Project is on track, with work on a new section of the walk between Deep Creek and Yellow Bluff in Torquay now underway.
The Surf Coast Walk construction program has moved on to some new track works in Torquay (Deep Creek to Yellow Bluff).
Contractors World Trail will be building the pathway which runs through grassy open space and will have a compacted gravel surface. The pathway will be designed for shared use and will provide a family-friendly, off-road route to complement the new bicycle lanes being created by the Surf Coast Shire along the Esplanade.
The path will be completed in about five weeks time. A temporary pathway will provide access around the Fishermans Beach project site until the permanent track can be integrated into the redeveloped Fishermans Beach and boat ramp precinct.
This work will be followed by the Reserve Road to Painkalac Creek bridge in Aireys Inlet (along Inlet Cres and the Great Ocean Road).
There are currently no works taking place on existing sections of the track.
The Surf Coast Walk Redevelopment Project is a joint project between the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee , Surf Coast Shire and Parks Victoria, with sponsorship from Regional Development Victoria.
For more information, including news, updates and photos, check out the Surf Coast Walk Project page and the Project Updates page.
From whales to woodlands - latest blog entries
Joint force protects threatened woodlands: Anglesea Coast Action (ACA ) has joined forces with other coastal volunteer groups, students, a local business and local land managers to protect threatened Coastal Moonah Woodlands.
Whale watching season underway: The 2011 season for Southern Right whales has commenced and the majestic creatures can now be spotted gliding along the southern coastline.
New network to protect the Otways: Community conservation groups and natural resource management agencies are uniting in a mission to protect and enhance biodiversity in the Otways.
Fighting furry ferals: Rabbits in the region are on the rise as the problematic pests gorge themselves on an abundance of lush feed following a wet summer.
Other news and events
Sustainability Victoria is running its Green House Games Program again for 2011. The program rewards workplaces, schools, clubs and community groups that help households within their towns make a difference with the opportunity to earning prizes and money (up to $4000). The challenge starts Monday the 25th. To register your group or for more information just go their website at http://www.greenhousegames.vic.gov.au/ or please contact the helpful crew at ghghhelp@sustainability.vic.gov.au.
Love Lorne is presenting the Festival of Performing Arts from 9-11 September 2011. Come along and transport yourself to a bygone era of music, bulesque, circus, dance, exhibitions and poetry. For ticketing, visit www.lovelorne.com
The BP Vouchers for Volunteers Programme is here with a total funding pool of $250,000. The programme rewards the actions of Australian Volunteers with fuel vouchers.If you're a not-for-profit volunteer and you use a vehicle to undertake your volunteering activities, you are eligible.b Applications close 17 July. Further Information can be found at http://www.bp.com/sectiongenericarticle.do?categoryId=9037532&contentId=7069023 or Email: bp@sponsorshipunit.com.au
For more information about the information contained in this website, GORCC's work or the coast in general, visit our website www.gorcc.com.au, call us on (03) 5220 5055 or email info@gorcc.com.au. See you next edition!
The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee is appointed by the Victorian Government to manage 37 kilometres of Crown land foreshore reserves along the Great Ocean Road between Torquay and Lorne. We are a small community-based, not-for-profit organisation comprising 12 voluntary committee members and around 30 staff and we want everyone to love, protect and enjoy our beautiful coast as much as we do!
Our work includes the protection of natural and cultural values along the coast, operation and maintenance of coastal assets, infrastructure and facilities, and the running of caravan parks in Torquay and Lorne. Great Ocean Road Coast News is produced monthly to keep you informed about our work and coastal news and issues in general.
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