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Photo

courtesy John Amiet

Sandringham Foreshore Association Newsletter


- Spring 2017

SANDRINGHAM FORESHORE ASSOCIATION (SFA)


Founded January 2007

ABN 42947116512

A CHARITABLE NOT FOR PROFIT VOLUNTARY ASSOCIATION

SFA , PO Box 52 Sandringham 3191


Email: sandyforeshore@optusnet.com.au
Website: http://sandringhamforeshore.tumblr.com/
Patrons of SFA:
Professor Tim Flannery, former resident of Sandringham and Australian of the Year 2007

Professor John Long, Professor of Palaeontology with the Faculty of Science and Engineering at
Flinders University
"We acknowledge the traditional custodians of the waters and lands on which we live and work,
and pay our respects to the Elders, past and present

From the president of SFA, Dr Vicki Karalis AM


It is finally so nice to come out of winter and into some warmer weather and longer days. There have
been so many beach activities and this issue is jam packed with lots of news.
We are thrilled and honored to appoint another well-deserved Patron of SFA: Professor John Long, a
Professor of Palaeontology with the Faculty of Science and Engineering at Flinders University,
President, The Royal Society of South Australia 2016-18, and Past President, The Society of
Vertebrate Paleontology. John has done so much to help promote the science and significance of the
Beaumaris Bay fossil site and we look forward to continuing our work with him.

Source of image: https://indaily.com.au/news/2013/10/18/flinders-at-the-adelaide-festival-of-ideas/

We hope you enjoy reading our latest news:

Sandringham beach update

With sand shifting south from prevailing winter-winds, rubble and roughly arranged boulders have
been exposed, especially near the base of the Tennyson Street ramp. Bob Mason a local Bayside
resident and daily jogger is quite concerned with the state of our beach.

Works are due soon on our beach, and will include reduction of the length and height of the Southey
Street groyne. Excess rocks will be re-used to repair the base of the Tennyson Street ramp (image
below). The boulders that are currently securing the ramp will be removed and replaced with
armour rock. We understand this will at least provide a consistently arranged, rock bank surface
(rather than a rugged random rock pile), for this site as seen below.

We thank DELWP and Bayside City Council for the upcoming proposed works.
Tennyson Street ramp and roughly arranged boulders - soon to be removed and replaced, we
understand, with armour rock (orderly arranged) to help stabilise the ramp. Image taken 23
September 2017
Words from Bob Mason, concerned with the state of Sandringham beach:

In the late 1960s and early 1970s an unprecedented erosion event occurred on the Sandringham beaches. In
addition to permanent sand loss, 3 large banksias that predated European settlement and all beach houses
were washed away.

1) Partly in response to this and partly to save money, in 1972 the council dumped hundreds of tons of
retired pavement and rubble onto the beach, into the bay, on sundry places above the cliffs, and in the
Red Bluff itself. The rubble is of four kinds: broken pavement slabs, boulders, rocks and small items.
The boulders and rocks are bluestone, reinforced concrete and sandstone. The small items include
broken glass, building materials (broken terracotta tiles and bricks, and reinforced concrete) and small
stones. To create the dumps the council removed topsoil from at least 2 cliff faces and several areas
above the cliffs, leaving a small layer of soil to hide the rubble. The cliff face immediately north of Red
Bluff was not graded properly and the soil covering washed away in many places, leaving rubble
exposed.
2) In 1992 the State Government dumped several tons of small, sharp gravel stones on the beach south
of the Royal Avenue stairs, in an endeavour to replenish the beach.
3) In the first decade of this century two concrete pathways leading down to the beach between Southey
Street and Royal Avenue became unusable due to cliff erosion. The council blocked off these paths.
They attempted to leave the base of the northern collapse in reasonable order, with the central part a
mixture of sympathetic boulders well laid and inappropriate bluestone, with the northern and
especially the southern part being rubble dumps. For the southern collapse the council broke up the
base of the path and turned it into an immense rubble dump.
4) In the 1990s a path was opened along the top of the cliffs. This path was given no protection against
erosion until 2013-14 when 20 logs were laid into parts of this ~2km of undulating sandy path.
5) In 2014 the council resurfaced the road leading from the Sandringham car park to the beach. They
placed many large boulders on the beach against the road edge to protect it from erosion. These
boulders were not properly secured and within 6 weeks the boulders had spread across the beach.

