Please send these to: Bill Bray – Chair, Walkerville Foreshore Reserve CoM
Yaringa, Fish Creek Rd, Walkerville 3956 [or] email: bray@tpg.com.au

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

On 7th January the foreshore committee kindly forwarded to our association for comment a draft copy of a very comprehensive management plan for the period to 2020. This is essentially an update of the previous 2001 management plan.

A copy of this 2013 plan can be accessed by clicking here.

Our association recommends anyone with an interest at Walkerville to study the report and make comments to the foreshore committee by February 15th.
This is essentially a very well prepared, factual and realistic appraisal of all the issues surrounding Walkerville. It identifies the major actions as:

• develop and implement master plans for all visitor and parking areas
• implement erosion control works
• implement weed control programs
• manage beach vehicle access and parking at beach areas
• continue to provide off beach launching at North and examine the need to separate swimmers and boat launching vehicles at South in the summer and Easter holidays by prohibiting vehicular access
• develop a costed maintenance program
• develop a rolling 5 year capital works program
• review skills needed to implement this program and engage expertise where required.
• the committee has an annual budget of $250,000 to $300,000 plus financial reserves and access to grants.
• highlights of the reports SWAT analysis are… day areas and facilities are of poor to moderate quality/electric poles are intrusive/enforcement of dogs on beach regulations/limited water supply/more cabins in camping area as the public are becoming more discerning/limited skills and time of foreshore committee

Discussion

The report identifies shire tourist interests as sightseeing 76%, prom 72% and beach going 56%.The major users of Walkerville are residents both permanent and recreational  with their visitors, campers and casual day visitors of which there is no available information to their number.

• visitor numbers are increasing and becoming more cosmopolitan, numbers will increase as the area becomes better known and Melbourne’s population increases.
• This MANAGEMENT PLAN IS SOLELY CONCERNED WITH THE DS&E jurisdiction of the narrow piece of land including the camping ground and the foreshore either side of the road. Bayside Drive and a five metre distance either side has recently been gazetted by the government as under the care and management of the South Gippsland Shire. The Foreshore also includes the beach at Walkerville South. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE AREA WHICH WE ALL ENJOY IS UNDER THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF PARKS VICTORIA; ie the Cape Liptrap national Park this includes all the bushland behind the beach and the beach area itself between the bluff and the kilns.

Comment

Our association is in furious agreement with all recommendations of the report (providing they are implemented) if it is nothing more than window dressing as was the previous management plan in 2001 then we aren’t happy. One only has to look at the  2001 recommendations and compare it to the comments in the new report that “DAY AREA FACILITIES ARE OF POOR TO MODERATE QUALITY” the people responsible for the first report wrote the second one. The recommendations of 2001 weren’t taken seriously and we are yet to be convinced that any of the new recommendations will be taken seriously – if they are not then this whole matter is unacceptable.

Some years ago our association wrote on three occasions to the foreshore committee requesting signage to the toilets at South which aren’t obvious to those who don’t know. It was all to hard, no reply and no action. If simple matters such as these are beyond the skill levels of the committee then the recommendations are humbug.

Taking a more positive view however we feel that times and people have changed. We sense that this time the report is more concerned about what really needs to happen in preference to local ideology. Public opinion and increased usage and community expectations have led the current committee appointed by the DS&E to a more realistic approach than the previous “do nothing” methodology.

We have heard from many quarters that “parks get it”. They  see the need to balance  protection of natural areas with the acceptance that the public needs to be provided with sustainable improvements/facilities that allow them to enjoy these areas. The DS&E however seem to be solely concerned with locking up these areas with little consideration of human needs. It would make more sense for Parks to take over the foreshore responsibilities from the DS&E, as they have by far the greatest responsibilities at Walkerville and a much better track record of dealing with tourism.

In closing we would recommend that this management plan should some how or other be synchronised with Parks and the Shires management plans objectives… one songsheet for Walkerville.

