Devilbend
Devilbend (Daarngean) is the site decommissioned water reservoir. 1005ha In the middle of the Mornington Peninsula.
Devilbend
What we wanted:
The Community Vision for Devilbend Reserve calls for its restoration as a world-class conservation reserve, as a place of learning, and as the focal point for nature conservation on the Peninsula. An effective framework is needed to accomplish this Vision, encompassing a range of goals and key actions related to conservation, research, public input and use of Devilbend Reserve. [“Devilbend Reserve: a Strategic Planning Approach”, 2008]
What the Nov. 2007 Community Workshop wanted: “A long-term sustainable world class nature reserve/ecological sanctuary establishing habitat corridors for the future survival of wildlife, allowing for the whole community to value, share and appreciate the natural and indigenous cultural environment, creating Devilbend Reserve as a symbol and source of wellbeing”. (Community Vision: ‘Devilbend: the natural heart of the Peninsula’, extract from Devilbend Reserve Community Workshop, Nov. 2007, agreed to by all 72 participants, including VRFish, Horse riders, Bushwalkers, conservation, Landcare groups and Morn. Peninsula Fly fishers, published by Sustainable Futures Aust.)
What we appear to now have in the Draft Plan: The agreed primary objective of restoring and conserving vegetation communities and enhancing habitat values has been compromised with the proposed inclusion in the Draft Plan of clearly-threatening recreation activities and completely inappropriate zoning favouring ‘busy’ recreation. PV has lacked the guts to comprehend and value the unique value of the reserve as a core area of habitat that is just large enough to enable sustainable wildlife populations and to enable wildlife corridors to extend across other reserves in the Peninsula.
Summary of major points you need to consider:
Points to consider: (continued)
WHAT YOU MIGHT SAY IN A SUBMISSION
If you are a bird watcher, you might say we have monitored in the Reserve for the past 5 years and this is the only continuous monitoring of any species (150 birds to date, though the Draft Plan states 158 on p 14). There is little knowledge of the interaction between birds and other fauna and flora, or indeed, in the habitat requirements and area required by each species. Further research is essential before the reserve is opened up. The Blue-Billed Duck and the White-bellied Sea Eagle are listed together with 9 others – Australasian Bittern, Baillon’s Crake, Caspian Tern, Great and Intermediate Egret, Grey-crowned babbler, Lewin’s rail, Powerful Owl, with 10 Vulnerable and 3 endangered. Numerous birds take advantage of the range of habitats, lack of disturbance, and water and food supplies. They shouldn’t be disturbed! If described ‘controlled actions’ (such as those affecting habitat, feeding or breeding) occur for listed species, then the Federal EPBC Act is triggered by that threatening process. Most of the reserve has remained undisturbed for more than 40 years, so opening up the reserve, with new trails, picnic grounds and horse riding could impact badly on habitat, feeding and breeding sites. Feral animal control, especially of cats and foxes, is vital and needs immediate action. We don’t need cattle - grazing leases that have not been well supervised, and cattle have damaged dams and wetlands before. Opening up a new Picnic Ground at Bittern Reservoir would also threaten breeding, feeding and roosting sites, especially for wetland birds and possible migratory birds. Establishing the proposed new car park on Derril Road would open up to public disturbance a large area of remnant vegetation and important habitats.
If you are concerned with wildlife and preservation of flora and fauna, you might say that this is an ideal opportunity for PV to show leadership and a modern approach to conserving biodiversity in this ‘island’ of relatively unaffected land. There should be more than 20 mammals, and all efforts should be made to retain and restore remnants to allow wildlife to recover. Corridors with links to Greens Bush, Woods reserve and adjoining Land for Wildlife properties could improve matters, as well as the provision of kangaroo-friendly fencing and possible removal of some of the exterior wire fences. Lots more research into the food web and aquatic life is needed!
If you are a horse rider you might say you didn’t get everything we wanted, but the proposed perimeter trails going around the perimeter of the southern portion of the reserve will be good.
If you are worried about water conditions you might point out that there is very limited information in the Draft Plan about the quality of the water. With no current data, and the high potential for pollution from the catchment if the catch drains (which are supposed to hold back pollution) to enter both reservoirs. As for even considering introducing exotic trout, you might like to oppose that outright. Trout need specific cool water – not the frequently warm and shallow waters at Devilbend, and trout threaten all other fish and frog tadpoles.
