Ten years ago this month, Justin D’Ath and his partner quickly packed up a few belongings and their two dogs and fled their bush home in Flowerdale, in the foothills of the Great Dividing Range. 

here was not a great deal of panic, he recalls. He had a fire plan in place and at the time thought he had left with more than an hour to spare. In hindsight, it was really just in the nick of time. The sky had filled with thick smoke and an eerie glow and the bank of tall pines near his house posed a risk. 

Justin is one of the lucky survivors of Black Saturday - one of the worst bushfire episodes in Australian history. 

Through his newly-released book,47 Degrees, the prolific children’s author revisits events of February 7, 2009 for the first time. 

He does so through the eyes of a young heroine, Zeelie. 

“I thought it would be interesting to look at the bushfires from a young girls’ point of view. She’s just about 13 and I transposed her and her family into my Flowerdale house. There was just her and her dad there on the day of the fire.”

The book, which has received rave reviews for its sensitive approach to the tragedy, is poignant, fast-paced and with ultimately positive outcomes. However D’Ath - who has penned close to 50 mostly young adventure books - was adamant the story not be “sugar-coated.”

While much of what happens to Zeelie is fiction, the events under-pinning 47 Degrees are very real. 

​“Physically it was my house so it was very real to me,” D’Ath says. “I gave her and her family some of my own feelings. It made it a much more real story.

“The father has a fire plan, the girl was a bit ambivalent about staying but she trusted her father and then they left at about the same time we did on that day and escaped to the relief centre at Yea, and spent the next few nights there. 

“There’s strong a strong educational element, but I’ve made it exciting and interesting and ultimately uplifting at the end. It’s got as happy an ending as you can have,” D’Ath says. “I’ve acknowledged that people did die in the fire, a lot of people died, and so I included that element in the story, but I distanced it from the main character.

“I handled it quite sensitively I think. One-hundred-and-73 people died and we need to acknowledge them in the book and so that’s the way I did it and I’m pleased with the way I’ve done it.” 

D’Ath, who lost his home and belongings on that day, did not return to rebuild in Flowerdale. Property insurance allowed him to rent elsewhere for 12 months. 

He chose Point Lonsdale and has lived here ever since.

​In reflecting on Black Saturday and his own personal story, he says he takes away many positives.

“Now when I read the finished book there’s a couple of places that just about bring me to tears. When I was writing it I didn’t experience that at all. It was more moving to read than it was to write.

​“I just felt lucky. I didn’t know anyone who died or lost any loved ones so that was a total bonus and then in the aftermath people were so kind and generous, it was just extraordinary. It really put a positive spin on my view of fellow Australians. I’ve got more positive memories, than negative.”

​47 Degrees is published by Penguin books and can be purchased from The Bookshop at Queenscliff.

Just one former Defence cabin will be retained on the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve, after a surprise decision by Queenscliffe Councillors to demolish the remaining three.

In a unanimous vote at the January Ordinary, Councillors rejected the recommendations of its own community reference group to retain all four buildings.

Under the new proposal, put forward by Councillor Tony Francis, only McDonald’s Hall – the largest of the cabins – will be restored and retained as an “interpretive exhibit.”

​A second of the buildings will be transformed into a picnic and barbecue shelter, “utilising or replicating elements of the existing building.” The remaining two would make way for a “sculptural or creative element” and signage.

​Councillor Francis said the decision, whilst difficult, was in the community’s best interest.
“As councillors we’re here to represent whole of community and not self-interest or political private agendas,” Cr Francis said.

“That objective is to enhance the area to increase visitations for the benefit of locals and visitors alike, to gain a greater understanding and respect for the area whilst enjoying [it] as open space.

“In doing that I think we’ve reached a fantastic outcome and that outcome respects the heritage... as well as making it an enjoyable place to be. If we want people to go there we need an area where they can read, interpret and understand the area, hence the MacDonald pavilion,” he said.  

“And let’s hope we get large groups of school kids who would come and wander around a first class facility, look at the history, read the history, look at the interpretations and get a real understanding of that area because when that area doesn’t attract people it becomes a waste of space regardless of the heritage.”

