SFA Newsletter September 2019

Email: [email protected]
Website: http://sandringhamforeshore.tumblr.com/

Patrons of SFA:
Professor Tim Flannery
former resident of Sandringham and Australian of the Year 2007
Professor John Long
Professor of Palaeontology, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Flinders University

SFA is free to join. Donations are appreciated for Bayside Fossil research
directly to Museums Victoria The Lost World of Bayside Fossils
using this link:
Museums Victoria Bayside Fossil Fundraiser
(100% tax deductible donation).

"We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the waters and lands on which we live
and work, and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present”
From the president of SFA, Dr Vicki Karalis AM

Dear Friends and Members of the SFA,

We hope you enjoy reading the September 2019
newsletter which includes:

• Images of the exciting fossil event held on 14th

September 2019 hosted by the BESS and
MESAC featuring Ben Francischelli and James
Rule PhD. Both Ben and James are junior
palaeontologists with Museums Victoria with a
particular interest in the Bayside fossils. They
both gave excellent lectures updating us on the
new fossils discovered in Bayside!
• An invitation to join our enthusiastic team of SFA
committee members - just email us with your CV
and a short paragraph to tell us why you are
interested in joining our committee:
[email protected]
• Slight amendment to SFA's Objectives and
Aims. We are grateful to Rob Gell AM for his
feedback, assistance, wisdom and guidance.
• Protecting Urban Waterways Seminar
on Thursday 19th September at 10am.
• Your opportunity to have your say on new
Victorian Environmental Laws.
• Dredging "black sludge" at Sandringham
Harbour - a joint community win! Updated by
Parks Victoria.
• Inspiring new Indigenous Artwork in
 Sandringham.
• Feature articles on restoring shellfish reefs back
into Port Phillip Bay and a new Reef being
formed at Brighton beach!
• Great reads about Reef Watch and Victorian's
marine environment.
• Photos of the new public signage placed at the
Beaumaris Bay fossil site with a special visit by
Dr Erich Fitzgerald and Murray Orr on site to
inspect the new sign. The sign warns the public
that excavation and digging of the cliffs can incur
penalties of up to $10,000.
• How to identify Marine Pests in Port Phillip Bay.
• Bayside Beach Patrol - how you can get more
involved to help keep our beaches clean.
• Another beautiful image of the Sandringham
beach supplied by local professional
photographer Peter Hyatt!

The Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron (BMYS) are

celebrating their 60th Birthday on Sunday October 13th
2019 and are extending a warm welcome invitation to the
wider community to join them in their celebration. Please
come and support the BMYS. See the BMYS website for
more details.

BESS MESAC Fossil Expo Saturday 14th September at BMYS.

Nearly 200 people attended the event.
Inviting new Committee Members of the SFA

Hello Readers.
Sandringham Foreshore is looking for new committee members. If you are interested
in joining our enthusiastic and motivated team to share ideas and help with our
objectives, please contact Dr Vicki Karalis
by email: [email protected] and include a CV and short
paragraph telling us why you are interested in joining us.
SFA updated Objectives and Aims.

1. to sustain our Sandringham Foreshore and neighbouring Bayside beaches

2. to preserve its natural beauty and aesthetic value
3. to monitor cliff erosion and beaches for sand loss particularly with sea level rise
4. to facilitate remediation of cliffs and beaches where possible
5. to maintain healthy clean beaches and cliff
6. to conserve native wildlife i.e. marine life, flora and fauna
7. to ensure a "sense of place"
8. to ensure archaeological and cultural sites are preserved
9. to conserve cultural values
........... for all ages and future generations to enjoy.

Protecting Urban Waterways Seminar

Thursday 19th September 10am
Learn about how to better protect your waterway from the wrong sort of development.
Urban waterways are being squeezed by the urbanisation and developments along
creeks and rivers. One tool to help protect our waterways is the Planning System.
The Yarra Riverkeeper commissioned a report from leading urban planner Ethos
Urban on how to better protect our urban waterways from inappropriate development,
thanks to funding from the Lord Mayor's Charitable Foundation.
The seminar, delivered by leading experts, explains how the planning system works,
the meaning of the special language of planning, and provides tools to help you make
better submissions and challenge inappropriate development. The seminar
introduces the Ethos Urban report Protecting Urban Waterways. a tool that should be
in every community groups library.
The seminar will be held at the Hawthorn Arts Centre, 360 Burwood Road, Hawthorn,
VIC 3122 and will commence at 10am and end at 1pm. The seminar is free, but you
must register here.