If you have ever walked your dog, or swum in the Reserve you might say you knew from the beginning of the planning process that dogs were going to be frowned on, but you are upset at the number of dogs illegally going into the Reserve with their owners and hunting animals now. It might be hard to keep hunters and hunting dogs out, given the proposed new access tracks and new picnic ground at Bittern. Swimmers have been breaking through the fence for years and swimming in that dark deep water near the old quarry. If lots of people try to dive in, it will be dangerous. PV will have a lot of expensive patrolling to do to keep everyone away. Also, swimmers would stir up the sediments in the Reservoir and that will decrease the quality of habitat to support all the life in the water.
If you are a bushwalker you might say you don’t like sharing trails with bikes and even horses! We want to appreciate the natural landscape, not cattle grazing and feral animals. Recognize that there are lots of opportunities for camping elsewhere and new car parks, roads or fishing infrastructure are not needed to enjoy the new trails. You might also point out that so many trails are not needed: you would prefer to make sure that the wildlife habitat is subjected to only minimal disturbance.
If you are a local resident, you might say many of us are Land for Wildlife people, and wildlife carers, and members of the Landcare Group, committed to improving the land, the woodlands and allowing corridors to be open and allowing wildlife movement. But how can kangaroos move if fences are built to keep hazards reduced? The government has over $3 million from the sale of the 40 ha block in Graydens Rd. as well as the prior allocation provided by the government - so you expect intensive fox and weed control to get started immediately (the Shire makes you do these things, but PV hasn’t done much of this in the Reserve in the past 2 years). You might also push for a sound bushfire prevention and control plan to be developed for the Reserve.
If you already work, weed, monitor, plant, within the reserve, you might say you are not going to see your work for improving and restoring the natural vegetation of the reserve wasted! Some people have collected seed for years, and propagated plants for the reserve. Recognize that there are masses of boneseed, blackberries, slash pines and other weeds – and –these will require a lot of effort by volunteers and contractors to remove. Weeds get spread by people and horses and cattle, and you might express special concern about the risk of cinnamon fungus getting spread through the reserve and into other vegetation communities. Rare orchids have now been found in one of the proposed fishing sites!
If you feel absolutely furious, disappointed and let down, you might say where is PVs adherence to the ideas we put up at the 2007 Community Workshop, and at the earlier Mornington racecourse workshop? Where are the genuine conservation strategies to preserve the values of this reserve? Where is the protection for plants and animals? Why have another recreation reserve? PV has to act in a sustainable manner, and not open up almost the whole area to intense human disurbance. And who is going to supervise the many visitors who will be attracted by the recreational opportunities, especially for fishing and cycling?
If you are member of Parliament or a senior officer in DSE you know that previous Minister for Environment, John Thwaites, proclaimed Devilbend as an ideal conservation opportunity, but the designation of the reserve as a Natural Features Reserve was probably not the best option for conservation. You would recognize that there is no government policy requiring fishing at Devilbend: the policy only promised “to investigate new fishing opportunities at Devilbend”. You are aware of pressures to make this unique reserve a recreational park, and know that community expectations would not be me by the proposals in the draft plan. You should attempt, most sincerely, to get the Draft Plan amended, and further consult with Devilbend Foundation on the best ways to make this happen.
Jan Oliver
The Community Vision for Devilbend Reserve calls for its restoration as a world-class conservation reserve, as a place of learning, and as the focal point for nature conservation on the Peninsula. An effective framework is needed to accomplish this Vision, encompassing a range of goals and key actions related to conservation, research, public input and use of Devilbend Reserve. [“Devilbend Reserve: a Strategic Planning Approach”, 2008]
What the Nov. 2007 Community Workshop wanted: “A long-term sustainable world class nature reserve/ecological sanctuary establishing habitat corridors for the future survival of wildlife, allowing for the whole community to value, share and appreciate the natural and indigenous cultural environment, creating Devilbend Reserve as a symbol and source of wellbeing”. (Community Vision: ‘Devilbend: the natural heart of the Peninsula’, extract from Devilbend Reserve Community Workshop, Nov. 2007, agreed to by all 72 participants, including VRFish, Horse riders, Bushwalkers, conservation, Landcare groups and Morn. Peninsula Fly fishers, published by Sustainable Futures Aust.)