Do no harm to people

1) The most harmful of these to people is the immense rubble dump just north of the Royal Avenue stairs.
This makes the beach impassable during summer months to May. Also, the two groynes interact to
remove all sand from the area between the rubble dump and the stairs, exposing very large boulders
and slabs of concrete from the 1972 dump. The 2014 dump along the road to the beach is similarly
impassable for ~2 months during summer.
2) The second most harmful to people is the two rubble dumps in the water (Red Bluff cove and
Sandringham Main Beach southern end). It is unsafe to walk in the water in these areas.
3) The last 60m of beach leading to the Red Bluff disappears from January to May most years, leaving
broken pavements and rubble, making it unsafe for walking to the Bluff in summer.
4) The gravel stones that extend from Royal Avenue to the Red Bluff make barefoot walking, sandcastle
construction and swimming likely to lead to injury.
5) North of the Southey Street groyne, the beach and water is strewn with millions of sharp little stones,
small pieces of building material and glass. It is unsafe for barefoot concourse and swimming. This
situation has deteriorated markedly since January 2017, possibly due to the unusual weather pattern
experienced throughout 2016 (almost continual westerly storms).
6) The southern end of the Sandringham Main Beach promenade ends suddenly, with a gap and ~1m
drop until the rocky section begins. The council has filled the gap with rubble but left the drop. This is
unmanageable to many people; often people place large stones above the rubble to create an
unstable step. These are always removed by other people due to safety concerns.
7) In short, south of the main beach, the only part of the Sandringham beaches that is always safe for
barefoot walking and swimming is from the Southey Street groyne to the rubble dump just north of
the Royal Avenue stairs. Summer is particularly hazardous.

Do no harm to the environment

1) The southern of the two pathway collapses (the one now ending in an immense rubble dump) was
caused by the Royal Avenue groyne, as is the erosion in the cliff just north of the groyne. Every year all
sand disappears from this area from January to May. Each year more of the cliff disappears.
2) The Red Bluff itself, the cliff face just north of it, the beach below and the cove have been defaced by
council rubble. In addition, the rubble has caused erosion because rubble is much harder than
sandstone and consequently water flow has been provided focus points. Similarly the cliff face is now
eroding. In the past 2 years there have been 4 places where the cliff has collapsed just below exposed
pavement slabs.
3) The path above the cliff has not been protected against erosion, except for the minimal effort of 2013-
14. Consequently there are approximately 25 places where you can see the path being washed down
the cliff. There are many areas of rutting including one just north of the Edwards St ramp where the
actual path has been rutted out by over 1m, with the original level more than 2m higher than it is
presently. There is another area just south of Tennyson St where there is 45m of unprotected
downward sloping path. There are 7 logs below this point, the lowest of which was fully visible in 2013
when laid but is now permanently covered in sand that has eroded since then. Rough chunks of rubble
are exposed in several places (making running unsafe), particularly the southern area of the Masefield
car park, the southern entrance to the Green facing Southey Street and an area just south of Tennyson
Street. In addition to rubble, glass frequently emerges from beneath the path. Incidentally, once every
quarter the council engages in a weed poisoning program. The main focus is on the plants growing in
the rutted-out edges of the path, preventing a natural process from binding the soil.
4) The 2014 dump makes the beach below the main car park impassable during the height of summer
and consequently people have made a path in the slope above the beach. This has increased erosion to
the point where the council has tried to fence off access.
5) The Southey Street Green is one immense rubble dump covered by a thin layer of soil. This was well-
graded but the soil was too thinly laid for anything other than grass to grow on its slope. This
arrangement survived for 40 years without a problem however there is now a deepening line of
erosion plus two landslides. The area above is subsiding rapidly. Just 4 years ago the green was
completely flat. Now there is a large oval depression in the centre, a shallower depression alongside it
running parallel to the beach, and the northern end of the green is falling away sharply.
6) The area alongside Beach Road between the rotunda and the car park is a rubble dump that was laid
too close to the surface. The council has been unable to cover this despite many attempts. All the
pathways erode continually and there are many places where compressed rubble is exposed.
7) The northern of the two pathway collapses is one of two places still visible where a council drain tore
away the cliff face. This particular drain is still causing minor damage.

Summer in Bayside: 60m of broken pavements and other rubble dumped into the Red Bluff cove in
1972. The water also is one vast unswimmable rubble dump. Photo taken at low tide.

Summer in Bayside: the 1972 rubble dump and beyond, the huge, impassable rubble dump caused
by the council breaking up the base of the path from the Masefield car park. The rubble extends
more than 1m into the sea at low tide. Taken at low tide from the Royal Avenue groyne looking
north.
The rubble dump at the southern end of
Sandringham main beach. The situation in
the water is worse.

The abandoned Southey Street


pathway, the erosion caused by
the drain and the boulders
dumped below. This is the only
place where some of the
boulders are colour-compatible
with the natural environment.
New Hampton beach rock groyne nearing completion

[image supplied by Vicki Karalis 10/10/2017]:


Beaumaris Bay Fossil site update:
Two new "Urban Sanctuary" volumes are now on-line and free to download.