"Have Your Say" - New Environmental Laws

On 1 July 2020, the amended Environment Protection Amendment Act 2017 (the new
Act) is intended to come into force. This is the single greatest overhaul of
environment protection legislation in Victoria since the tabling of the Environment
 Protection Act 1970.

An important part of the Act is the general environmental duty (GED). The GED says
that any person engaging in an activity that can cause harm to public health or the
environment, from pollution or waste, must minimise those risks. From government to
business to community, the GED applies to all Victorians.

These new laws will ensure we are all responsible for minimising our impacts on the
environment. To be ready for these changes EPA is currently developing new
subordinate instruments, industry guidance and EPA policy documents.

Have your say and learn more about Victoria new environmental laws and what it
means for you at https://engage.vic.gov.au/new-environmental-laws

Dredging “black sludge” at Sandringham Harbour

Information from Parks Victoria

The “black sludge” that has naturally formed within Sandringham Harbour will soon be
removed by dredging. Parks Victoria manage Sandringham Harbour and will be dredging
the “black sludge” commencing in early September 2019 for two weeks, to ensure that the
harbour and beaches are ready for the busy summer boating season.
In recent years Sandringham Harbour has experienced an accumulation of sand and
seagrass in front of the beach sailing facilities operated by Sandringham and Hampton
Yacht Clubs. As the seagrass decays it forms a putrid smelling “black sludge” in the
shallow water. This has been building up over a number of years and has now
accumulated to the point where it is impacting on the use and enjoyment of the harbour.

A recent technical investigation recommended the best option to remove the material was
to dredge the affected areas. Parks Victoria is aiming to commence dredging in early
September 2019, subject to favourable weather.

Dredging works

Parks Victoria will dredge about 5,000m3 of sand and decaying seagrass material from in
front of the yacht clubs and around the Hampton Pier.

The dredge material will be disposed of to the marine environment offshore from the
breakwater as shown in the map below. Any areas of seagrass washed up on the
beach will be cleaned up as part of profiling the beach.

These works have been funded by the Victorian Government and approved by the
Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning.

Once the dredge is established on site, the works will take about two weeks to complete
subject to favourable weather.

Q&A

Why are you dredging in Sandringham Harbour?

There has been an accumulation of rotting seagrass within the shallow waters of
Sandringham Harbour, near Hampton Pier, which is impacting on visitor use and
enjoyment. Parks Victoria has undertaken a technical study which recommends dredging
as the preferred option for the removal of this material.

Where will you be dredging?

The main focus of the dredging program is the area seaward of the Hampton and
Sandringham yacht clubs and the area around Hampton Pier. The aim being to remove the
decaying material and sand that has accumulated around the pier that is impacting on
amenity and navigation.

How long will the dredging take?

The works are expected to take about two weeks to be completed, weather permitting.

Are there contaminants or pollutants in the sediments / “black sludge”?

No. The material is formed by decaying seagrass and seaweed which has accumulated in
the shallow calm waters of the harbour. Analysis of the sediment has determined that it is
safe for unconfined disposal to the marine environment.

Where is the dredged spoil to be deposited?

The dredge will pump the spoil over the Sandringham Breakwater and deposit it into the
water just off the breakwater. The sediments will disperse along the breakwater depending
on the wind direction.

Does the dredging program damage the local environment?

The consultants advised that the impacts on the marine ecosystem would be localised,
short term and minor. The works will be undertaken in accordance with the Marine and
Coastal Act 2018 consent issued by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and
Planning.

How do I manoeuvre around the dredge vessel safely?

Vessel operators are urged to take care when navigating in the vicinity of a dredge vessel
and observe all day marks or lights.

The dredge is restricted in its ability to manoeuvre during dredging operations. Vessel
operators are requested to wait for instructions from the dredge operator to safely navigate
during the works.

Sand disposal pipes may be floating or submereged around the dredge.

Beach goers are also reminded to observe the signage and remain at a distance from the
dredge pipeline.

