collaboration – Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Blog

Conservation crew achievements applauded

September 10, 2015September 23, 2015greatoceanroadcoast

An environmental army has descended on the local coast as part of the Federal Government’s Green Army programme – an initiative which has seen more than 330 conservation projects rolled out across Australia to date.

GORCC Conservation Supervisor Georgie Beale and Green Army participants monitoring Hooded Plovers along the coast.

Green Army Service Provider Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) and project host the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) are working with young Green Army participants to protect and enhance coastal environments.

GORCC held a celebratory forum in August to celebrate the contributions made by participants, who have been working hard on a range of conservation projects and tasks including fencing, weed eradication, revegetation and mulching.

Green Army participants creating their own herbarium using the Surf Coast Nature Search program along the Jan Juc cliffs.

The day also offered learning and development opportunities for the group.

GORCC Conservation Supervisor Georgie Beale said the event featured guest speakers and in-field sessions from a diverse range of professionals working within environmental or conservation industries.

“The day encouraged participants to continue to enhance their conservation knowledge and explore career opportunities within the environmental industry,” she said.

CVA Green Army Supervisor Jane Shearer said the Green Army participants had been eager to learn about the different aspects of coastal conservation and had enjoyed working along the Surf Coast.

Conservation Volunteers Australia Green Army Supervisor Jane , Green Army participants Caitlin Ball, GORCC Conservation Supervisor Georgie Beale and Green Army participants take a break from removing litter along the foreshore.

“The group is very eager to get involved and learn from experienced conservation workers.

“They have a lot of fun and work really well together, so it’s been very positive working with this wonderful team,” she said.

Ms. Beale praised the dedicated team for their continual hard work along GORCC managed land.

“They have worked incredibly hard over the past four months, removing substantial quantities of woody weeds such as Coast Tea-Tree and supporting our conservation work.

“The Green Army team provides GORCC with a lot of manpower, allowing us to tackle larger projects that otherwise would take months to complete.

GORCC Education Activities Leader Hilary Bouma helps Green Army participants construct a local herbarium using the Surf Coast Nature Search website.

Green Army participant Scott Hives said he the appreciation the group had been shown by GORCC and local environmental volunteer groups was incredible.

“Every day is so rewarding and everyone is always so grateful for the work we do.

“It’s been great working on local projects and seeing the work you’ve been doing along the coast when you go out for a surf or just drive past the foreshore.

“The programme is providing us with invaluable experience and support for our future careers which is amazing,” he said.

The Green Army programme aims to encourage environmental stewardship among young adults and enhance their skills and knowledge. For more information about the Green Army programme or to get involved visit the Green Army website.

How do you help encourage environmental stewardship in the community? Share your methods with us in the comments below.

Conservation For Christmas

January 16, 2014August 7, 2014greatoceanroadcoast

NAB volunteers have given the gift of conservation at Christmas, working with the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) to restore threatened Coastal Moonah Woodlands at Point Roadknight.

NAB Melbourne senior manager Tim Gorst said NAB employees are encouraged to spend several days each year doing activities that connect them with the communities in which they live and work.

“We get together about this time every year to work with GORCC so it is becoming something of a tradition,”

“We all live in Torquay and enjoy this special environment so the day was a great opportunity to support some of the important work GORCC undertakes to protect the local coast.”

Mr.Gorst said volunteering on the coast didn’t just benefit the environment.

“As a bunch of pen pushers it is great to be out of the office, and rewarding to see the fruits of our labour at the end of the day,” he said.

The volunteers helped to clear Tea Tree, an environmental weed, from a coastal revegetation site in Point Roadknight.

“None of us realised it had become a problem and was choking out a lot of other native vegetation,” said Mr.Gorst.

(L-R) NAB's Matt Henderson, Jodi Heath and Tim Gorst, GORCC's Georgie Beale and Darryll Rogers also from NAB. — (L-R) NAB’s Matt Henderson, Jodi Heath and Tim Gorst, GORCC’s Georgie Beale and Darryll Rogers also from NAB conserving the Coastal Moonah Woodlands at Point Roadknight.

GORCC Conservation officer Georgie Beale said Tea Tree, while native to Australia, is not indigenous to this part of the coast.

“Coast Tea-Tree has invaded many coastal areas since the 1983 Ash Wednesday bushfires forming thickets on dunes and heathlands.

“The weed smothers indigenous vegetation through shading and competition for resources such as water, soil and nutrients and therefore reduces the habitat of indigenous fauna,” she said.

Ms. Beale said Tea Tree isn’t the only issue.