They can be accessed from IUBS Publications, at: http://www.iubs.org/publi/otherpubli.html

These are fantastic resources for local enthusiasts, and professionals alike - See them now !

http://www.iubs.org/pdf/publi/otherpubli/281.%20Rickett's%20Point%20Fossils.pdf

http://www.iubs.org/pdf/publi/otherpubli/280.%20Rickett's%20Point%20Birds.pdf
Half Moon Bay update Have Your Say

http://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/haveyoursay

By Alison Horton Vice President SFA

I live locally in Black Rock opposite Half Moon Bay. My beach is immensely popular during the
warmer months and attracts visitors because of the safe shallow waters, wide sandy area, boat
ramps and restaurants. There are multiple users for such a small area including yachts, motorboats,
jet-skis, diving, sailing, competitions, life saving club activities, swimming groups, alongside many
families with small children, which all add to the chaotic vibe at weekends. The beach is so densely
occupied both on the sand and with water activities that despite signage both groups merge into
each others designated area. The council recently installed a shower, which has proved very popular
with everyone.

The Bayside City Council is currently reviewing this section of the coast from Red Bluff Cliffs to Half
Moon Bay as part of its ongoing Master-plan implementing the recommendations of current
strategic plans including the Bayside Open Space Strategy 2012 and Bayside Coastal Management
Plan 2014, which directly guides design, priorities and staging of works on Council managed land
within this precinct.

The keys aims of this draft plan are to protect the foreshore environment, improve safety and
access along key pedestrian trails and within the car parks, improve traffic flow for cars and vehicles
with boats, improve access for all ability visitors to the area, improve public access to club facilities
and boat ramps, improve safety to the public on the cliff top and identify and protect areas of
cultural heritage.

Most of the planned upgrading is required to meet current standards for safety in regards to traffic
and pedestrian areas, installing handrails, upgrading toilet facilities, repairing boat ramps, installing
pollutant traps to improve water quality in the Bay, planting to slow down cliff erosion and building a
low level blue stone wall in the lower car park to protect it from wave action. We have suggested
using logs in the Love Street car park to mark out parking spaces for cars to maximize spaces and still
be environmentally friendly.

The Half Moon Bay Life Saving Club is very important to the community and visitors to this beach
and they have asked the Council to consider allowing them to extend the club to allow more space
to store equipment and to upgrade an existing ramp or build a new one to allow easy access for the
inflatable lifeboat. There are 4 options to comment on.

A Make no changes.

B Modify the HMBSLSC verandah to allow for widening of the ramp.

C Extend the existing HMBSLSC boat ramp along the existing seawall and widen the opening to
allow access from the existing roller doors.

D HMBSLSC have requested an extension to the southern end of the existing building and
construction of a new boat ramp for rescue craft.

There are club, community or environmental issues with all these options. Option A doesn't help the
Club, Option B removes the veranda from where the on duty life savers observe the beach, Option C
and D impact on an area of sand currently used by many different types of beach and bay visitors
(walkers and recreational users, as well as lifeguards). Additionally, our experience at Sandringham
beach is that a hard structure to the landscape may act as a groyne, and hence may change the sand
movement to the detriment of the beach and bay. SFA would be concerned if such a structure was
built without careful analysis to assess its impact on the local geomorphology and coast.

I would like to suggest an alternative option E, that the life saving club be allowed daily use of the
existing ramp opposite the Beach House, left of their storage area, to park and launch their boats.
The yacht club sometimes uses this ramp during competition days but already has a double width
ramp in front of its club for its own members. Sharing at peak times could be part of an ongoing
discussion between all users.
To represent all sections of the community I encourage you to have an input to this discussion online
at https://www.yoursay.bayside.vic.gov.au/half-moon-bay

Alternatively, email your ideas to: Grant Roberts on groberts@bayside.vic.gov.au


Half Moon Bay cliffs - one of the many reasons why we love Half Moon Bay:
Spectacular images by photographer Albert Sulzer
Environment, Land, Water Planning (DELWP) update on:

Black Rock revetment wall promenade to reinforce it from further wave attacks during storms

Images taken by Hakan Dellal 2014 storm damage on the promenade


Black Rock revetment wall promenade to reinforce it from further wave attacks during storms

Please find below SFA's joint response to the proposal and to the Marine report supplied
by DELWP:

30 August 2017

Sandringham Foreshore Association


Marine Care Ricketts Point Inc.
Hakan Dellal - representing local residents, other site users including fishermen and recreational
divers.
BLACK ROCK
Victoria 3193.

To: Cass Philippou


cass.philippou@delwp.vic.gov.au
Senior Project Manager
Department of Environment, Water & Planning
KNOXFIELD
Victoria 3180.

Re: Community response to the Ecological Study (Advisian 2017) commissioned by


DELWP. Our concerns and recommendations regarding the proposed revetment for
the bluestone sea wall at Black Rock.

(Prepared by Hakan Dellal, Alison Horton, Elizabeth Jensen and Ken Blackman).
Dear Cass,

Thank you for sharing the marine assessment and historical studies for the proposed site of
the Black Rock revetment wall. We understand that this project is out for tender and work is
proposed to start soon after and hence our urgency to address this matter. Further to our
ongoing concerns detailed in the site meetings with DELWP officers and Associates and in
response to the marine assessment ecological study commissioned by DELWP to identity
the impact of the revetment works, the community stakeholders seek an urgent response to
our following recommendations and concerns.