The plan is reliant on approval being granted by Heritage Victoria. 

It is unclear what impact it will have on a current bid for the reserve to receive a National Heritage listing. In recommending all four huts be retained the Point Lonsdale Lighthouse Reserve Reference Group argued their removal could be detrimental to the site’s inclusion.

Council will advise the Australian Heritage Council of its decision.

​The P1-style huts were erected as part of a Defence camp in the early 1940’s. They were later taken over by the Toc H benevolent group to provide holiday accommodation and activities for children of war veterans.

Councillor Boyce Pizzey, a reference group member, said the results of a community survey and the views of both the group and independent project consultant (Tract) were taken into account.

“It takes account of the very important work of the reference group, it takes account of the extra report from Tract and it takes account of what I consider to be a reasonable consultation process.

“The decision is not going to make everyone happy and cannot be expected to in this case,” he said.

The State Government contributed $500,000 and the Borough of Queenscliffe $100,000 towards the $600,000 cost of the latest reserve masterplan, which also includes new pathways, improvements to the lighthouse surrounds and a ship viewing platform.

After receiving a petition from 20 Point Lonsdale business owners, Councillors rejected a proposal for a kiosk on the reserve.

Mayor Bob Merriman said the Point Lonsdale Board Rider’s Club, which occupies the Engine Shed on the reserve, would not be impacted by the outcome of the Council vote.
 
​“A new lease is under review. I am not aware of anything but praise for [the Board Riders],” he said.

Queenscliff has a team to follow in the AFLW, with Carlton indicating it is prepared to forge long-term links with our town. 

The team spent recently three days at a pre-season training camp, at YMCA Camp Wyuna, where players were put through their paces ahead of next month’s season opener. 

General Manager Nicole Graves said it was their first-ever pre-season camp, and proved to be the perfect setting.  

“We’ve had a bit of footy and a bit of rain and a bit of sun, we’ve had everything, which really suits because these girls play in summer and so the heat and the humidity has been really good for us,” Graves said. 

“The team at YMCA has been brilliant, they’ve really looked after us.

“This camp is what we thought was required to keep the girls together and keep them connected as a team… It really sets up good relationships and makes them bond better. 

“We have 11 new players coming in from the draft, a third of the team, so it’s really important that they get to know each other and it’s also good for new coach Daniel Harford to get to know them and see what they can do. 

“We only have two weeks break for Christmas, we have a month of training then they start in the first week of February.”

Carlton is the latest in a growing list of elite sporting teams choosing Queenscliff for their pre-season training, because of the amenities on offer.  

“It’s good for us because we can do the recovery in the beach, it’s still close enough to Melbourne and people have been fantastic around the town,” Graves said.

“We’re really lucky and there’s a lot of teams coming down here now. We’re already talking about next year.”

Camp Wyuna Manager Andrew Kidd said a growing number of clubs, both elite and community, were chosing Queenscliff for training camps. 
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"We have a perfect mix of parks, sporting facilities, running and walking paths and of course the beach to base a good mix of activities around."

Queenscliff cricketers have drawn the ledger in the second annual Couta Bowl 20-20 Clash, played on Saturday December 5.

Having been defeated by a team of local footballers in the first encounter, two seasons ago, the cricketers were determined to restore some pride. 

Opposing captains Tom Kidd and Tom Caddy provided solid captains knocks in the high-scoring encounter. 
Despite adopting "backyard rules" and fielding 14 players, the footballers still fell short by 30 runs - 234 to 230. 

The cricketers also scored bragging rights in the curtain-raiser U/19 match. 

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Hans Christian Anderson’s classic Little Mermaid will be brought to life on stage by the Queenscliffe Lighthouse Theatre Group these holidays - but unlike the original, this one has a happy ending. 

After last year’s sell out season of Peter Pan, the Group has  again secured the services of highly-regarded director Debbie Fraser. The mostly-local cast will play charters made famous in the Disney version of the tale, including mermaid Arial, Flounder and Sebastian the crab. 