“Garden escapees such as Polygala are also devastating to these threatened plant communities.
“We would encourage coastal landowners to plant indigenous plants in their garden – pretty flowers are often the biggest menace,”

“We would also ask that people don’t dispose of their garden cuttings on the coast, as this also encourages spread,” she said.

Ms. Beale said the GORCC conservation team had been working with volunteers and school groups over several years to restore over nine hectares of coast.

“ANGAIR volunteers, in particular have worked for almost a decade to improve biodiversity in the area.

Ms. Beale said GORCC hoped to see indigenous plants and animals return to the area.

“With improved biodiversity we should see all sorts of fauna inhabiting the area.

“We might even see the return of species such as the Southern Brown Bandicoot,” she said.

Learn more about coastal volunteering at www.gorcc.com.au

This article featured in the Surf Coast Times Green the Coast Column – Check it out here!

Related blog posts:

GORCC thanks volunteers

Indigenous groups join weed action

Ford employees got their hands dirty last month as part of a GORCC run program, planting over 1000 coastal saltmarsh plants along the Anglesea River. Photo: Abhishek Sharma.

Ford motors towards a healthier coast

Volunteers make-over Fisherman’s Beach

November 20, 2013August 7, 2014greatoceanroadcoast

Twenty-two volunteers from Lend Lease gave Torquay’s Fisherman’s Beach area a makeover this week, building a new pathway and pedestrian bridge, as well as planting 500 native plants in a rehabilitation area.

Lend Lease_Fishermans Beach 1 — Lend Lease volunteers helped makover Fisherman’s Beach

The activities were led by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) as part of a range of environmental education and volunteering opportunities GORCC provides to schools and groups.

The new pathway provides a link from the Surf Coast Walk to the viewing deck above the Fisherman’s Beach kiosk, which provides great coastal views, with easy access to the kiosk for refreshments. A number of new picnic tables will be installed on the deck in coming weeks.

Environmental weeds along the bank to the north of the deck have been cleared and replaced with native tubestock.

Lend Lease’s Tanya Moscicki said the activity formed part of Lend Lease’s community day, which was established in 1996 to provide Lend Lease people with the opportunity to give back to the communities in which they live and work.

Lend Lease_Fishermans Beach 2 — The volunteers planted 500 native plants in a rehabilitation area.

“The weather was amazing so it was great to get out and do something different in the sunshine – everyone enjoyed the day,” she said.

GORCC’s Coast Project Manager, Mike Bodsworth said partnering with volunteers enabled GORCC to achieve much more than would usually be possible.

“We estimate volunteers contribute around a quarter of a million dollars worth of work every year, from hooded plover monitoring and research projects, to weed control, planting, litter removal and construction.”

“Lend Lease’s team of volunteers also included qualified tradespeople, so it was an ideal chance to build some visitor facilities that have been on the drawing board for a while,” he said.

For more information about how you can get involved in GORCC’s volunteer program, watch the clip below or visit www.gorcc.com.au/volunteering

Related blog posts:

GORCC thanks volunteers

Indigenous groups join weed action

Ford motors towards a healthier coast

Ford motors toward healthier coast

October 22, 2013August 7, 2014greatoceanroadcoast

Ford employees descended on the coast last month and planted over 1000 plants along the Anglesea River as part of their community service program.

Ford volunteers with Evan Francis from GORCC’s conservation team. Photo: Abhishek Sharma.

The 34 volunteers, who work in the Powertrain Installation subdivision of Ford, planted about 1000 Coastal Saltmarsh plants alongside the river in a Coastal Saltmarsh area.

The activities were led by the Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) as part of a range of environmental education and volunteering opportunities GORCC offers to schools and groups.

Ford Senior Development Engineer Alison Bridger said the activities formed part of the Ford 16 hour community service program and the eighth annual Ford Global Week of Caring.

“Ford Motor Company provides salaried employees with the opportunity to spend two days per year volunteering in the community.

“Our team of engineers planted trees, built protective fencing and learnt about the local Coastal Moonah Woodland restoration projects.

“Mike and Evan from the GORCC conservation team taught us about the types of trees we were planting and protecting and explained what an important part of the local coastal environment they are,” she said.

Ford volunteers planting at Anglesea. Photo: Abhishek Sharma.

Ms Bridger said everyone enjoyed the chance to get out of the office for a day.

“The work was muddy and exhausting, but very satisfying.”

Anyone can get involved in coastal volunteering. Its fun, a great way to meet people and it has health benefits too.

GORCC Coast Project Manager Mike Bodsworth said volunteering provides hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of assistance to GORCC each year, mainly through conservation work.

