Managing the bay sustainably
- Melbourne Water have stepped up to improve our understanding of the bay and its processes – building on the benchmark Shapiro study of 1975; counting birds since 1973; Melb. Water scientific reports in 2018, 2019, 2023
- The Ramsar Management Plan identifies the key elements required: water quality improvement (sediment & toxicants), climate change adaptation (erosion, rising sea level), protecting flora and fauna
- While there are several entities with management responsibility, the key players are Melbourne Water, the EPA and the planning system.
Questions and reflection
- There was time for two questions which focused on the effectiveness of the current state of management of the Bay which Kevin responded on successes in stabilising sediment run-off and increased seagrass growth and emphasised the ongoing challenges he covered in his words.
- Western Port is often taken for granted by Melbournians however its importance as an internationally significant wetland and its sensitivity was highlighted by Kevin’s presentation. Hopefully this will lead to greater respect and interest from members.
MEMBER ANNOUNCEMENTS
- Peter Duras: Thanked members and friends for the recent successful Collingwood and Port Melb sausage sizzles which cleared over $3,000; Advised that the emergency need for underwear by Youth Project is being addressed by donations and purchase from the money alloc ated by the Club
- Kerrie Hicks: Reminded members that the Rotary Emergency Services awards for 2024 will be made soon and asked members to think of persons to nominate. She will provide written nomination advice shortly
- Elias Lebbos: Reminded members that the Melbourne International Garden Show and the Grand Prix would be held shortly and that these are significant events for Travellers Aid. He requested members to be ready for his call for volunteers
- Pat Wilson Belonging Matters: Showed the new Belonging Matters video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OBE9jkYWv0Q&pp=ygUgYmVsb25naW5nIG1hdHRlcnMgd2Fyd2ljayBjYXZlbGw%3D ) featuring member Warwick Cavell. It is designed to encourage members to assist finding employment opportunities for young persons with a disability by recommending opportunities to Pat, Warwick or Rhys.
INDUCTION OF NEW MEMBER: FLEUR MAIDMENT
- Fleur Maidment was inducted by President Michelle, in the Vocational Area of Environmental Scientist. Her partner Daniel was in attendance. Kevin Love witll be her mentor and she will join the International Service team
- Fleur is re-joining Rotary after a long hiatis from Ballarat Young Achievers
- In her induction presentation, Fleur recounted a Rotary humanitarian trip to Myanmar which experienced a mortar attack by the Myanmar military to destroy the farms of Karen minority villagers in what is the longest running civil war in the world. Fleur reflected that these are the sorts of challenges for Rotary to manage in the modern world and that she, like others, have the vocational skills needed to make a difference.