For further information please contact Parks Victoria information centre on 13 1963

New Art Work In Sandringham

Sandringham Village has two new

landmarks as large murals on exterior walls emerge telling important stories of
Indigenous people.

The works - Bundjil’s Children by Mike Eleven and Bundjil and the Creation of the
Bay by Mike Shankster - promote better understanding between Indigenous and non-
Indigenous cultures by telling Indigenous stories through accessible street art.

The murals are the latest street art installations instigated by the Sandy Street Art
Project, and made possible by a collaboration with Boon Wurrung Foundation with
support from Council.

Sandy Street Art Project President Ian Cochrane said the not-for-profit group was
made up of local residents wanting to enhance the village’s vibrancy.

“Our membership is widespread with business people, retirees, artists, writer,

engineers and film makers focused on making Sandy Village more interesting by
improving the amenity with street art to stimulate local businesses with increased
visitation,” he said.

“This project has been very special and we could not have done it without a grant
from Council and the permission of the Boon Wurrung Foundation to tell their
stories.”

Bunjil’s Children is located on the wall of Coles in Waltham Street, accessed via a
laneway at the rear.

Bunjil and the Creation of the Bay can be seen above CO café at 96-98 Station
Street.

Unveiling the murals occurred during Reconciliation Week in June, and coincided
with the development of Council’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

The RAP marks the start of Council’s journey towards Reconciliation and focuses on
the three key themes: relationships, respect and opportunities. Council is now inviting
people who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in Bayside to help deliver
the RAP as we celebrate and protect the Aboriginal cultural heritage in the City of
Bayside.

Visit bayside.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay for more information about Bayside’s RAP.

 "Article from the The Nature Conservancy
Victoria's Lost Reefs Rediscovered

Getting shellfish reefs back into Port Phillip Bay

Only 15 minutes by boat from inner Melbourne’s Docklands pier lies Margaret’s Reef
under 10 metres of Port Phillip Bay seawater. While this might not seem unusual, it is
a very positive sign of the resurrection of one of the Bay’s former marine habitats
that, until recently, had been completely removed from the local seascape.

Lost reefs
Port Phillip Bay contains a wide range of marine habitats like leafy seagrass
meadows, hard temperate coral outcrops, colourful sponge gardens and vast
underwater sandy plains. A hundred years ago it was also home to extensive oyster
and mussel reefs that supported a huge range of other sea life including fish, crabs,
sea squirts, snails and sponges. Sadly, after many years of over exploitation,
pollution, introduced species and disease, these shellfish reefs disappeared.

With support from the local community, including recreational fishers and commercial
shellfish growers, and many different corporate partners* we’re rebuilding the Bay’s
shellfish reefs in two main locations: Margaret’s Reef in Hobsons Bay, off St Kilda
and Wilsons Spit Reef at Geelong Arm.

The reefs are constructed starting with a base of hundreds of tonnes of limestone
rocks and/or recycled seafood shells acquired as part of our Shuck Don’t
Chuck project. On top of this we scatter hundreds of thousands of hatchery-reared
juvenile mussels or Australian Flat Oysters grown at the Victorian Shellfish Hatchery in
Queenscliff and elsewhere. Here the young shellfish settle and continue to grow,
establishing themselves in their new homes and attracting in all the other species that
join them in creating a fully functioning shellfish reef.
https://www.natureaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/our-priorities/build-healthy-cities/cities-
stories/victoria-s-lost-reefs-rediscovered/

Below are some interesting links if you would like to know more.

Media:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-11-11/repairing-damage-caused-by-oyster-rush-in-port-
phillip-bay/10452566?WT.ac=statenews_vic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JtA11TrtJ0I

Good videos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-4vgdgbTIM

Seeds for snapper in WA

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPErrn5RfKs

REEF Vision WA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhUWaV6_Z3g

Background Stories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_vIhYd9WsSc

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAjh53Ffqx0

NEW REEFS IN BAYSIDE - BRIGHTON BEACH!

A recently formed Bayside Chapter of Ozfish (all 4 members!) have been inspired by
the work being done on Margaret Reef in St Kilda to rectify the extinction of shell fish
reefs.