Conclusion

As many people as possible should analyse this report and make their comments known either to ourselves or the DS&E/Walkerville foreshore committee.
Remember this associations primary focus is keep everyone at Walkerville, be they residents, daytrippers or campers informed about things that are happening that they should be aware of. We are obsessed with transparency, openness and honesty by those who determine what happens that shouldn’t happen, as well as those things that haven’t happened and should happen. WALKERVILLE BELONGS TO ALL VICTORIANS, NOT JUST THOSE WITH LOCAL INTERESTS.

Very little has happened at Walkerville over the last 12 months, which in many ways is good news in that the place never changes or loses its charm. The popularity of Walkerville as a family holiday destination is increasing each year with the range of visitors becoming more cosmopolitan each year in line with Australia’s changing demographic. It’s great to see these new families enjoying the same old simple pleasures we all enjoyed.

There has been some small improvements, with the new pergola/shelter at the front of the hall – a great idea, plus some small works in the caravan park. Parks Victoria also continue to keep the vegetation in check at the photography lookout over the promontory on Loop Road. Parks have also continued their best endeavours to keep the Limeburners Track open and free of landslips as much as they can. In periods of heavy rain over winter there may be times when this track has to be closed otherwise it is expected to be trouble free over the summer months allowing alternate high tide access for beach goers between North and South Walkerville.

C.F.A New Firehouse

Construction of a new firehouse has recently been completed in the “estate” not far from the transfer station at Walkerville North. An appliance is on loan from Tarwin brigade for use by Walkerville volunteers. This is great news for the area which is highly fire prone and is the most heavily timbered area in the region. Quicker response times will enable the CFA to quell early outbreaks before they get out of control.
Well done to all those responsible for bringing this about – it didn’t happen on its own.

Kayaks

January has bought a mild summer with no rain and good fishing in the bay. The number of kayaks using the bay area between Bird Rock and the Bluff has increased tremendously. Some are saying kayaking is one the fastest growing water activities in Australia. Families would do well to encourage all kayakers to wear some form of comfortable and appropriate protective headgear, as fishing boats and kayakers share the same water. There was one serious incident at Walkerville South two years ago where a fishing boat collided with a kayaker near bird rock causing serious head injury to the occupant who still hasn’t made a full recovery to this date.

Fishermen even in small aluminium boats have said they have had near misses with kayaks when sitting down the back of their boat which causes their bodyweight to lift the bow and create a blindspot. Someone suggested that the fluro bike flags on fibreglass rods would not be out of place on a kayak at very little cost.

Walkerville Foreshore Reserve – 2013 Draft Coastal Management Plan

[Public comment closes February 15th]

Please send these to: Bill Bray – Chair, Walkerville Foreshore Reserve CoM
Yaringa, Fish Creek Rd, Walkerville 3956 [or] email: bray@tpg.com.au

.   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .   .

On 7th January the foreshore committee kindly forwarded to our association for comment a draft copy of a very comprehensive management plan for the period to 2020. This is essentially an update of the previous 2001 management plan.

A copy of this 2013 plan can be accessed by clicking here.

Our association recommends anyone with an interest at Walkerville to study the report and make comments to the foreshore committee by February 15th.
This is essentially a very well prepared, factual and realistic appraisal of all the issues surrounding Walkerville. It identifies the major actions as:

• develop and implement master plans for all visitor and parking areas
• implement erosion control works
• implement weed control programs
• manage beach vehicle access and parking at beach areas
• continue to provide off beach launching at North and examine the need to separate swimmers and boat launching vehicles at South in the summer and Easter holidays by prohibiting vehicular access
• develop a costed maintenance program
• develop a rolling 5 year capital works program
• review skills needed to implement this program and engage expertise where required.
• the committee has an annual budget of $250,000 to $300,000 plus financial reserves and access to grants.
• highlights of the reports SWAT analysis are… day areas and facilities are of poor to moderate quality/electric poles are intrusive/enforcement of dogs on beach regulations/limited water supply/more cabins in camping area as the public are becoming more discerning/limited skills and time of foreshore committee

Discussion

The report identifies shire tourist interests as sightseeing 76%, prom 72% and beach going 56%.The major users of Walkerville are residents both permanent and recreational  with their visitors, campers and casual day visitors of which there is no available information to their number.