“It’s also a great way for us to build and maintain relationships with local people,” he said.

The many environmental volunteer groups that operate along the GORCC managed coast are always looking for more members, even those able to lend a hand for an hour or two.

“Volunteering is a perfect way to ‘give back’ to the coast you love.

“Getting outside, doing something worthwhile and getting your hands dirty also has multiple health benefits and brings a sense of satisfaction,” Mr. Bodsworth said.

For more information on coastal environmental volunteering visit www.gorcc.com.au or call 5220 5055.

This article appeared in the Surf Coast Times Green the Coast Column

Related blog posts:

GORCC thanks volunteers

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Biodiversity month – get involved!

September 13, 2013August 7, 2014greatoceanroadcoast

September is Biodiversity Month and there’s heaps of simple ways that you can get involved.

Biodiversity month is held to promote the importance of protecting, conserving and improving biodiversity both within Australia and across the world.

What can you do to help?

Here’s a few ideas:

Create a natural habitat in your backyard. Learn more about going indigenous in your garden!
Get rid of weeds: Do you know which innocent looking plants are actually environmental menaces?
Be a responsible pet owner – Keep your cat indoors at night and keep your dog on a lead!
Reduce, reuse and recycle:
Start your own compost bin.
Be an informed seafood eater: Learn more about choosing sustainable seafood.

There’s plenty of other simple ways to help to protect our coast’s biodiversity, for more click here.

There are around 22 volunteer groups along our local coast helping to protect our coast’s biodiversity and they are always on the lookout for new members and supporters, even if its just for an hour or two! find out more

What is biodiversity?

Biodiversity is the ‘web of life’, ‘the variety of living things’ or ‘the different plants, animals and micro-organisms, their genes and ecosystems of which they are a part’.

Australia is very unique and is home to between 600,000 and 700,000 species, many of which are found nowhere else in the world. About 84 per cent of our plants, 83 per cent of our mammals, and 45 per cent of our birds are only found in Australia.

Take a peek at some examples of our coast’s fascinating wildlife.

You can find more about Biodiversity Month here.

How are you working to protect and preserve our coast??

Related blogs:

Let’s work together to protect coastal biodiversity

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Students think local for national event

August 12, 2013August 6, 2014greatoceanroadcoast

Torquay College students got their hands dirty last week for Planet Ark’s Schools Tree Day, planting around 450 plants at Cosy Corner.

GORCC conservation worker Evan Francis with Torquay College student Indiana Colledge, helping to plant a Coastal Moonah Woodland as part of conservation activities organised by the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre.

National Tree Day is Australia’s largest tree planting event.

Each year, over 200,000 people take part in activities held on 3000 sites and organised by council, schools, businesses, communities and Toyota Dealers across the country.

The day was run as part of a week of annual conservation activities organised by the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre (MDC) in partnership with The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC).

The annual coastal re-vegetation program has been run by the Marine and Freshwater Discovery Centre since 1986 and this year the activities were run in conjunction with the national Planet Ark event.

GORCC conservation officer Georgie Beale said the students planted native trees, shrubs and grasses.

“The children were planting a Coastal Moonah Woodland which is an endangered plant community in the area.

“Local families use this beautiful space and it’s great to get the local kids involved in their local community and environment,” she said.

Ms.Beale said the activity was a truly collaborative effort.

“The program also involved four land management groups, five community nurseries, BirdLife Australia and indigenous cultural education officers,” she said.

Participating in National Tree Day is just one of the many ways the community can get hands on in the protection of our local coast.

“Local environmental volunteer groups are always seeking new members and people able to lend them a hand – even for an hour or two,” said Ms. Beale.

Torquay College students (L-R) Jarrah Hirris-Moore, Joff Newton and Jay Newton enjoying their time on the coast planting a Coastal Moonah Woodland at Cosy Corner.

For schools or groups, GORCC runs a free Environmental Education Program offering a range of hands-on and theory based learning activities and conservation volunteer work.

“Anyone with a love of the outdoors and a passion for the environment can take part in volunteering along the coast and start making a difference.

“You don’t have to be experienced or an expert, there’s plenty of opportunities for everyone no matter what age you are,” Ms Beale said.

For information on National Tree Day visit www.treeday.planetark.org or call their hotline on 1300 885 000. To learn more about GORCC’S Environmental Education Program or coastal volunteering opportunities, visit www.gorcc.com.au .

This story featured in the Surf Coast Times Green the Coast Column on the 6th August 2013.

