SCIENTISTS predict the large number of small King George whiting entering Port Phillip and Western Port bays will be “catchable” by spring 2018. The whiting larvae drift eastward from spawning grounds off far western Victoria and eastern South Australia for about three months before entering the bays and estuaries in spring. Studies of whiting living in seagrass beds in Port Phillip have shown they stay about four years before heading back out to sea. “Westerly winds help drive the currents that bring the whiting larvae into the bay, where they take about two years to reach the legal minimum size…
Day: March 21, 2017
THE director of McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park has resigned and the trustees of McClelland Gallery and Sculpture Park will meet artists previously told to vacate premises to review leases at Studio Park, Langwarrin. Gallery director John Cunningham met representatives of artists’ guilds in February to advise the guilds that their leases would not be renewed in June (“Artists left without studios”, The News 7/3/17). Gallery deputy director Lyn Johnson confirmed director John Cunningham’s exit. “The trustees are currently reviewing the matter of the tenancy of the guilds and this was communicated to the guilds last week,” Ms Johnson said in a…
THE long term operation and safety of Tyabb airfield is being scrutinised as part of the preparation of a precinct plan by Mornington Peninsula Shire. “Council recognises that the airfield and the surrounding areas require careful consideration and the development of a policy and planning framework to provide for the long term operation of the airfield while protecting the safety and amenity of residents,” shire strategic projects manager Allan Cowley said. As well as making written submissions residents can attend three drop-in sessions being organised with consultants hire by the shire, Kneebush Planning and Arcadis. Mr Cowley said that “as…
MORNINGTON Peninsula horticulturalist Lisa Brassington knows that crops and ducks sometimes don’t mix, but the crafty inventor has come up with a simple solution to the problem that leaves both unharmed. Ms Brassington, who works at Peninsula Fresh Organics in Baxter, has spent the past three years watching ducks shift from foraging for insects to organic leafy green produce as they take advantage of what she calls “the best buffet in Baxter”. Wanting a solution that would save crops without hurting the ducks, she combined her education in rural planning and physics with her love of farming to come up…
THE state government is promising strict contract conditions to ensure a reliable ferry service from Stony Point to French and Phillip islands. Public Transport Victoria is offering a five-year contract for the service with a five-year extension option. The current contract ends in June and tenders for the contract close 5 April, with the successful applicant expected to be announced in May. “The Western Port ferry service provides an important service for the communities of French Island, Phillip Island and Stony Point,” executive director of franchise operator management at PTV Alan Fedda said. “PTV understands the importance of public transport…