1. Relocate the start of the revetment wall southernmost edge to approximately 30


meters north of photo site 15, as identified in the ecological report (just north of the
access ramp off the seawall) to protect the local ecological integrity and significance
of reef areas identified between approximately photo points 15 to 18 in the study.

2. Taper or angle the southern and northern ends of the revetment wall to avoid an
abrupt right angled protrusion of a hard rock structure into the marine/coastal
environment to minimise the possible impact this may have in trapping
sediment/sand and interrupting existing currents and water flow,

3. Implement an engineering solution to incorporate larger weepholes in the overall


design to assist the faster escape of seawater from the pathway of the existing sea
wall.
4. Confirm that the actual width of the revetment wall identified in the ecological study is
actually 10 metres inclusive of the existing pathway and landward edge of the blue
stone seawall.

Recommendation 1 is supported by the following evidence cited within the ecological


study:

1. The local ecological significance of this site (approx. photo points 15 to 18) is
evidenced within the ecological study, which states, of all the areas surveyed, this
segment contains the most diverse in terms of species and habitat present,
(Advisian 2017: 8). The report notes at this site:
Diversity of invertebrate species (Advisian 2017: 6),
Numerous healthy seagrass beds, including those in close proximity to the
seaward edge of the sea wall (Advisian 2017: 6 and 7), extending southward to
Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, and
Brown algae and seagrass assemblages (Advisian 2017: 7).

The report content additionally shows the much lower species diversity that would be
offered by bluestone substrate as per the revetment, demonstrating smaller species
diversity over bluestone rock and other rubble substrate habitats identified in the
study area (Advisian 2017: 6).

2. The reduced need for the revetment to be adjacent to this reef site ((photo points 15
to 18) is supported within the observations of the ecological study itself:

Whilst the ecological study identifies Second Street to Fourth Street to include
sections of the seawall that are most susceptible to coastal conditions, it does not
specify that from the most seaward point of the seawall, the site running south
from approx. photo point 15 are in fact some of the least vulnerable parts of the
seawall when compared to the areas north of photo point 15. Through a lack of
specificity about the section from Second Street to Fourth Street the report leads
the reader to believe exposure to fetch and therefore vulnerability of the sea wall
is the same along this entire section, though this is not the case.
o As stated, the section between Second Street and Fourth Street is the
most vulnerable segment along this section of the coastline as it is
exposed to the maximum fetch from the west, with no emergent reef
offshore to offer any protection from waves, (Advisian 2017: 5); and yet
from the reef site approx. photo point 15 to 18 (near Fourth Street),
expansive (emergent) rock platforms extend seaward, (Advisian 2017: 6).

The confluence between these observations is not drawn into the most obvious
conclusion within the study, being that the seawall adjacent to the reef site
approx. photo points 15 to 18 is offered protection due to the presence of
expansive emergent reefs.

This is additionally demonstrated by both local oral accounts and the photos of
storm damage (provided to DELWP officers previously) showing greatest impact
on the seawall to be north of photo point 15; and thus the site approx. photo
points 15 to 18 do not require the same protection from damage that occurs to
sections north of photo point 15.
o The study also states that the area from approx. photo point 15 to 18 is
also where the seawall is at its greatest extent (Advision 2017:6). This
suggests there already exists a further degree of protection in this area.

Ecological study gaps around ecosystem function and impacts:


The ecological capacity of this site has been acknowledged by the ecological report and the
recommendation for care to be taken (Advisian 2017: 13) clearly acknowledges the
seagrass patches, their habitat value and importance in ecological process. Yet the
ecological report minimizes their significance by a general quantitative assessment based on
comparative size (Advisian 2017:11) as opposed to presenting any other data around
productivity or ecosystem function (or lack of it); additionally without similarly comparative
data to the site it is being assessed against within the Sanctuary.
It should be observed:

Boundaries of Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary are largely political, adjusted


within the wake of ongoing clashes between conservation and recreational fishing
groups (Bayside Leader 2001) and established with consideration to other social
values, i.e., recreational fishing (ECC 2000),

Contemporary calls and concerns, including Victorian scientists, seek to address


the efficacy of marine protection objectives around limited resilience of smaller
MPAs against border effects and critically the need to consider ecology, at
scales greater than patch sizes, (Edmunds 2012), additionally

At no point did the ecological study account for fish species or fish abundance
associated with this location (photo point 15 and southward), where this is in fact
of one of the most significant values of the site locally (one of the reasons for its
popularity as a fishing location).

For the present the current ecological study has not identified all major ecological values or
impacts over the reef area approx. photo points 15 to 18 (nor associated social values) thus
the following broader questions remain to be answered to which the community seeks a
response:

What are the range of ecosystem functions that the locally significant seagrass
patches and algal/seagrass assemblages perform, e.g., as nursery areas and in
biota production?
What are the extent of their roles in both fish and other biota productivity at this
location, particularly in view of the popularity and reports of high fish numbers
caught?
What specific ecosystem functions are at risk from what type of impacts?
What is the range of risk posed to biota if ecological processes are disturbed?
Is there evidence to suggest this reef plays no role in local fish and other species
resilience or production?
How will the impact of the specific process for installing the revetment wall be
mitigated or reduced?
What other mitigation strategies are available?

o One example being that Parks Vic asked for an assessment on the Sanctuary
of sediment from both during and post construction (Advisian 2017: 2), however
there appears to be no direct response to this request provided within the
ecological study.
Our conservative reaction to the absence of such assessment is to underline
Recommendation 1 above, adoption of which should reduce untested impacts
of the project on the Marine Sanctuary.