• visitor numbers are increasing and becoming more cosmopolitan, numbers will increase as the area becomes better known and Melbourne’s population increases.
• This MANAGEMENT PLAN IS SOLELY CONCERNED WITH THE DS&E jurisdiction of the narrow piece of land including the camping ground and the foreshore either side of the road. Bayside Drive and a five metre distance either side has recently been gazetted by the government as under the care and management of the South Gippsland Shire. The Foreshore also includes the beach at Walkerville South. THE VAST MAJORITY OF THE AREA WHICH WE ALL ENJOY IS UNDER THE CARE AND MANAGEMENT OF PARKS VICTORIA; ie the Cape Liptrap national Park this includes all the bushland behind the beach and the beach area itself between the bluff and the kilns.

Comment

Our association is in furious agreement with all recommendations of the report (providing they are implemented) if it is nothing more than window dressing as was the previous management plan in 2001 then we aren’t happy. One only has to look at the  2001 recommendations and compare it to the comments in the new report that “DAY AREA FACILITIES ARE OF POOR TO MODERATE QUALITY” the people responsible for the first report wrote the second one. The recommendations of 2001 weren’t taken seriously and we are yet to be convinced that any of the new recommendations will be taken seriously – if they are not then this whole matter is unacceptable.

Some years ago our association wrote on three occasions to the foreshore committee requesting signage to the toilets at South which aren’t obvious to those who don’t know. It was all to hard, no reply and no action. If simple matters such as these are beyond the skill levels of the committee then the recommendations are humbug.

Taking a more positive view however we feel that times and people have changed. We sense that this time the report is more concerned about what really needs to happen in preference to local ideology. Public opinion and increased usage and community expectations have led the current committee appointed by the DS&E to a more realistic approach than the previous “do nothing” methodology.

We have heard from many quarters that “parks get it”. They  see the need to balance  protection of natural areas with the acceptance that the public needs to be provided with sustainable improvements/facilities that allow them to enjoy these areas. The DS&E however seem to be solely concerned with locking up these areas with little consideration of human needs. It would make more sense for Parks to take over the foreshore responsibilities from the DS&E, as they have by far the greatest responsibilities at Walkerville and a much better track record of dealing with tourism.

In closing we would recommend that this management plan should some how or other be synchronised with Parks and the Shires management plans objectives… one songsheet for Walkerville.

Conclusion

As many people as possible should analyse this report and make their comments known either to ourselves or the DS&E/Walkerville foreshore committee.
Remember this associations primary focus is keep everyone at Walkerville, be they residents, daytrippers or campers informed about things that are happening that they should be aware of. We are obsessed with transparency, openness and honesty by those who determine what happens that shouldn’t happen, as well as those things that haven’t happened and should happen. WALKERVILLE BELONGS TO ALL VICTORIANS, NOT JUST THOSE WITH LOCAL INTERESTS.

Your Feedback – please contribute

The WPA is nothing more than a voice for ALL stakeholders at Walkerville whether they are residents and property owners, or one of the thousands of campers, day visitors or guests of property owners. Constructive contributions and ideas that would benefit the human experience at Walkerville are welcome and can be directed through our website and passed onto the relevant authorities for their consideration. They hate working in a vacuum, so tell them what you think would be worthwhile.

ENJOY THE SEASON AND KEEP YOURSELVES SAFE

Steve Graham – Pres.WPA

Looking for something to do this Easter weekend?

Good Friday 6th April

• 8:00am All Day CFA You Beaut raffle
. Selling kicks off at Venus Bay, Tarwin Lower and Walkerville
• 7:00pm Official Tour De Tarwin Launch at Riverview Hotel Tarwin Lower

Easter Saturday 7th April


6th Annual Tour de Tarwin Bike/Walk Tour & Picnic

• 8:00am – 1:00pm Farmers Market at Venus Bay Shopping Centre
• 9:00am Registration outside Venus Bay General Store
  $7 per person or $15 per family* – includes tour lanyard and showbag
• 10:00am Market stalls, free face painting and live music from “Beggs To Differ”
• 12 noon National Anthem and start of the 2012 Tour De Tarwin
• 1:00pm Tour participants arrive at Tarwin Lower long table picnic area
  From 1:00pm: sausage sizzle, food stalls & more music from “Beggs to Differ”
• 2:00pm Draw of You Beaut Raffle and great Free Participants Raffle
• 7:30pm Trivia Night at the Venus Bay Community Centre

