Bellarine Times
Tuesday 7 February 2012
VOL 5. No 6
www.bellarinetimes.com.au
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INSIDE TODAY 64-PAGE REAL ESTATE GUIDE A souped-up hot-rod like this 34 Ford Tourer would do three year old Christian Volpe from Lara, just fine. Christian’s family was among a crowd to descend on Queenscliff on Sunday to admire hundreds of hot-rodded and classic cars of every possible description and colour. Sadly, a passing wind storm saw many spectators and Rod Runners split early, causing a major traffic jam in the town in the early afternoon. High winds also caused havoc in Point Lonsdale, with a golfer escaping with a cut on the head after being pinned by a tree while on the course.
Photo: JOANNA CARSON
WETLAND RUBBISH BY JOANNA CARSON
WORLD WETLANDS day has just come and gone, but its significance is still being lost on people who are dumping rubbish in protected areas on the Bellarine to avoid tip charges. While Parks Victoria officers tried to celebrate the day on February 2, too many of their resources are still being sapped by cleaning up after dumpers, who will often go to great lengths to hide their damaging activities. Parks Victoria rangers are now asking the public
SURF FORECAST
to help put an end to the activity which costs money, damages the environment and ruins the enjoyment of the areas for other people. Bellarine ranger and team leader Stuart Willsher said the impact of the activity was more direct than simply taking up the time of park rangers. Much of the litter actually ended up on council reserves, so everybody would be paying directly for the cleanup through their rates. Mr Willsher said he did not want to publicise the worst dumping sites, but rubbish was often found around Lake Conneware and on reserves
Bellarine a hotspot for rubbish dumping in precious wetlands with cleanup costing ratepayers deeper into the Bellarine. He said the rubbish was often found at the end of remote roads, with drivers dumping rubbish in the dark and even turning off headlights to avoid detection. This activity proved the dumpers knew that what they were doing was wrong, and they should be aware that Parks Victoria and councils were very good at finding clues to ascertain who the culprits are. These culprits could then be prosecuted for their actions, he warned. The sort of rubbish that was being dumped included garden clippings and waste, general car litter, commercial and industrial rubbish including white goods, furniture and household rubbish bin contents. Mr Willsher thinks some dumpers might believe tip prices are too high and will go to great lengths to avoid them, in the belief it is fair. However, the practice simply raises rates for
everybody, and the fines for being caught are far higher than any tip charge, he said. On-the-spot fines are $239 and more serious charges can be laid in court, with higher penalties. “People think the rubbish will be cleaned up straight away, but it is dumped in such remote places this is not always the case,” he said. In the meantime the rubbish, which can become contaminated, has environmental impacts on the wildlife who live in the wetlands, . It would also affect animals which are attracted to the rubbish looking for food. “Birds have had things caught on a wing or a leg or have partly swallowed items. “A lot of material can also create a massive weed problem,” he said. Some highly endangered species live in the area’s wetlands, including the Orange Bellied Parrot. Community members are encouraged to report any signs of illegal dumping or suspicious behaviour by calling Parks Victoria on 13 1963.
TUES 3-4ft Easing SW 22° WED 2-3ft Average S 22° THU 1-2ft Peaky S 24° FRI 2-3ft Windy ESE 23° SAT 2-3ft+ Poor ESE 22°
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