What we appear to now have in the Draft Plan: The agreed primary objective of restoring and conserving vegetation communities and enhancing habitat values has been compromised with the proposed inclusion in the Draft Plan of clearly-threatening recreation activities and completely inappropriate zoning favouring ‘busy’ recreation. PV has lacked the guts to comprehend and value the unique value of the reserve as a core area of habitat that is just large enough to enable sustainable wildlife populations and to enable wildlife corridors to extend across other reserves in the Peninsula.
Summary of major points you need to consider:
- The Draft permits fishing – against all advice
- The Vision statement has been altered from the one agreed by the PV Advisory Group & published in the Access Paper of June 2008 to one including fishing, riding and recreational Activities
- Devilbend as a conservation reserve becomes even more important in the light of the State of Environment 2008 findings of Dr Ian McPhail (Vic Sustainability Commissioner) that loss of habitat and wildlife in Victoria is severe – check his web site www.ces.vic.gov.au
- Much of the limited scientific research, consultant reports, and Advisory Committee advice has been ignored
- Results of the aquatic ecology study by Monash University and another by Arthur Rylah Institute on aquatic/terrestrial ecology interactions have not been made available yet, so we are unable to make informed comments on key proposals
- Call for zero tolerance of fishing in the Reserve – or at least a three-year moratorium on fishing until all aquatic studies (partly funded by us!) are completed
- Dwarf Galaxias, nationally threatened, are probably still in the catch drains, and certainly in the catchment creeks: threatening processes such as those proposed in the Draft Plan trigger the EPBC Act
- There has been no research on invertebrates, aquatic plants, reptiles, the bats, fungi and their interactions with the environment and the basic food web
- There is no current data on water pollution, or the effects of changing storages, opening up the pollution catch drains, or of letting Bittern become a swamp
- Lack of protection to the Growling Grass Frog, the Galaxias, the birds, the wetlands, the remnant vegetation, the catch drains grasslands and orchids means these species – unknown in many cases – will disappear
- There is no mention of rangers being permanently on site so who would control users? Who would prevent fires?
- Cattle grazing is to continue (apart from some phasing out) yet is classed as a threatening process in the federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act. Our suggestion to replace with hay farming has been ignored.
- DFI is seeking advice on legal issues: is Parks Victoria acting sustainably, and in accordance with policies laid down in the Conservation Strategy for Natural Features Reserves? Is their duty of care to us (public liability) and nature itself compromised? Are various legislative requirements being ignored (e.g. for protecting bird nesting sites?)
- The proposed ‘Conservation and Recreation’ zone (62% of the area!) covers most of the valuable waters and wetlands – so protection is minimal; this treats the Reserve as a metropolitan park, not a conservation reserve: DFI proposes that over 95% of the Reserve area should be zoned for Conservation (passive walking along carefully-sited trails would still be permitted) (continued next page)
Points to consider: (continued)
- The proposed new picnic area at Bittern Reservoir is unnecessary and is sited in the midst of a potential core habitat area
- It is part of the Community Vision for restoration of a complete unfragmented island of habitat that Hodgins Road be closed eventually. The proposed second picnic area in Hodgins Road (see Fig. 4) takes people pressure into the heart of the island and defeats the objective
- There appears to be lots of reliance on working with other government agencies, the Boonwurrung/Bunurong people, Landcare and us – but there is no acknowledgement that we have set up a Friends Group and they are slogging away already! Ask to have the Friends of Daangean added!
- Send a copy of your submission to Neale Burgess, [email protected], Greg Hunt MP , [email protected], Edward.O'[email protected], [email protected], [email protected] and Minister Gavin Jennings through his environment advisor, [email protected]
- Write to the newspapers with a letter to the editor.