Related blog posts:

Kinder kids on the coast

Coast Connections at student forum

Adults delve into environmental education!

Counteracting the Coast Tea-Tree invasion

Anglesea heath back to its former glory

Queens Park blitz a group effort

Students take lead on coast care

There’s an environmental education opportunity out there for you!

Pretty little menace

July 9, 2013greatoceanroadcoast

A pretty perennial which features in many private gardens is invading coastal environments and proving that looks can be deceiving.

The Cape Tulip (Moraea flaccida) is a popular garden plant that features salmon pink or orange flowers and is available for purchase at a wide range of garden centres and nurseries.

The Cape Tulip may look innocent, but it is actually a noxious weed.

It’s therefore not surprising that many coastal residents don’t realise they are harbouring a noxious weed on their property.

Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) Conservation Office Georgie Beale said the Cape Tulip, which grows from a bulb, is a particular problem in the Aireys Inlet area.

“This noxious weeds competes with and replaces indigenous species that provide habitat for native fauna by restricting their growth and regeneration.”

“The Cape Tulip spreads by a number of methods including via wind and running water and the movement of soil.

“The corms (underground plant stems) and seeds can also be carried by the wool or fur and feet of animals or through green waste disposal,” she said.

cape tulip Habitat — An example of typical Cape Tulip habitat and spread.

Ms. Beale said that GORCC’s Environment and Land Management Plan found that the most significant issue facing the natural environment along the coast is the impact of weeds.

“We have been working with local volunteer groups ANGAIR and Friends of Aireys Inlet Coastal Reserve to control the spread of weeds like Cape Tulip for years through spraying and other methods,” she said.

Attempts to manage the weed have been successful however work is hampered by the persistent spread from private and other property.

“Attempting to control the problem in isolation is not an effective strategy so we work with partnering bodies as part of the Otway Eden Project such as the Department of Environment and Primary Industries.

“We have also approached and discussed the problem with adjacent landholders in the area,” said Ms. Beale.

The Cape Tulip spreads easily and can be carried by wind, water, soil or animals.

Ms. Beale encouraged landholders on the coast to identify the Cape Tulip and remove it from their garden.

“Small, isolated pockets can be dug up and disposed of, however large areas may need spraying,” she said.

For more information on weeds on the coast download Environmental Weeds Invaders of the Surf Coast Shire online or visit www.gorcc.com.au.

This article appeared in the Surf Coast Times Green the Coast Column.

Have you spotted Cape Tulip in your garden or on the coast??

Deal with waste responsibly

April 26, 2013May 9, 2013greatoceanroadcoast

Incorrect disposal and illegal dumping of rubbish costs our coast both environmentally and economically, but there are simple steps we can all take to reduce the impact.

Disposal of household waste in public bins, general waste contaminating recycling and illegal rubbish dumping are having a major toll on coastal environments and come at a huge financial coast to local authorities, consuming funds that could be spent elsewhere.

GORCC education activity leader Hilary Bouma and conservation officer Georgie Beale demonstrate responsible recycling.

Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) Coastal Reserves Manager Rod Goring said the problem was ongoing, despite work undertaken to encourage responsible rubbish disposal and the provision of recycling and general waste bins across campgrounds and coastal reserves.

“A large amount of household waste is often disposed of in public bins provided for beachgoers.

“Not only is this illegal, but it causes overflow and litter on our beaches is not only visually horrible but threatens coastal flora and fauna and the marine environment.

“Additionally, contamination of recycling is a constant issue, and we urge all coastal users to familiarise themselves with what can and can’t be recycled.

Recyclable materials include glass containers, some plastics, cardboards, paper and metal including steel or aluminum cans.

“Many may not realize that plastic bags, plastic wrap and food containers with food scraps, are not recyclable and cause contamination.

“Our contractors face heavy fines for delivery of non-recyclables to the depot and, unfortunately, some heavily contaminated bins have to be emptied into general waste and sent to landfill,” he said.

Equally concerning is the illegal dumping of rubbish directly onto coastal reserves, with large amounts of hard rubbish being discovered on our coast on a regular basis.

“From pianos and televisions through to paint cans and asbestos, it is unbelievable what people will leave on beautiful beaches that are so highly valued by the community,” said Mr. Goring.

Great Ocean Road Coast Committee Outdoor Works Supervisor, Phil Brown with a piano that was illegally dumped near the Point Impossible nudist beach in Torquay.

Waste disposal sites are made available at several coastal locations and allow the drop off of household garbage and a range of recyclable materials.

“All coastal users, including campers, visitors and holiday home owners are encouraged to use these facilities and minimise the amount of rubbish that ends up on the beaches.

