As a result of a mild summer, a sunny autumn with good rain and now a mild winter, the local farmers are saying the paddocks look like paddocks of the spring-time! Last year’s plantings are thriving with the conditions.
With the announcement by Infrastructure Victoria that Western Port is not the preferred site for a Container Port, there was widespread jubilation and opening of champagne bottles!
Following a Public Meeting called in March 2016 by PICS, because a Container Port at Hastings was being considered, a sub-committee Preserve Western Port [PWP] was formed.
From that time and led by its dedicated Chair, Jeff Nottle, PWP engaged in a relentless but always responsible campaign to lobby and spread the message that Western Port’s precious
environmental assets were not to be compromised by a port development.
A joyful celebration was organised by PWP on Sunday June 4th in St Philip’s Hall. Jeff thanked the many individuals and organisations for their considerable time and effort in working together for a positive outcome.
We all thank Jeff for his outstanding leadership in the PWP campaign.
PICS was successful in its application for a Bass Coast Council Community Grant to fund the publication of a book titled: Women in Conservation on Phillip Island. It is planned to launch the book on International Women’s Day in March next year as part of the 150th Phillip Island celebrations of Closer Settlement.
Last month PINPS invited volunteer members of the Island environment groups to a BBQ and get-together at Churchill Island. The Reconciliation Group of PINPS organised a number of activities during Reconciliation Week and these were attended and enjoyed by many people.
The PINPS new CEO, Catherine Basterfield, has resumed the bi-monthly meetings with reps from Birdlife Bass Coast, FOK and PICS. As Catherine has worked for some time as Operations Manager of the organisation, she is understanding of the strong relationships that exist with PINPS and the Island environment groups. With the new Penguin Parade building project getting started, it is an exciting time for Catherine.
Anne Davie.