DESPITE the best efforts of environmentalists and some government departments the survival of the southern brown bandicoot remains uncertain. With few viable colonies of the small marsupial remaining around Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula its “endangered species” status was last week reaffirmed. Foxes, feral cats and land clearing are among the bandicoot’s biggest threats. Environment Minister Greg Hunt told a biodiversity forum organised by the Western Port Biosphere that he agreed with the southern brown bandicoot staying on the endangered list. His announcement on Friday 6 May came one day after 49 extra species of flora and fauna were…
Author: Keith Platt
Two small garage-sized tin sheds in Langwarrin South may hold the key to cutting the cost of domestic power needs while providing a reliable source for off-the-grid sites. A relatively small bank of lithium batteries developed in the sheds can be used to store enough power from solar panels to run a household for up to three days. In trials already under way they are powering electric fences, golf buggies, caravans, small waste treatment works and now houses. These long lasting batteries can effectively store power from solar panels to be used at night or in cloudy conditions rather than…
A KEEN surfer, Kent Stannard has a fascination with sharks. He never misses a news report on the latest shark attack and is always trying to discover the circumstances surrounding the incident. When a series of attacks near Ballina in northern NSW caused widespread concern last year he was on the spot. Stannard predicts a similar situation this year with one surfer at Newcastle already being badly mauled. Stannard is the head of Tag for Life, a non-for-profit organisation investigating shark behaviour, particularly that of great whites. Alongside Tag for Life is Whitetag, a clothing supply company that donates profits…
PASSENGERS on the final ferry for the day on Tuesday were entertained by a pod of dolphins swimming alongside the vessel and leaping from its bow waves. Researchers believe the dolphins’ “bow riding” is a social activity often indulged in after a meal. “Without mind-reading a dolphin, it just looks likes good fun; the equivalent of a surfer catching the perfect wave,” Dolphin Research Institute research director Sue mason said. Coincidentally, Tuesday’s display was admired from the ferry’s aft deck by surfers Ted Bainbridge (founder of Peninsula Surf), Laurie Thompson (founder Islantis Surfboards) and surfboard maker Mick Pierce returning from…
IT would be a rare day when George Paterson could walk along the streets of Rye or pull up at the back beach for a surf check without being recognised. A long time businessman in Frankston and on the Mornington Peninsula Patterson is an easy to talk to type who always has an adventure on the go or an anecdote to tell. But lately he’s discovered a way to become almost invisible. The secret is one he shares with others who wear tight fitting, colourful outdoor clothing – in short, they’re cyclists. Paterson has had so many near misses with…