The community is highly concerned about any continued proceedings around the proposed
revetment without a greater degree of transparency concerning impacts, mitigation
strategies and accounting for limited understanding about the ecological role and value of
the reef site between approx. photo points 15 to 18.
In view of our concerns we are seeking a meaningful response to our recommendations and
matters raised therein, within the period ending 15 September 2017; given the stated need
for the Department to act before the summer period as cited during the onsite meeting
DELWP officers and Associates and community representatives.
Yours Sincerely
Hakan Dellal, Alison Horton, Elizabeth Jensen and Ken Blackman

Reference list
Boulton, M., (2001),Sanctuary sunk. 25 May 2001, Bayside Leader.
ECC (Environment Conservation Council), (2000), Marine, coasts, and estuaries
investigation. Environment Conservation Council. East Melbourne.
Edmunds M (2012) VEAC Marine Investigation: Submission on Marine Protected Areas.
Submission to Victorian Environment Assessment Council. Australian Marine Ecology
Report 500, Melbourne.

Beaumaris Motor Yacht Squadron EES update:

You will find more information about the proposal here:

https://www.bmys.com.au/club-marina-news/

Do you object to the Marina development and support greater protection of the Beaumaris Fossil
site? You can sign the Petition here: http://www.nobeaumarismarina.com/

Bayside City Council Update


Bayside Banksia newsletters:
Link to the Spring edition of the Banksia Bulletin: https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/banksia-bulletin

Link to the winter edition of the Banksia Bulletin:

https://www.bayside.vic.gov.au/sites/default/files/sustainability_and_environment/banksia_bulleti
n_-_winter_2017.pdf
Bayside Council Youth Leadership award
Winner of the 2017 Youth Community Leadership Award : Samuel Perkins

Baysides Sam Perkins, also of the Brighton Sea Scouts has picked up this years Bayside Council
Community Youth Leadership Award. Congratulations Sam !

Apart from ongoing monitoring of micro-plastics and beach erosion, Sam and the Brighton Sea
Scouts successfully applied to the PPB Environment Fund to train other scouts in this work.

Source:
https://www.facebook.com/baysidecitycouncil/photos/pcb.1383989891654208/138398841498768
9/?type=3&theater

3191 Beach Patrol - Sandringham beach clean-up

Help Clean Up our local beaches with Victoria, from 3191 Beach Patrol "Love Where You
Live"
For more information click on this link: http://www.cleanup.org.au/au/
Date: Sunday 29 October 2017
Time: 9am - 10am
Location: Sandringham Beach

Meeting point Middle/Sims St car park adjacent to children's playground on Beach


Road, opposite Sims St. We will head down the ramp south of the car park.

BYO gloves and bags please. See you there!

Victoria
3191 Beach Patrol
"Love Where You Live"
TANGAROA BLUE NEWSLETTER - re-printed from: Australian Marine Debris Initiative
http://www.tangaroablue.org/

With the increased sharing of information through social media, it has become obvious that marine
debris and ocean pollution is a gigantic problem. An overwhelming 8 million pieces of plastic litter
per day enter the ocean! (Jamback et al, 2015). Individually thinking about tackling this enormous
plastic epidemic may seem too overwhelming; however, making the smallest changes to our daily
lives, together, we can contribute significantly towards reducing this plastic dilemma.

An easy and effective way to make a tremendous difference in our community is to simply start by
looking at the plastic situation in our backyards, our own Port Phillip Bay. Lets consider some fast
facts: As a result of our wonderful volunteers helping with 100s of clean-ups over the past decade,
from our AMDI Database (2004 2014), we found that the top 8 marine plastics that enter our bays
include: plastic fragments, plastic lids, cigarette butts, plastic bottles,
food packaging, plastic bags (degraded pieces), and fishing line. With
this knowledge, we can each make a significant difference to help
reduce this plastic pollution.

Some of the basic strategies that Victorians can implement into their
daily lives to reduce plastic waste are as easy as changing
consumption habits like: bringing reusable shopping bags to the
supermarket, use a stainless steel flask instead of plastic bottles, buy
and store food jars, use real plates and cutlery for picnics, choose
microbead-free skin care products, buy recycled and reusable office
supplies such as durable backpacks and refillable pens, compost to
use fewer rubbish bags and reduce methane production, bring a
reusable lunch box and even using scrap paper as a note book. Yarra River
Remember that any litter that someone throws on the ground can end up in our waterways, so
making that little extra effort like: recycling as much as you can, disposing of cigarette butts
properly, taking your rubbish with you if nearby bin containers are overflowing and using the
take3forthesea motto, meaning pick up at least three pieces of rubbish when you go for a walk on
the beach, in the park, in your neighbourhood or along waterways.

