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Wilsons Promontory Community Newsletter
Autumn 2022
Wilsons Promontory is an Aboriginal cultural landscape. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters and will continue to work together with them to care for Country.
This is the second edition of the Wilsons Promontory Community Newsletter. With many exciting projects happening across the park, this newsletter will update you on what is planned and how to get involved. We encourage you to share this newsletter and encourage other to sign up to the email list. You can register to receive community updates here, and stay up to date with community engagement via Engage Victoria.
Wilsons Promontory Revitalisation
The Wilsons Prom Revitalisation project is progressing well. Over the past few months, we have:
- sought a range of expert consultants to help us deliver parts of the project, including the revamped visitor precinct at Tidal River, the predator-proof fence, traffic management, and new accommodation options.
- met with Council regarding applications for planning permits
- undertaken environmental assessments at all of the proposed sites to understand and avoid or minimise impacts to plants and wildlife
- reviewed the way we procure services for the predator-proof fence.
Please note: most of this work is ongoing.
Environmental studies underway
We have completed our preliminary environmental values assessments. The team are now undertaking targeted surveys for threatened flora and fauna along the proposed predator proof fence alignment. The targeted survey results will inform efforts to minimise impacts to flora and fauna. So far, here’s what has been happening:
- Fauna studies have included: frog and reptile surveys, shorebird and migratory bird investigations, small mammal surveys (which are still underway)
- surveys for threatened crayfish species are planned for Winter
- we are also undertaking monitoring of fauna species (introduced and native) at Shallow and Corner Inlet
- a new record for Long-nosed Bandicoot was found.
The data will be used to inform fence design features, alignment and future pest animal control programs, particularly at the leaky end points where the fence terminates at the inlets.
Images:
Foxes captured on a
remote-sensor camera near Corner Inlet carrying a possum (day and night)
Predator proof fence
Earlier this year, a tender went out to market for design of the predator-proof fence. This tender was withdrawn as despite initial interest in the project, we did not receive suitable bids for this tender. Parks Victoria is reassessing our approach and will issue a new tender soon. This is a technically demanding project and it is important we get it right.
Storm recovery
As you may be aware, Wilsons Promontory National Park experienced widespread damage due to flood and storm events in 2021.
Storm recovery continues to progress, and work is underway to procure services for construction and repairs. While many tracks, including Lilly Pilly Gully, have been repaired and reopened, some tracks remain closed due to the severity of the damage.
For the track to Sealers Cove, all planning and approvals have been completed, such as building permits, environmental assessments, Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments, and site surveys. Additionally, all designs have been completed with architectural and engineering drawings ready for tender.
Draft construction tenders and contracts are currently being prepared and will be released to the market over the next month.
The completion of all works is scheduled to be completed in December 2022, subject to permits and approvals.
For the latest information about closures and conditions, please check the Parks Victoria website.
Wilsons Prom Sanctuary
a safe haven for a changing climate
Learn more about Wilsons Prom Sanctuary by watching the video above
Note: Press ctrl+ if you want the video to open in another tab
Deer Control Program
Deer pose a significant risk to biodiversity, water quality, public safety, and Aboriginal cultural heritage values.
Identified as a key threat in the Wilsons Prom Conservation Action Plan, the Prom Sanctuary team have been coordinating an integrated (aerial and on-ground) deer control program in targeted areas across the park.
The program has been highly successful in reducing the number of deer present and will continue to be applied to reduce the significant environmental impacts of deer at the Prom.
Restoring Country - Planned Burning
Staff from across South Gippsland have been very busy assisting with the delivery of planned burns throughout the Latrobe Fire District. Planned Burning is a key strategy to assist with the restoration of Coastal Grassy Woodlands and heathland species, along with bushfire mitigation and asset protection within the Prom.
“The Squeaky South Planned Burn was recently undertaken to the north of Tidal River and is just one of a whole range of areas that have been identified as benefiting from fire to improve ecosystem health.” Brett Mitchell, Area Chief Ranger
Squeaky South Burn; ecological restoration, asset protection & bushfire mitigation
Tongue Point Burn; ecological restoration
Stay updated and subscribe to Planned Burns Victoria for burn notifications and check Parks Victoria website before your visit for any track closures or expected delays.