* Family = parents and max 3 children


Easter Sunday 8th April

• 9:30am (all day) Bare Foot Bowls and BBQ at Tarwin Lower Bowls Club

Easter Monday 9th April

• 8:00am Tarwin Lower Market – adjacent Tarwin Lower Community Hall

For more info please visit the official website

As the years roll on (for some more than others) it’s amazing that in many ways time stands still at Walkerville. At the same time as life in the city and elsewhere hurtles along at an ever increasing pace Walkerville is a time capsule for many of us. The pioneering days of limekiln miners and their families, seafarers in sailing ships. Simple unsophisticated family holidays that are not much different today than they where in the earlier 1900s, when the local farming community enjoyed this peaceful beachside bliss, which goes unchanged into the 50s, 60s, 70s until our current new millennium.

For all those who have been going back year after year with their families and friends to their beachhouses or campsites, and to all newcomers to Walkerville, the WPA wishes everyone a very happy and safe Christmas in this beautiful and timeless place. We hope once again you return home with wonderful memories of great times with good friends.

What’s cooking [or not cooking at Walkerville] at the moment

The main focus of the last 6 months has been working with “Parks” towards a solution for the landslip problems on limeburners track. At the same time we have been meeting with the South Gippsland Shire who are now the gazetted managers of Bayside Drive which is the main artery that serves all sorts of activities.

We have also had several new members join the association online and our website is consistently averaging about 200 hits per month by people wanting to know more about Walkerville.

Lines of communication between the WPA the foreshore committee, the DS&E remain as they have always been… simply non existent. We don’t exist as far as they are concerned and they refuse to engage with us. A simple request in letter to the foreshore committee of February this year asked for the dates of their meetings and an update of the new management plan proposals has of today brought a defining silence, despite promises from the DS&E that they would respond. We recognize a dead duck when we see one and will deal in the future with organizations that are less ignorant and less contemptuous of us.

Shire of South Gippsland

As a result of the shire taking responsibility for Bayside Drive many of the issues in the DS&E management plan that were previously kept from us will now go through a more transparent process with the shire which should enable more input from local stakeholders than has been experienced in the past, where 12 members of the foreshore committee where the sole arbiters of what happened [or didn’t] at Walkerville.

Issues such as recreational improvements with picnic facilities, toilets, parking, signage, photographic lookout points, landscaping and a lot of other issues outside the caravan park will be under the shires control. Whereas previously they sat (and sat and sat…) with the foreshore committee.

It is anticipated that a meeting will take place in the new year to discuss ways forward on the issues mentioned above and outlined in our recent letter to council. Some of the “horrendous” issues proposed were.

• Council and Parks Victoria working together to provide a photographic opportunity and lookout,for what is arguably one of the best views overlooking Waratah Bay and Wilsons Promontory on the “loop road” behind Walkerville… better than the great ocean road.

• Two similar lookout windows in the shrubbery on the road down the hill into Walkerville North

• Improvements to picnic facilities at the end of Bayside Drive at holt Street and the adjacent hall, and similar improvements at Waratah Street.

• A visitor “friendly” guide / orientation / historical significance / where to buy coffee / nearest café / distance to tidal river etc. etc. map at both “North”and “ South”encouraging people to get out of their car and check out the old cemetery or limekilns, have a swim at Walkerville South, which is a gorgeous little beach (weather permitting).

• Making sure water / toilet facilities are up to scratch.

• Landscaping the whole parking / turning area at “North”.

We feel none of the things mentioned above take away from  timelessness mentioned in our opening address, but rather supplement the experience. Even a hundred years ago people needed basic access, toilet and water facilities for their families and needs are no different today. Making Walkerville deliberately unappealing to visitors to keep the status quo is unacceptable, managing a process of careful modest sustainable improvements is the way forward.