And finally, get involved by spreading the word about marine debris
to your friends, family, and social media. You can organise a beach
clean-up or join organisations such as Tangaroa Blue, Beach Patrol,
Port Phillip EcoCentre to name a few, who conduct regular clean-
ups, or even donate to these organisations so they can continue to
work with the councils to help reduce the plastic epidemic
surrounding our bays. Also, you can help by supporting the
introduction of the container deposit scheme in Victoria. This has
Plastic Resin Pellets, St Kilda
been a very successfully tactic in the Northern Territory, where over
35 million containers were returned in the first year of the container refund system. Contributing to
one or many of these initiatives, you will significantly help keep our Port Phillip Bay clean of marine
debris, which will markedly help reduce the 8 billion tons of plastic litter entering our oceans each
year (Jambeck 2015).
Source: Tangaroa Blue resources are available through this link
http://www.tangaroablue.org/resources.html
Science 13 Feb 2015:Vol. 347, Issue 6223, pp. 768-771
DOI: 10.1126/science.1260352

Hampton Harbour concerns


Black silt located adjacent to the Hampton Yacht Club and Sailboard Headquarters is a
dangerous and very unfriendly feature - causing people and dogs to get "stuck in the sand",
and filthy. In this aerial view, the silt zone can be seen to the left of the large sand bank,
around the pier:

SFA profile
The Evans family go a long way back living in Bayside. Our community is blessed by the
many great contributions made by the Evans family, who have been of service to Bayside,
Victoria and Australia. We all appreciate the tremendous work of Laurie Evans, twice former
Mayor (City of Sandringham 1990/91, City of Bayside 2013/14), and currently a Councillor.
In this issue we pay tribute to Richard Evans, older brother of Laurie Evans. This piece was
written by Andy Evans, Richard's son, who pays great tribute to his father:
RICHARD JOHN EVANS : 1943 - 1988

Richard Evans with his wife Deidre - photo taken 1985. Deidre is now living in Brighton East.

If you happen to be walking down to Half Moon Bay and you take the ramp from the beach
path down to the Life Saving Club, you may notice a park bench with a plaque on it
dedicated to Richard John Evans. The Evans family has lived in the Sandringham and Black
Rock areas for six generations, and the latest generations are still enjoying the same aspects
of Bayside that originally brought the family to this area. The familys keen interest in
protection of the foreshore and its historic significance to Bayside is anchored by the fact
that they have restored and maintained one of the last remaining original Boatsheds at Half
Moon Bay.

Richard was born on the 16th of June 1943 in Sandringham and he was already the third
generation of his family to live in Sandringham. Like the rest of his family he never moved
more than a few blocks from his parents and grandparents homes. He loved the beach and
the relaxed bayside lifestyle. The original Evans family home, named Wrexham by the
family, is still standing in almost original condition in Sims Street Sandringham.

Richard came from very humble and happy beginnings. His father Stanley worked as a
storeman and his mother Kath took care of the family. They were both great role models
with an absolute commitment to family and to gaining access to a decent education for their
children. They spent a lot of time at the beach and the family owned a bathing box at the
end of Abbott Street. When Richard was young the family bathing box was washed away in
a storm and they were devastated that they were not able to rebuild it.

Richard completed a Science degree then a combined Law/Arts degree, all by the age of 21.
Both the Science and the Law Degrees were awarded with Honours. Richard did his Articles
at Smith and Emerton, then worked at Russell Kennedy & Cook before going to the Bar and
reading with Sir James Gobbo. In his first few years at the Bar he was involved in all types of
cases, whatever he could get, and then he finally decided to focus on Town Planning. Town
Planning was then growing into an area of law in its own right.

By the late 1960s Richard had moved to Kirkwood Ave Sandringham, and in the early 1970s
he set out to preserve the last remaining bathing box at Red Bluff. He applied to Council to
be allowed to restore the small tin shed. Soon after Council had approved the restoration,
the shed was burnt down and Richard was not permitted to rebuild it from the remains.

In the late 1970s Richard and his brothers once again had the opportunity to preserve the
remaining boat sheds in the area. When a family who owned a boat shed that was in
disrepair at Half Moon Bay moved back to England they handed the keys to the shed, to the
Evans family. Richard and his brother Laurence set about the restoration and saved the shed
from collapse. After more than 30 years the shed still remains within the family.

Richard died on the 8th of Jan 1988 at the age of 44 while scuba diving on the wreck of The
Annie Miller, 1.4kms out from Sydney Heads. He was with his close friend Dr. Andy
Newman-Maurice when he died.

Richards family felt incredibly honoured when they were informed in 1993 that the
Victorian Environmental Planning Law Association (VEPLA) had named its highest award in
honour of Richard. They were humbled by the fact that he will always be remembered by
his peers for the commitment he had to his profession.

