The Committee is deeply concerned, and dismayed, that short-term contract positions within DSE will be terminated by June 2012.
We have been informed that ten out of the eleven staff who have a role in protecting flora and fauna species in the south-west of Victoria, including the field officer with whom our group liaises, will be affected by this decision. In addition the three Coastcare facilitators in the west of the state, again including the facilitator with whom Angair liaises, will have their contracts terminated. Angair has written to the Minister for Environment and Climate Change, with copies to other relevant politicians, expressing our concerns.
Uredo rangelii! What is it? Its common name is Myrtle Rust, and it’s an exotic disease introduced into Australia in the last couple of years, with a potential to destroy much of our beautiful environment. As such, Angair’s Committee have decided to post members – separately from the Newsletter – a pamphlet provided by the Victorian Department of Primary Industry, which provides important information about identification of Myrtle Rust, and what to do about if you detect it anywhere. The article by Carl Rayner in this months ‘Weed of the Month’, provides complementary information about the disease, it’s origins and it’s history in Australia.
Chris Morrissey has finished her term as president of Angair, and the Committee wishes to acknowledge Chris’s competent leadership and contribution to Angair over the last three years. We look forward to her continuing contribution as a member of the Committee.
Many Angair members continue to help the children of the Anglesea Primary School, and their parents, maintain the garden. Although the garden is doing well, weeds within the southern area of the garden remain a significant problem. Many large Coast Wattles, Boneseed and Pittosporum make the area unsafe for the children, which is a pity, as they can’t safely use their grounds. The Parents Association and School Council are having a working bee on Tuesday 17 April, 4–6 p.m. followed by a sausage sizzle. They need our support, and your help on that night would be appreciated. Please bring you gloves.
Clean up Australia Day, in Anglesea, saw twenty-eight community members participate, and the results of their efforts on Sunday, 4 March can be clearly seen around Anglesea, especially along the ‘Mad Mile’. ‘Thank you”, all Angair members who participated.
The Great Ocean Road Coastal Committee is developing a Coastal Management Plan for the 37 km of coast from Point Impossible to the Cumberland River. This Coastal Management Plan will guide the sustainable development of the GORCC coast over the next five years and beyond. The draft report will be available on www.gorcc.com.au in mid April, and GORCC would welcome comments, which can be made on line, or via open houses to be held later in April.
GORCC have also published an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage Conservation Manual, a copy of which has been placed in the Angair library.