Parks Victoria and the limeburners track

Whereas the role of the DS&E is confined to environmental issues with little regard to the human perspective, “PARKS” have a proven track record of providing ways and means of meeting societies need to enjoy the natural beauties of our country while at the same time ensuring that these wonderful places remain sustainable for all future generations to enjoy.

There have been several meetings with Parks and local community groups about the closure of “limeburners track” due to serious land slippages. The main limekiln has also had to be barricaded off due to structural cracking in the abutments.

PARKS are genuinely exploring ways of keeping access to the cemetery by utilizing beach access, they built new steps up from the beach at the “bluff”and are currently looking at opening “limeburners track” during the dry summer period where there is less likelihood of “slippages”.

Most people [including the author] were unaware there where other kilns at “North”, to compensate for the lack of access to kiln number five, Parks have opened up kiln number one (see below photo). All in all Parks are working towards a solution which opens up more of the history of Walkerville but at the same time providing safe access. Walkerville could be a jewel in the crown for Parks Victoria and maybe the Government of the day can be encouraged to support their restoration works. Future generations will thank them.

The WPA supports Parks efforts and thanks the local manager Bill Gurnett for his inclusiveness and perseverance and we look forward to working co operatively with them in the future.

Your Feedback

The WPA is nothing more than a voice for ALL stakeholders at Walkerville whether they are residents and property owners, or one of the thousands of campers, day visitors or guests of property owners. Constructive contributions and ideas that would benefit the human experience at Walkerville are welcome and can be directed through our website… these ideas are passed onto the relevant authorities for their consideration. They hate working in a vacuum… tell them what you think would be worthwhile.

Very few people have taken up the option as yet of sending us there favourite Walkerville photo for posting on our photo gallery for posterity. All we need is the photo (hard copy or electronic) with a caption and a year. You can upload them online here. There must be some great memories out there (even black and white) that you have to share. Give it a go.

Happy Christmas!!

Steve Graham – Pres. WPA

Things to note

Things to do

Bear Gully is not on a long sandy beach as such, but consists of lots of enchanting little coves with a mixture of sand and rock. No problems with swimming as there are dozens of delightful rock pools near the camp and normal beaches if you walk a little.

Walking opportunities are very good and you can wander for miles along the foreshores at low tide. There are extremely interesting rock formations about 4kms west towards the lighthouse. At low tide you can walk under a natural arch.

For more infomation on Bear Gully Camping Grounds visit this link.

Where: Stony Creek [Google Map]

Step aside Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival, it’s time for the country folk to frock up in all their finery and hit the turf of the Stony Creek Race Course for their annual Christmas Party race meet.

Stony Creek is a picturesque country racecourse located on the South Gippsland Highway and their annual Christmas Party is a wonderful place for a great day out. Whether it’s for a work break-up or just a family day out, all bases are covered.

The program features special entertainment for children including a permanent playground, face painting and a special Christmas appearance from that jolly ol’ fat man in the red suit.

And I hear that the MS Auxiliary will start off its season of crayfish raffles – ‘the freshest crayfish available in South Gippsland’ so the claim. Got to be in it to win it folks!!

For more information on the Stony Creek Christmas Party race meet day visit this link.

We haven’t had the opportunity to stay at or review any of the options listed below, nor are we affiliated with any of them. But please do take a look, maybe there’s the ideal form of accommodation waiting for you.

Please make all enquiries directly via these links:

Walkerville North Beach Houses – Walkerville North

Bear Gully Cottages – Bear Gully

Liptrap Lofts – Liptrap

Walkerville Cottage – Walkerville North

Seaspray Beach House – Walkerville North

Blue Waters – Walkerville North

Spindrift Cottage – Walkerville North

The Coast House – Walkerville South

Binyara – Walkerville South

Sea Eagle – Walkerville North

If you have know of any other forms of accommodation that you can highly recommend please let us know.

During the book, Mabel Sharrock tells of her childhood days around Waratah Bay and the district of Ten Mile, writing of the country as she and her parents saw it about the time of the Great War. Much of it then was largely untouched with its native wildflowers, birds and animals and great paperbark swamps. She traces the history of the Waratah Bay settlement and its hinterland and describes the coastline of this pictureque bay lying between Cape Liptrap and Wilson’s Promontory.