The Evans family also hope that those who enjoy a rest on the park bench at Half Moon Bay
will consider Richards commitment to the preservation of bathing boxes and boat sheds
along the Bayside foreshore.

Richard's great grandfather's house, later owned by Councillor Laurie Evans. The house is located in
Sims Street Sandringham, and is still in almost original condition. It was originally built as a holiday
house by the previous owner.
Stan Evans - Richard's father, at the beach in 1940, before Richard was born.

Stan and Kath Evans - Richards's mother and father in 1940, before Richard was born.
Richard Evan's beach bathing box - article published in the late 1970's [probably 1978 /79]

Kids on the sand - images taken in the late 50's [probably 1958]
Kids outside theEvans bathing box

Grandchildren at the boatshed - two of them are Richard's grandchildren - Marlo and Richard
(children of Andy Evans). Photo taken 2014.
The natural wonders of Bayside

SFA welcomes you to submit your photos or stories, and tell us what inspires you about
them!
The link to the Age article of a young boy bitten by sea lice occurred right here in Bayside:
http://www.theage.com.au/victoria/its-not-a-movie-did-marine-critters-eat-brighton-teenagers-
legs-20170806-gxq9db.html

Catalyst interview -Professor Tim


Flannery investigates how seaweed is
helping to save the world - from
growing the foods of the future, helping
clean polluted water, and even
combating climate change.
Growing seaweed is now a ten billion
dollar a year global industry. Tim travels
to Korea to see some of the biggest
seaweed farms in the world and meets
the scientists who are hoping to create
a seaweed revolution here in
Australia. Visit the Catalyst site to
download mp4 video or watch on iview.

Community announcements
Community Skills Development Grants
The Hon. Lily D'Ambrosio MP, Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change,
recently launched the Community Skills Development Grants, which in 2017/18 will provide
$600,000 in funding for groups and networks to access training and skills development.

The Community Skills Development Grants aim to enable groups and networks to
strengthen their capacity, develop their skills, and operate more effectively, through:

Supporting learning, development and training opportunities, and


Encouraging knowledge sharing and skills development.

Who can apply: Victorian volunteer community-based environment groups and networks
that are involved in the delivery of on-ground environmental works..
Funding available: $600,000 will be shared across the two funding streams outlined below:

Stream 1 (Individual Group Grants) individual groups can apply for up to $5,000.

Stream 2 (Network or Partnership Grants) networks or partnerships of networks


and groups can apply for up to $20,000.

Guidelines & application forms:


the Guidelines can be accessed via
https://www.environment.vic.gov.au/grants/community-skills-development-grants
which includes links to the online SmartyGrants application forms.

Please read the Guidelines before commencing the application form.

Applications close: 5pm Thursday 12 October 2017.

For more information: see the Guidelines, contact the Victorian Grants Information Line on
1300 366 356 or email landcare@delwp.vic.gov.au

Bruce Atkin| Coastcare Facilitator, Gippsland


Forest, Fire and Regions / Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
310 Commercial Road, Yarram, Victoria 3971
T: 03 5183 9116 | M: 0429 842142| F: 03 5182 6157 | E: bruce.atkin@delwp.vic.gov.au

UPDATE OCTOBER 2017


Connecting Coastal Champions- the CCB Forum
Date: Thursday 23 November 2017 Venue: Novotel St Kilda, 16 The Esplanade, St Kilda.
In one day the CCB aims to provide you with knowledge, networks and insights into the practices and
solutions that can advance the way we plan, protect and manage our coast. View the program and
register now.
The Forum will include keynote presentations from Professor Bruce Thom AM, Paul Smith and Neil
McCarthy. This is followed by concurrent presentations grouped in coastal, marine, catchment and
climate change themes. A Panel discussion in the afternoon will stimulate your thinking about the
coast and will be followed by a networking function to connect you with other coastal champions.
Volunteers please note a special rate for the day of $120 including the networking function afterwards.
Any questions regarding the Forum can be directed to: ccb@delwp.vic.gov.au
The new Marine and Coastal Bill is still on track for introduction into Parliament in December. The
Victorian Coastal Council hosted a Round table session of coastal stakeholders on 31 August 2017 to
enable DELWP to convey information and hear feedback on the proposed Bill and associated
reforms, now called a Transition Plan. The Regional Coastal Board chairs participated in this process.
We look forward to the Governments release of the details.
The Sustainable Visitation and Tourism Framework is a key initiative of the Regional Coastal
Plans. It will establish a process to rank and map information on coastal assets, coastal climate
change impact assessment and visitor/tourism use of the coast. It will identify prioritised Visitor
Experience Areas by considering the opportunity visitor sites provide and the demand for them. These
layers of information will be mapped at a landscape scale and provided to land managers via
DELWPs website. Extensive stakeholder engagement scheduled early next year and led by the
regional coastal boards will play a key role in informing the project. The SV&TF will be used to assess
future coastal investment priorities and provide strategic direction for local planning tools.
The Iconic Beaches and Coast Program. In June DELWP coastal staff developed a prioritised list of
works for implementation over the next 3-4 years through the coastal protection infrastructure
upgrade program. As part of this process a draft decision making framework was tested as well as a
process to identify projects with co-investment potential.
Moolap Coastal Strategic Framework Plan. The final plan is now being prepared informed by the
submissions on the draft. It is scheduled for release by the end of 2017.
Audit on Protecting Victoria's coastal assets. The Victorian Auditor-General's Office (VAGO) has
been gathering information for an audit which is to determine whether natural and built assets on
Victoria's coastline are being effectively protected against coastal erosion and inundation. The CCB
was interviewed last week. The Final Audit Report is expected to be tabled in Parliament during
November 2017. For more information on the audit visit: VAGO Victorian Coastal Audit
Got something to say to the Central Coast Board? Then simply reply to this email
ccb@delwp.vic.gov.au We appreciate all feedback, especially on the value of this newsletter.

