I've been watching the sand dunes at Shallow inlet and they are now growing almost exponentially due to that African grass.
At this rate expect maybe 2 more seasons at best of windsurfing and for decent speed runs maybe less if not to late already.
I'm sure everyone who goes there regularly sees this as well.
So here we have places like Sorrento wanting sand and here at Shallow inlet we have too much.
We need to bombard Parks Victoria, South Gippsland Shire, Local members of parliment both state and federal.
also tell Sorrento council where the sand is to protect their heritage beach house (and lease payments).
With letters and emails (yes Both) about
1. the ecological disaster that is this African pest grass that is causing an unnatural growth of sand dunes that is rapidly changing the Shallow inlet marine park environment, impacting on local Flora and fauna in a very negative way.
2. The economical impact of the loss of income and revenue into Sandy Point, and South Gippsland shire as windsurfers and fishermen find alternative places to go. there are more than a few windsurfers who own property in Sand Point that if sailing was no longer an option would probably sell. which would very negatively effect the property values and Shire rate revenue.
What needs to be done is the dunes from just past the carpark (swamp bit) to end area of speed run have to be removed along with the binding grass and brought back to say 1995 levels. This can be done with a bulldozer and a couple of scrapers.
the sand trucked to an inland area where the African grass and other vegatation matter sifted out and burned to be sold as fertilizer additive. the sand then sold to the likes of Sorrento to repair their beachs, or any landscape supply place.
I would suggest the those joining me in this action post copies of their letters here so others can draw inspiration and material for their own letters.
we also need posted here actual addresses for the targets of these letters. All help appreciated.
Yesterday while sailing there I noticed that there is vegetation now on the dunes the entire length of the speed run, and once this grass takes hold on a patch of sand the growth of the dune is very very fast.
we have to act just as fast.
Tony.
I haven't been to Sandy Point for over 5 years, but back then I thought a volunteer group with roundup could have halted the spread. I've been in the weed control game for the 5 years since then, sprayed the odd bit of Marram grass we get in the Wollongong local dunes, and I'm now sure it could have been controlled. You'll have to get Parks on side, get chemical certificate qualifications, (not hard) and learn to identify Marram Grass. Don't poison the native grasses!
Start with the small pioneering tussocks, see how many the team can treat in a few hours, mark them (or the area) up with your gps, and go back every couple of weeks until they're dead. Don't expect Marram grass to die first hit. Most things with tough leaves take a few goes. With the good areas under control go to work on the edges of the thicker stuff.
The hard part is organising approval with the authorities and then finding the volunteers prepared to spend a couple of hours every couple of weeks. A quad bike would have been handy when I last saw it. But if the tussocks really have closed up maybe not now.
www.iucngisd.org/gisd/
Select to expand quoteIan K said..
...You'll have to get Parks on side...
Hmmm, so all we need is one of Australia's top speed sailors, who sails at Sandy Point, and works for Parks Victoria to get behind the scheme...