Creature Feature - Long-nosed Potoroo
Long-nosed Potoroo, Potorous tridactylus (native animal) Credit: Museums Victoria
Ecological function: Through digging they disperse important fungi that help native plant seedlings survive and helps plants absorb more water and nutrients.
Preferred habitat: Woodland, dense heath, coastal grassland areas and reedy swamps.
Greatest threat to survival: Predation by foxes and feral cats.
Did you know? The Long-nosed Potoroo is one of the smallest and most ancient members of the kangaroo family.
Plant profile - Grass Trees
Xanthorrhoea (native plant)
- These are extremely slow growing, long-lasting plants that are endemic to Australia.
- They are not actually a grass or a tree but are distant relatives of lilies.
- Grasstrees can be hundreds of years old and are quick to re-sprout after fire.
Education Pilot Program
Year 11 & 12 Environmental Science students from Lavalla and Wonthaggi Secondary College have been involved in the new Prom Sanctuary Education Program. The program explores key themes of the Prom Sanctuary concept out in the field and provides place-based learning opportunities for students with expert staff sharing their work and strategy behind what it takes to create a safe haven for the future.
Meet the team
Gabby, Project Officer – Invasive Species
Favourite place at the Prom: Refuge Cove
Favourite animal: Gang Gang Cockatoo
Studied a Bachelor of Environmental Science (Wildlife and Conservation Biology) at Deakin University.
Started at Parks Victoria as a Project Firefighter over Black Summer 2019/20 at Olinda and then went on to work at Wilson’s Promontory as a Land Management Officer, Seasonal Ranger and now in my current role as a Project Officer.
Most excited about the team I get to work within, it is a very positive, supportive, and friendly team. I am also excited about achieving outcomes together that will benefit the biodiversity at Wilsons Prom now and into the future.
Anthony, Planning Officer – Fire Ecology
Favourite animal: Goanna
Favourite plant: Fringe Lily
Favourite place at the Prom: Tongue Point
Studied a Bachelor of Applied Science (Natural Resources Management).
Has been at Parks Victoria for 16 years, most recently as Ranger Team Leader at Gembrook. Brings 22 years’ experience in operational roles focusing on fire and land management in both local government and State Government agencies.
I am excited to be involved in a program that has a chance to make a significant impact on the future for a whole range or rare and threatened species and that my role will potentially shape the quality of the habitat available for species conservation at the Prom for decades.
General updates
Wilsons Prom Advisory Committee
The recently appointed Wilsons Promontory Advisory Group met for the first time on Monday 2 May at Tidal River. The Advisory Group is a made up of community members who volunteer for three years. The Group provides advice to Parks Victoria on a range of issues relating to the park. Parks Victoria is pleased to have welcomed back some members to the Advisory Group, and inducted new members too.
In May, the group were welcomed and introduced to the role. They were also updated on current and future programs at the Prom, and community engagement at Parks Victoria. Parks Victoria looks forward to continuing to work with the Advisory Committee.
Darby River Carpark
In mid-May we had contractors working to asphalt the Darby Carpark, Whiskey Carpark and along Mt Oberon Carpark Road. Visitors can now enjoy smoother driving, and improved parking at these sites.
Tidal River Footbridge
The footbridge over Tidal River will be replaced. It has been assessed as being in poor condition, and in need of replacement. The natural look and feel of the existing bridge will be reflected in the new designs, and we’ll work with visitors to minimise disruption when it’s time for construction. Designs are being drafted and will be released to the public when finalised.
Stay up to date and involved
Parks Victoria will provide updates and information as the project progresses, and will invite community input throughout the process. To stay up to date please register your interest to receive community updates here. You can also email us at engage@park.vic.gov.au.
To learn more about project happening at Wilsons Promontory National Park, please visit www.parks.vic.gov.au/projects. As the project progresses this information will be updated regularly. You can also contact us on 13 196