NEWS DESK
INFORMATION is being sought over what appears to have been the fatal mauling by dogs of a fur seal at McCrae beach. Picture: Supplied
Dogs blamed for seal death Coach talk: Sharks players Amber Sinclair, Mia Spicer, Skye Miles, Imogen Eckman, Ellie Cagney and Amber Boal get a half-time pep talk from coach Jade Odom during a recent game. Picture: Supplied
Economy’s a tournament winner BASKETBALLERS from around the state will descend on the Mornington Peninsula in November to compete in the Southern Peninsula Tournament. It has been estimated that the expected 25,000 visitors will also provide a $4 million boost to the economy. Held over 11 and 12 November and hosted by the Southern Peninsula Basketball Association, the tournament has been running for 35 years and is a highlight of the state’s basketball
sporting calendar. SPBA general manager Ben White said the tournament would see the 600 competing teams use 47 courts at 18 venues. The tournament involves 250 volunteers and is being held after months of behind-the-scenes planning and preparation. The tournament’s charity partner is the Lighthouse Foundation, which offers support to children and young people at risk of homelessness, includ-
ing on the Mornington Peninsula. White said the tournament had teamed up with Mornington Peninsula Shire for the next three years as major sponsor. “This event will have the best teams and athletes in Victoria competing as well as regional level teams,” he said. “We focus on community inclusivity – it’s an event for everyone, catering to players, referees, scorers, volunteers across diverse ages, backgrounds, and abilities.” Liz Bell
AUTHORITIES are appealing for anyone with information about the apparent fatal mauling by dogs of a juvenile Australian fur seal at McCrae beach on Monday (9 October). The Conservation Regulator Victoria is seeking information after the seal was found on the beach with bite wounds and other injuries. Officers are investigating the incident following a report from the Melbourne Zoo Marine Response Unit which were alerted to a wounded juvenile fur seal by a member of the public. Marine wildlife officers attended the beach at 10.30am but found the animal had already died as a result of its injuries. The seal’s body was assessed at the beach and found to have sustained puncture wounds to its body and flippers. A subsequent vet assessment at Melbourne Zoo confirmed the seal had suffered severe trauma from a dog attack and that was the most likely cause of death.
Seals are protected by law, and it is an offence to allow a dog to chase, attack or injure them. Pet owners face penalties of up to $4807 under the Wildlife Act 1975 and up to $48,077 or 12 months’ jail under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. Additional penalties up to $3846 apply under the Wildlife (marine mammals) Regulations 2019 to dog owners who allow their pets within 30 metres of a seal. McCrae beach is leash free from 7pm to 9am during daylight savings time. Mornington Peninsula Shire Council has reminded dog owners about the requirement to keep their animals under effective control at all times while exercising them on peninsula beaches. Anyone with information can report it confidentially to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000 or crimestoppersvic.com.au Liz Bell
We’re building big near you and there will be transport disruptions Train disruptions: Buses replace trains in both directions
Road disruptions: Closed roads
Frankston Line
22 Oct to 3 Nov
On sections of the line
Warrigal Road, Mentone
4 to 21 Oct
At the level crossing
Stony Point Line
22 Oct to 3 Nov
Frankston to Stony Point
Western Port Highway, Skye
20 Oct to 8 Nov
Between Hall and Thompsons roads
Parkers Road, Parkdale
22 Oct to 3 Nov
At the level crossing
Hall Road and Western Port Highway, Skye
8 Nov to 20 Dec
At the intersection
Check before you travel at bigbuild.vic.gov.au Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne
PAGE 4
Western Port News
18 October 2023
MTIA10062
As part of Victoria’s Big Build, we’re removing 110 dangerous and congested level crossings, with 72 already gone. We’re also upgrading roads to reduce congestion and improve travel times.