Although the DSE are replying to our correspondence they continue to direct us to the WFCM who continue to ignore correspondence, in future we will direct all correspondence to the foreshore committee through the DSE representative on the foreshore committee.Its all very well to say the foreshore committee is composed of volunteers who are busy people who don’t have the time or resources to reply to correspondence, However in these days of public accountability the DSE should back up the their committee which they appointed with adequate resources or the use of their own secretarial facilities.

PARKS – Limeburners track etc.

On a good note we have established a working communication with Parks Victoria’s Mr Gerard Delaney in Foster who has met and corresponded with us on the issue of Limeburners Track and other issues. On a recent visit to Walkerville with Bill Gurnett from Parks, Gerard said they were concerned about possible future landslips on Limeburners Track near the kilns and were exploring the possibility of a higher level track above the rim of current track which would afford more splendid views over the bay amounts other things. Our representatives also discussed the clearing of vegetation at the lookout over the Prom on the back road to South, this would necessitate an approach to council to assist with minor improvements to the parking area, this a very popular photographic stop which has been let go and needs resurrecting as part of a tourism improvement project.

We also discussed opening up windows in the vegetation at the top of the hill and above the kiosk which have also become overgrown in recent years, The views coming down the hill over the Prom and the bay are some of the most spectacular outlooks in Victoria and as good as anything at the Prom.

An issue raised by the ratepayers association concerning a project to provide a heritage trail with bronze plaques describing places of historical interest was also raised with parks seeing no particular problems with this concept. We hope to work with the ratepayers to take this project further.

Something we didn’t discuss and should have is Park Victoria’s position regarding some minor low tide rock removal at the bluff to afford safer boat launching and retrieval in response to the DSE and Foreshore Committees total rejection of improvements to boat launching in front of Holt street.

Whichever way things go, all we ask of parks is a sympathetic and objective hearing to discuss what improvements may be possible with mutual cooperation rather than what cant be done,we are optimistic with the tone of discussions so far.

SOUTH GIPPSLAND SHIRE – local issues

Now that Bayside drive has been gazetted as a government road under the care and management of the Shire of South Gippsland, we are not sure what the future is regarding future Foreshore Committee management plan proposals for parking and landscaping in the area near the hall. We will take the matter up with the CEO of the shire as previous efforts seeking formal responses to written correspondence to our local councilor did not work. The shire  boasts of its commitment to tourism in the area but has provided no evidence of this commitment at Walkerville since the later part of last century. Now that the shires role is clear after the gazettal they maybe more forthcoming with modest improvements to the general amenity for tourists at Walkerville.

Another issue that concerns the shire is the rejection by some locals for spurious reasons to sealing the pavement at Walkerville South, from where it finishes now to the beach. Once again nobody represented the views of all the visitors and day-trippers who frequent the area and the shire was obliged to comply with the wishes of a small negative minority who oppose almost anything that could represent improved amenity for tourists and the general public.

JOINT WORKING GROUP

With Walkerville being governed by three jurisdictions PARKS Victoria, DS&E and South Gippsland Shire it just gets more difficult to bring about modest common sense improvements at Walkerville. Our association will make an approach to the new minister for conservation the Hon Mr Ryan Smith encouraging him to oversee the adoption of a joint working group comprising the three entities mentioned above as well as genuine representation of all the families that love and use Walkerville, rather than just local landholders. Modest and sensible improvements to amenities that work for everyone doesn’t have to bring the destruction of everything that people enjoy.

An overarching development plan prepared by the joint jurisdictions and administered by the shire on behalf of all the stakeholders would be a good outcome. We live in hope.

WEBSITE AND MEMBERSHIP

With the recent redesign of the website to provide a broader overview of what exists at Walkerville we hope to make the site more interactive for all users and groups at Walkerville. The Good News section, Discussion Board and Calendar can be a continuously updated  for all activities if people want to communicate more easily.

People don’t have to be formal members of the association to post comments as the site is open to everyone whether they want to join or not.