Jane Bowman from Ocean Divers and John Noonan had an idea to recreate a small
reef. They have marked out a 100 square metre site about 300 metres off Brighton
Beach and deployed a Gopro camera for an hour to set a baseline. Not many fish
yet! Two Toadies!

They have dumped 100 litres of shells (5 buckets) at the site that they collected off
the beach. They will need about 50 times that (to make 5 cubic metres to give 5cm
coverage over the whole site.

They have also had a discussion with Sandringham Anglers Club to help with the
transportation of the shells.

They would love some extra hands and if you can help please contact John Noonan
via email: [email protected]
 PARK WATCH - REEF WATCH

Park Watch is the quarterly magazine of the Victorian National Parks Association,
and we thought you would enjoy some of these great reads about ReefWatch and
Victoria’s marine environment.

Check out pages 30-33 and 36-39. Test your knowledge of marine plants and get the
latest on Oysterwatch and Sea Slug Census all in the latest edition of Park Watch!

This magazine is available on line from https://vnpa.org.au/wp-

content/uploads/2017/03/VNPA-Park-Watch-Journal-2019-277.pdf
 Photo courtesy of Rebecca Lloyd

Special visit to Beaumaris Bay!

Dr Erich Fitzgerald, senior curator Museums Victoria and
Murray Orr, President Bayside Earth Sciences Society.
Celebrating the new fossil signage erected with sincere thanks
to Bayside City Council
Marine Pest Cards - How to identify marine pests.

We need your help to keep watch for marine pests.

Know your area. Keep a look out. Learn what to look for. Some pests look very
much like the native species. If unsure take a photo and ask Parks Victoria to
identify it for you before removing it.
If you see something unusual, report it.
National register of marine pests is available from the following websites
https://www.marinepests.gov.au
https://www.marinepests.gov.au/pests/identify

Marine Care Ricketts Point also have a series of cards available on their
website identifying the Pests that have invaded Port Phillip Bay and showing
you examples of the Native species. Please click on the link below to download
a copy to help you to identify the difference between native and non native
marine life.
http://marinecare.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Marine-pest-id-cards.pdf

Bayside Beach Patrol - helping to keep our beaches clean.

Beach Patrol Volunteers meet every month to pick up rubbish that either has
been washed in or dropped in the Marine Sanctuary.
BP 3193 is one of many groups that clean Melbourne's beaches. Visit their
website https://www.beachpatrol.com.au to find a group near you or if there isn't
one why not gather a group of friends or neighbours and form your own. The
new free App mentioned below will show you how to register your group and
keep a tally of the type and amount of rubbish you collect.

Beach Patrol's new app - "Litter Stopper"

Ross and Ramona Headifen have funded the development of a new app called
Litter Stopper for recording litter collection data. It allows you to enter a clean as
your own group and submit that data. You have the option of submitting under a
BeachPatrol group, a Love Our Street Group or an ‘Other’ group or person.
What we want to do is get a lot more attention to the government on the actual
situation of litter/rubbish in the bay and on the streets.
Free to download from your App Store (its the white tile with the turtle),
instructions for use provided.
 Spectacular image of Sandringham Beach from Red Bluff cliff
by Peter Hyatt, professional photographer and Sandringham resident

Free SFA Membership

The Sandringham Foreshore Association is a charitable not-for-profit association. Membership is free. Our
self-acclaimed role is to foster and promote good natural conservation principles to Bayside foreshore
management. Our current focus is to assist public education by aligning ourselves with scientific experts in
fields of conservation and natural environment, and to facilitate effective communication between
community – council and state governments – and established environmental science publications and
position statements.
The role of SFA is to care for and help protect our local beaches and cliffs, but also to educate, raise
awareness and preserve our local archaeological, geological, cultural, indigenous and heritage sites such
as the Beaumaris Bay fossil site.
If you are interested in joining our free membership, to receive notices and our Quarterly Newsletters –
Please respond via our website
http://sandringhamforeshore.tumblr.com/MembershipForm

Copyright: Sandringham Foreshore Association All rights reserved.

Our mailing address is: [email protected]

Want to change how you receive these emails?

You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.
 This email was sent to [email protected]
why did I get this? unsubscribe from this list update subscription preferences
Dunstan Dental & Medical · 31 Dunstan Street · Clayton, Vic 3168 · Australia