WHAT YOU MIGHT SAY IN A SUBMISSION
If you are a bird watcher, you might say we have monitored in the Reserve for the past 5 years and this is the only continuous monitoring of any species (150 birds to date, though the Draft Plan states 158 on p 14). There is little knowledge of the interaction between birds and other fauna and flora, or indeed, in the habitat requirements and area required by each species. Further research is essential before the reserve is opened up. The Blue-Billed Duck and the White-bellied Sea Eagle are listed together with 9 others – Australasian Bittern, Baillon’s Crake, Caspian Tern, Great and Intermediate Egret, Grey-crowned babbler, Lewin’s rail, Powerful Owl, with 10 Vulnerable and 3 endangered. Numerous birds take advantage of the range of habitats, lack of disturbance, and water and food supplies. They shouldn’t be disturbed! If described ‘controlled actions’ (such as those affecting habitat, feeding or breeding) occur for listed species, then the Federal EPBC Act is triggered by that threatening process. Most of the reserve has remained undisturbed for more than 40 years, so opening up the reserve, with new trails, picnic grounds and horse riding could impact badly on habitat, feeding and breeding sites. Feral animal control, especially of cats and foxes, is vital and needs immediate action. We don’t need cattle - grazing leases that have not been well supervised, and cattle have damaged dams and wetlands before. Opening up a new Picnic Ground at Bittern Reservoir would also threaten breeding, feeding and roosting sites, especially for wetland birds and possible migratory birds. Establishing the proposed new car park on Derril Road would open up to public disturbance a large area of remnant vegetation and important habitats.
If you are concerned with wildlife and preservation of flora and fauna, you might say that this is an ideal opportunity for PV to show leadership and a modern approach to conserving biodiversity in this ‘island’ of relatively unaffected land. There should be more than 20 mammals, and all efforts should be made to retain and restore remnants to allow wildlife to recover. Corridors with links to Greens Bush, Woods reserve and adjoining Land for Wildlife properties could improve matters, as well as the provision of kangaroo-friendly fencing and possible removal of some of the exterior wire fences. Lots more research into the food web and aquatic life is needed!
If you are a horse rider you might say you didn’t get everything we wanted, but the proposed perimeter trails going around the perimeter of the southern portion of the reserve will be good.
If you are worried about water conditions you might point out that there is very limited information in the Draft Plan about the quality of the water. With no current data, and the high potential for pollution from the catchment if the catch drains (which are supposed to hold back pollution) to enter both reservoirs. As for even considering introducing exotic trout, you might like to oppose that outright. Trout need specific cool water – not the frequently warm and shallow waters at Devilbend, and trout threaten all other fish and frog tadpoles.
If you have ever walked your dog, or swum in the Reserve you might say you knew from the beginning of the planning process that dogs were going to be frowned on, but you are upset at the number of dogs illegally going into the Reserve with their owners and hunting animals now. It might be hard to keep hunters and hunting dogs out, given the proposed new access tracks and new picnic ground at Bittern. Swimmers have been breaking through the fence for years and swimming in that dark deep water near the old quarry. If lots of people try to dive in, it will be dangerous. PV will have a lot of expensive patrolling to do to keep everyone away. Also, swimmers would stir up the sediments in the Reservoir and that will decrease the quality of habitat to support all the life in the water.
If you are a bushwalker you might say you don’t like sharing trails with bikes and even horses! We want to appreciate the natural landscape, not cattle grazing and feral animals. Recognize that there are lots of opportunities for camping elsewhere and new car parks, roads or fishing infrastructure are not needed to enjoy the new trails. You might also point out that so many trails are not needed: you would prefer to make sure that the wildlife habitat is subjected to only minimal disturbance.
If you are a local resident, you might say many of us are Land for Wildlife people, and wildlife carers, and members of the Landcare Group, committed to improving the land, the woodlands and allowing corridors to be open and allowing wildlife movement. But how can kangaroos move if fences are built to keep hazards reduced? The government has over $3 million from the sale of the 40 ha block in Graydens Rd. as well as the prior allocation provided by the government - so you expect intensive fox and weed control to get started immediately (the Shire makes you do these things, but PV hasn’t done much of this in the Reserve in the past 2 years). You might also push for a sound bushfire prevention and control plan to be developed for the Reserve.
If you already work, weed, monitor, plant, within the reserve, you might say you are not going to see your work for improving and restoring the natural vegetation of the reserve wasted! Some people have collected seed for years, and propagated plants for the reserve. Recognize that there are masses of boneseed, blackberries, slash pines and other weeds – and –these will require a lot of effort by volunteers and contractors to remove. Weeds get spread by people and horses and cattle, and you might express special concern about the risk of cinnamon fungus getting spread through the reserve and into other vegetation communities. Rare orchids have now been found in one of the proposed fishing sites!