Kind regards
Julie
__________

Level 4, 30-38 Little Malop Street, Geelong, 3220


T: 03 9637 9463 | E: ccb@delwp.vic.gov.au | www.ccb.vic.gov.au

Join international experts, community campaigners, innovative businesses, ministers and


mayors to set Australia and the Pacific onto the pathway to cleaner oceans.
You can have a look at the program here.

We'd love you to help us develop our Action Plan and there's a special discount for
Boomerang supporters [promotion code: Boomerang10]. Book here - be quick - space is
limited.
With 8 million tonnes of plastic waste entering our oceans every year, it's a question being
asked around the world by communities, governments, scientists and business.

This is the first conference of its kind in Australia. Weve lined up fantastic speakers from
Australia and overseas and will bring together business, government, science, academia and
community, to find pathways to cleaner oceans. If you want to:

know the latest research


hear how Boomerang's Communities Taking Control program can help
meet other concerned members of the community
know what nations in Asia and the Pacific are doing
debate the best policies to stop the pollution
learn campaign skills and citizen science tools
understand the role of business and councils

Beyond Plastic Pollution is the best place to be:


The conference will be held from 30 October to 1 November at Darling Harbour in
Sydney. You can have a look at the program here. Full event or day tickets are available.

Supporters of the Boomerang Alliance will receive a special Early Bird 10% discount
[promotion code: Boomerang10]. Book here - be quick - space is limited.
And finally, our last Community Announcement

THE WAIT IS
ALMOST OVER

NEW
IMPROVED
DATE

The Sandy Beach Kiosk Dunny Launch


Grand Opening, Saturday October 21st, 11am
Special Guest Felicity Frederico
PLUS Sing Australia Bayside with Songs from the toilet
SFA committee member profile - Trevor Turner
Trevor has a major degree: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) with honours.
And a Graduate Diploma in Information Systems
Trevor worked for Unilever for 15 years as an Industrial Chemist (Fats and Oils)
Is working now for NAB last 19 years as Batch Processing specialist (Credit Cards and
Merchant Banking Systems).
Spent 12 years involved with Field Naturalist Club of Victoria (juniors section)
Has logged over 500 scuba dives, mostly in Victoria and was part of the committee of
Melbourne University Underwater Club for many years.
Has a love of the water.
Still does some Fishing when time permits.
Used to play Underwater Hockey for Victoria.
Still plays competitive table tennis, and manages the website and competitions.
Used to run a few rock rambles at Ricketts Point for Church groups and Kindergartens.
Still does bush walks and camping, even out of the kayak sometimes.
Is married to Julia, and has 2 Kids: Daniel doing final year software engineering at Monash
University, and Michaela doing year 12.
We hope you have enjoyed reading the spring 2017 edition of the SFA Newsletter!

Yours with kindness,

Dr Vicki Karalis AM,


SFA President

SFA committee members:

Alison Horton, Vice-President & Public Officer; Perfusionist


Salva Crusca, Secretary, Mental health worker
Craig Francis, Treasurer, IT expert
Ike Solomon, Engineer
Helen Gibson, Geologist & Editorial assistant
Paul Hede, Architect
Adrienne Smith, Secretarial Assistant, IT consultant
Trevor Turner, IT consultant
Cristian Silver, Editorial Assistant

Free SFA Membership


The Sandringham Foreshore Association is a charitable not-for-profit association. Membership is free. Our self-
acclaimed role is to foster and promote good natural conservation principles to Bayside foreshore management.
Our current focus is to assist public education by aligning ourselves with scientific experts in fields of
conservation and natural environment, and to facilitate effective communication between community council
and state governments and established environmental science publications and position statements.
The role of SFA is to care for and help protect our local beaches and cliffs, but also to educate, raise awareness
and preserve our local archaeological, geological, cultural, indigenous and heritage sites such as the Beaumaris
Bay fossil site.
If you are interested in joining our free membership, to receive notices and our Quarterly Newsletters Please
respond via our website
http://sandringhamforeshore.tumblr.com/MembershipForm

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