Western Port News 20 April 2022

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Western Port

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The cars that love Hastings PEDESTRIAN priority took a good humoured back seat on Good Friday as hundreds of cars took over Hastings. Cruising for cruising’s sake, drivers and passengers went up and down High Street, making good use of roundabouts to make a clean U-turn. The show was put on by Hastings Peninsula Cruisers for car lovers keen to see vehicles that fit the criteria for cruising: “chrome bumper, special interest, hot rods, customs, street machine, classic, vintage, original, up to pre 1980s”. Fine weather brought an audience of all ages to watch as cars slowly made their way up and down in a show of pride and style. The event raises money each year for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal. Picture: Gary Sissons

Peninsula’s popularity a blow to wildlife Liz Bell liz@mpnews.com.au AS people from Melbourne’s suburbs flock to the Mornington Peninsula, wildlife advocates say native animals are coming under increasing pressure from the urbanisation, tree clearing and domestic and feral predators. Continued population growth in the region and the development of new homes and businesses is having an immediate impact on native animals, particularly tree-dwelling animals,

including birds, gliders, koalas and possums. Rye wildlife carer Brenda Marmion said she is taking in more injured and displaced native animals every year, as constant vegetation removal makes way for new buildings. Older trees, which usually contain hollows used by birds and small animals, are becoming rarer to find on the peninsula as householders more towards low maintenance gardens and smaller yards. “I see the direct result of this loss

of habitat, and it’s devastating,” Ms Marmion said. “Animals that used to rely on the trees suddenly find themselves with nowhere to go when that tree disappears, or they are forced to find accommodation wherever they can, and that often brings them into conflict with humans. Ms Marmion said developers and residents were removing vegetation and trees at a massive rate. While Mornington Peninsula Shire’s biodiversity conservation plan

recognises vegetation as the primary threat to biodiversity on the peninsula, wildlife carers agree that vegetation removal continues largely unchecked. Jenny Bryant from the Tyabb Koala Hospital said tree loss was the most significant factor in wildlife displacement on the peninsula. In most instances a planning permit is needed for the removal of vegetation or trees, but other than paying a fee and filling out a form, it is a fairly easy process. In the three weeks from 21 March

to 12 April, there were 53 planning applications for the removal of vegetation across the peninsula, three relating to native vegetation and 12 for the removal of 47 trees. “It’s ridiculous … I’ve been looking after wildlife on the peninsula for 40 years and I’ve been warning the shire about vegetation and tree removal the entire time, but nothing gets done,” Ms Bryant said. “They just put it down to progress, but it’s not progress of we are losing something so important.” Continued Page 8

Our shining stars. After another year of challenges and successes, Mercedes-Benz Vans would like to congratulate Mercedes-Benz Mornington as one of our top performing retailers of the year. Mercedes-Benz Mornington consistently demonstrates the commitment to excellence that’s been the hallmark of the Mercedes-Benz brand for more than 130 years, and we honour their dedication. The 2021 Mercedes-Benz Vans Retailer of the Year winner is: Rural Mercedes-Benz Mornington Visit Mercedes-Benz Mornington to experience retail excellence for yourself. www.mbmornington.com.au

Mercedes-Benz Mornington 29-31 Mornington-Tyabb Road (03) 5923 0011 LMCT443


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Western Port News 20 April 2022 by Mornington Peninsula News Group - Issuu