If you feel absolutely furious, disappointed and let down, you might say where is PVs adherence to the ideas we put up at the 2007 Community Workshop, and at the earlier Mornington racecourse workshop? Where are the genuine conservation strategies to preserve the values of this reserve? Where is the protection for plants and animals? Why have another recreation reserve? PV has to act in a sustainable manner, and not open up almost the whole area to intense human disurbance. And who is going to supervise the many visitors who will be attracted by the recreational opportunities, especially for fishing and cycling?
If you are member of Parliament or a senior officer in DSE you know that previous Minister for Environment, John Thwaites, proclaimed Devilbend as an ideal conservation opportunity, but the designation of the reserve as a Natural Features Reserve was probably not the best option for conservation. You would recognize that there is no government policy requiring fishing at Devilbend: the policy only promised “to investigate new fishing opportunities at Devilbend”. You are aware of pressures to make this unique reserve a recreational park, and know that community expectations would not be me by the proposals in the draft plan. You should attempt, most sincerely, to get the Draft Plan amended, and further consult with Devilbend Foundation on the best ways to make this happen.
Jan Oliver
Worry over fishing in Devilbend
N E W S L E T T E R NO 11, SEPTEMBER 2010
The long awaited Management Plan was released in May 2010. So after this, uniformed people (presumably Dept of Primary Industries Inland Fisheries staff) were observed tipping what we would assume were trout fingerlings into Devilbend Reservoir.
The DPI, in their web site, enthusiastically pre-empted Parks Victoria stating that Devilbend Reservoir would be stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout. So much for the high-level Arthur Rylah Institute study commissioned by PV which detailed the detrimental effects of stocking the reservoir with carnivorous salmonids (Loyn and Stamation, Dec 2008). These fish compete for the same invertebrate food as the endangered Blue-billed Duck and other water birds. This was not information the DPI wanted to know, so no wonder they engaged another report by a relatively unknown interstate body to give them their desired answer.
On 1 September, Jamie Edgerton and I attended a Stakeholder Group meeting at Parks Victoria’s Rosebud Office. We were shown concept plans for new trail layout in the Daangean Point area, proposed fishing platforms, picnic ground layout and proposed parking bays. The useful discussion identified ways in which visitor disturbance to waterbirds could be reduced through the location of one fishing platform: removal of another: and realignment/masking of shoreline trails. Some concerns do remain about shoreline disturbances to waterbirds. Furthermore, there are no plans for permanent onsite ranger presence. We consider that this is vital for such a large important reserve where vandalism and rubbish dumping are rife and the management of fishing will require a 24/7 presence.
Devilbend has been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International. The Birds Australia Monitoring Team’s monthly bird counts for over 6 years show that Devilbend Reservoir provides important winter sanctuary for the endangered Blue-billed Duck and other vulnerable waterbird species. The Devilbend Foundation continues to receive strong Shire support and from our local State Member, Neale Burgess of the Liberals. It is regretful, however, that the Labour State Government has shown no support for the Community Vision and fails to appreciate Devilbend Reserve’s high conservation values.
The Devilbend Foundation is planning to hold quarterly Council meetings instead of monthly but will continue to have very active action groups. We would welcome anyone sharing our vision to join our efforts. I would like to thank again all those who have volunteered their time in whatever capacity and wish everyone a great summer.
Roger R
Devilbend Foundation Inc:
PO Box 453, Mornington 3931.
Phone 03 5977 0131
Email President Roger Richards: [email protected]
2010 DFI Council: Roger Richards President, Jamie Edgerton Vice President, Jan Oliver Secretary, Barbara Roff Treasurer, Liz Barraclough Minutes Secretary, and Council members: Steven Compton, Kris Aitcheson, Brian Cuming, Quinn McCormack, Patrick-Jean Guay, Adrienne Smith, Kevin Street, and Maryland Wilson.
The following member groups are now represented on Council:
Aust. Wildlife Protection Council, B.E.R.G, Birds Australia, WPPC., Rosebud Foreshore, Tyabb Ratepayers, Peninsula Ratepayers, Mornington Environment Assoc., Thin Green Line, Peninsula Field Naturalists, Trust for Nature, National Trust (Peninsula) and Bunurong Land Council.
