Wednesday, 15 January, 2020
Pakenham
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Pollies weigh in on savage bashing
New York state of mind in Berwick
Visitor takes spoils in Warragul Cup
Beer O'Clock treatment for footy chief
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Kindness that rocks By Mitchell Clarke Pakenham’s Izzy Martin has shown off her creative side, painting rocks and selling them to raise funds for firefighters. The 10-year-old wanted to do her part to help those affected by the Australian bushfire crisis and decided to take to the streets to sell the creative keepsakes. “I put (on the sign) that all the money is going to be donated to the firefighters,” she said. “My neighbours stopped and that’s when I knew that this was a good idea.” For more on Izzy's noble quest, see page 5. For full coverage of local fire relief efforts, turn to pages 4-9. Izzy with her Painted Rocks. 203064 Picture: ROB CAREW
Cannibal killing! By Mitchell Clarke A “long-time resident” lace monitor - also known as a tree goanna - that lived atop Mount Cannibal and famously survived the Bunyip bushfires has been savagely mauled to death. A botanist surveying flora on the mountain stumbled across the deceased reptile late last year, and judging by the gruesome injuries sustained, it’s “highly likely” the animal was attacked and killed by a group of dogs. Friends of Mount Cannibal secretary Sue Harris has regularly seen the endangered reptile over the last 26 years, often coming into contact with him during her walks. “We’re just devastated to hear about this,” Ms Harris said. “We’ve seen that goanna for years up at the
The lace monitor prior to the Bunyip fires. Picture: MARK HOCKING top of the mountain where he lived amongst the rocks.” The popular reptile famously survived the Bunyip Complex Fires, where it is believed he escaped the flames by hiding in the cracks of the rocks. “He’s lived up there for years and survived the fires so it was heart wrenching to hear that he was out and about when he was caught by what appears to be a pack of dogs.”
Dogs are not permitted on Mount Cannibal Flora and Fauna Reserve, whether on or offlead, and Cardinia Shire Council has stressed that it was vital the community and visitors followed the “very clear” signage. “It is deeply disappointing that people ignored the signage indicating the reserve’s closure and that they’ve taken dogs into the reserve, further endangering the local wildlife who have had limited habitat in which to seek shelter and safety,” development and compliance services manager Debbie Tyson said. But sadly, this wasn’t an isolated incident. In September, a wombat was attacked by two dogs but due to “insufficient evidence”, council was unable to identify and pursue the offenders. To make matters worse, both incidents occurred during a period where the reserve was closed to allow the flora and fauna to rehabili-
tate following the March bushfires. “While the park was closed we found a runner in the park with three dogs off leash,” Ms Harris explained. “We shouted out to him but he ran away. He knew he was doing the wrong thing.” The group said it was “even more distressing” to hear about these incidents during a critical time where wildlife are at their most vulnerable, without cover or protection. Cardinia Shire Council undertakes regular patrols of the area and encourages anyone who witnesses an offence to report it. If a person is identified and found guilty of breaching the local law, council may issue a warning, implement penalties such as a fine of up to $2000, or progress the matter to court.
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