“The council also has drop –off collection points for holiday home owners at Torquay, Anglesea and Lorne,” said Mr.Goring

If you notice any illegal rubbish dumping or to report any rubbish or litter contact the GORCC office on 5220 5055, or the Surf Coast Shire on 5261 0600. Littering from vehicles can be reported to EPA Victoria by calling the Littering Hotline on 1800 372 842 or visiting http://www.epa.vic.gov.au.

This story featured in the Surf Coast Times Green the Coast Column.

Visit GORCC’s website for more information on rubbish dumping and local laws and regulations to protect our coast.

Related blog posts:

Rubbish dumping still a threat to our coast

Top tips to care for the coast

Illegal rubbish dumping damages sensitive coast

Keeping beautiful starts with you

Clean up to conserve coast

February 25, 2013August 6, 2014greatoceanroadcoast

The Great Ocean Road Coast Committee (GORCC) is once again supporting Clean Up Australia Day and asking you to join us to help clean up and conserve the Surf Coast environment.

Clean Up Australia Day volunteers Isabella and Tessa. — Clean Up Australia Day 2012 volunteers Isabella and Tessa.

GORCC is asking the community to participate in the 2013 Clean Up Australia Day held on Sunday 3 March at our designated site, Bird Rock car park in Jan Juc, from 10am to 12pm.

You can view a map of the location here.

According to the Clean Up Australia Day website, in 2012 an estimated 591,400 volunteers cleaned up 16,169 tonnes at 7,363 sites right across Australia.

Last year our designated site attracted 11 volunteers and over 20 bags of rubbish were filled! This year we can do better, so come along and help clean up and conserve our precious environment.

GORCC staff members Zac, Trent with Jan Juc Coast Action Chairperson Luke Hynes with some of the unusual items found at Clean Up Australia Day.

You can register as a volunteer on the Clean Up Australia Day website to go into the draw to win a $100 Bunnings voucher or a $100 Rip Curl voucher by clicking the button “Join this Site” on o ur Clean Up Australia Day page.

What to bring:

Just bring yourself as all clean up equipment will be provided on the day.
If you have a set of gloves please bring them along otherwise we will provide you with some on the day.

Ensure you wear a hat.
Enclosed footwear must be worn.

Water, sunscreen and light refreshments will be provided as well as a free BBQ at 12pm.

All ages are welcome, but children 15 years old and under must be accompanied and supervised by an adult.

Hope to see you there!

If you are interested in other volunteering opportunities along the coast visit our website.

For more information about Clean Up Australia Day download this handy iPhone App!

To learn why it is important to participate, watch the clip below from the organizers of Clean Up Australia Day.

Related blog posts:

Help clean up the coast

Cleanup helps conserve the coast

Will you be joining us at Bird Rock? Let us know below…

Dog teams train for quoll search

February 19, 2013August 6, 2014greatoceanroadcoast

Dog detection teams are in training in an effort to support Tiger Quoll research, as conservation efforts ramp up following the rediscovery of the endangered species in the Otways last year.

A Tiger Quoll and her joeys in Cape Otway. Photo: ALI CORKE

The Conservation Ecology Centre (CEC) is working in conjunction with South-West Victorian Dogs and community volunteers to train dogs to search for and detect Tiger Quoll scats.

DNA tests undertaken on faeces collected from an animal sighted near Lorne confirmed it was a Tiger Quoll (Dasyrus maculatus), followed by another reported sighting in the Cape Otway area.

CEC Conservation Coordinator Dr Jack Pascoe said there are currently 10 dog teams in training.

“The Otway’s Conservation Dog Team has the potential to discover much more about the ecology of the Otway’s quoll population including their distribution, genetic diversity and relatedness.”

“We hope early this year the dogs will be able to positively identify Tiger Quoll scats from a lineup of samples.

“Later in the year we hope to have most of the dog teams fully trained for deployment for field surveys.”

South West Victorian Dogs Program Developer Luke Edwards said the program involves teaching the dogs to identify the Tiger Quoll scats through a reward system.

Dr Pascoe said increased information on the quoll population would assist in the development and application of effective and practical conservation solutions.

In another boost to conservation efforts, the CEC has purchased 21 acres of land for the creation of a habitat corridor for local wildlife.

The property, which will link to the Great Otway National Park, will provide a safe haven for Tiger Quolls, koalas, and other species and is hoped to become a model for future habitat restoration.

For further information or to become a volunteer contact CEC on 5237 9297.

This story featured in the the Surf Coast Times Green the Coast Column.