To join the “Friends of Daangean”, contact Jamie Edgerton at [email protected]
AGMs for Devilbend Foundation & Landcare and groupie BBQ;
Join us at 11 am in the Devilbend reserve on Saturday 16th October 2010. See details next page.
Australian Plant Society Peninsula re-formation Join lovers of indigenous plants at a meeting October 7th, 7.30 pm at the Mornington Information Centre, Main St, Mornington, to hear well known gardener Diana Snape and discuss the revamp.
Queries Phillip Robinson 5975 2914 or [email protected]
The long awaited Management Plan was released in May 2010. So after this, uniformed people (presumably Dept of Primary Industries Inland Fisheries staff) were observed tipping what we would assume were trout fingerlings into Devilbend Reservoir.
The DPI, in their web site, enthusiastically pre-empted Parks Victoria stating that Devilbend Reservoir would be stocked with brown trout and rainbow trout. So much for the high-level Arthur Rylah Institute study commissioned by PV which detailed the detrimental effects of stocking the reservoir with carnivorous salmonids (Loyn and Stamation, Dec 2008). These fish compete for the same invertebrate food as the endangered Blue-billed Duck and other water birds. This was not information the DPI wanted to know, so no wonder they engaged another report by a relatively unknown interstate body to give them their desired answer.
On 1 September, Jamie Edgerton and I attended a Stakeholder Group meeting at Parks Victoria’s Rosebud Office. We were shown concept plans for new trail layout in the Daangean Point area, proposed fishing platforms, picnic ground layout and proposed parking bays. The useful discussion identified ways in which visitor disturbance to waterbirds could be reduced through the location of one fishing platform: removal of another: and realignment/masking of shoreline trails. Some concerns do remain about shoreline disturbances to waterbirds. Furthermore, there are no plans for permanent onsite ranger presence. We consider that this is vital for such a large important reserve where vandalism and rubbish dumping are rife and the management of fishing will require a 24/7 presence.
Devilbend has been recognized as an Important Bird Area (IBA) by Birdlife International. The Birds Australia Monitoring Team’s monthly bird counts for over 6 years show that Devilbend Reservoir provides important winter sanctuary for the endangered Blue-billed Duck and other vulnerable waterbird species. The Devilbend Foundation continues to receive strong Shire support and from our local State Member, Neale Burgess of the Liberals. It is regretful, however, that the Labour State Government has shown no support for the Community Vision and fails to appreciate Devilbend Reserve’s high conservation values.
The Devilbend Foundation is planning to hold quarterly Council meetings instead of monthly but will continue to have very active action groups. We would welcome anyone sharing our vision to join our efforts. I would like to thank again all those who have volunteered their time in whatever capacity and wish everyone a great summer.
Roger R
Devilbend Foundation Inc:
PO Box 453, Mornington 3931.
Phone 03 5977 0131
Email President Roger Richards: [email protected]
2010 DFI Council: Roger Richards President, Jamie Edgerton Vice President, Jan Oliver Secretary, Barbara Roff Treasurer, Liz Barraclough Minutes Secretary, and Council members: Steven Compton, Kris Aitcheson, Brian Cuming, Quinn McCormack, Patrick-Jean Guay, Adrienne Smith, Kevin Street, and Maryland Wilson.
The following member groups are now represented on Council:
Aust. Wildlife Protection Council, B.E.R.G, Birds Australia, WPPC., Rosebud Foreshore, Tyabb Ratepayers, Peninsula Ratepayers, Mornington Environment Assoc., Thin Green Line, Peninsula Field Naturalists, Trust for Nature, National Trust (Peninsula) and Bunurong Land Council.
To join the “Friends of Daangean”, contact Jamie Edgerton at [email protected]
AGMs for Devilbend Foundation & Landcare and groupie BBQ;
Join us at 11 am in the Devilbend reserve on Saturday 16th October 2010. See details next page.
Australian Plant Society Peninsula re-formation Join lovers of indigenous plants at a meeting October 7th, 7.30 pm at the Mornington Information Centre, Main St, Mornington, to hear well known gardener Diana Snape and discuss the revamp.
Queries Phillip Robinson 5975 2914 or [email protected]