“Peter Pan far exceeded our expectations last year and we are sure The Little Mermaid will be just as successful,” said Fraser. “It also allows for a slighter bigger cast with more younger members.”
Edwina Royce, who last year played Wendy in Peter Pan, returns in the  role of the Little Mermaid, Nieela.

Her dashing young Prince Frederick is Henry Stevenson, who recently played the title role of Shrek in the GSODA Junior Players production of the same name. Henry also played Oliver in the QLTG production back in 2012.

“Both of these two actors are quite experienced and bring a high energy to the show,” Fraser said.
Chanelle Tait, last seen in Dinkum Assorted, brings over 10 years experience to the role of Sea Witch.
Performances at Queenscliff Uniting Churchrun from January 14 to 20. Booking information if available online or from the Visitor Information Centre.
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"If you've ever swum between the flags," the Point Lonsdale Surf Life Saving Club wants
your help!

Paywave donation points are being installed in retail outlets in the borough in an all-out
effort to raise the much-needed funds needed to build its new clubhouse.

To date the community has pitched in $1.9 million towards the estimated $4.75 million project. The Victorian government has committed a further $2 million – leaving a shortfall of upwards of $650,000.

The Point Lonsdale Civic Association and Golightly Caravan Park are among groups to have already contributed to the tally.

“But we need everyone to contribute,” said Kirsten Macleod, chair of the club’s capital campaign. "Our new campaign for this summer is urging anyone who has ever swum between the flags to make a donation,” she said.

"With $650,000 left to raise, we are pulling all stops over the summer.”

The campaign includes Paywave donation tap points being installed by local retailers, so that shoppers can easily donate the pre-set amount of $3 at the counter.

Point Lonsdale IGA is the first business to install the donation point. Owner Andrew Gaylard said his store was happy to play a part in helping the local community. Local real estate agents will also participate.

“Lives are saved by our beach patrols, which rely on thousands of volunteer hours on the beach and behind the scenes. We can’t continue to offer the community this service at the highest standard without a new facility,” Ms Macleod said.

Major donations are also being sought, with contributions of $10,000 or more to be acknowledged on an Honour Wall, in the entry of the new clubhouse.

“We are tantalisingly close to achieving our aim to raise $4.75 million to build a new clubhouse,” said PLSLSC President Matthew Ponsford.

The club is aiming to demolish the existing clubhouse in March and rebuild by next summer.
The club is hopeful the Federal Government will contribute to close the funding gap, prior to this year’s election.

​For more information and to donate go to www.pointlonsdaleslsc.asn.au

After more than a decade of being overlooked, Queenscliff’s Cultural Hub will finally become a reality. 

The Victorian Government has announced a further $1.2 million for the project, which includes the redevelopment of the Queenscliff Historical Museum, library and Visitor Information Centre. 

The new funding, granted under the state’s Community Support Fund, takes to more than $4 million the government’s pledged support. 

It comes on top of $2.5 million - recently re-directed from the Borough of Queenscliffe's Destination Queenscliff Project - and $450,000 already provided through the Living Libraries Fund. 

Welcoming the announcement, Museum President Gary Spry said the redevelopment would deliver a bigger facility to showcase its many artefacts and improve research capabilities. 

“It’s brought a smiles to the faces of all of our people. We’re happy to know that after 14 long years, since we first raised the issue of over-crowding, there’s finally a breakthrough,” he said.

“There’s a revitalised group of people running the museum who have a determination to move into the future with interactive stuff that will make our history relevant to a whole new generation of Australians. 

“We regard this, the hub, as Destination Queenscliff. This is at the heart of it and I think the project is even more relevant now than when we started.  

“In terms of recognising what history’s all about -  the fact that it gives you an opportunity to have some continuity in your own life, to look back on the past and see what’s coming in the future - it’s terribly important, not only to the local community but to all Australians,” Mr Spry said.

Bellarine MP Lisa Neville, who will chair a hub community project control group, stressed the new funding was not an election commitment and not contingent on her government being re-elected next month. 

The allocation was enough to immediately commence initial design works, she said. 

“Every conversation I’ve had about the the historical society and getting this Hub done has come with lots of passion from lots of different people. I do know how widely supported it is.
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“The original project was more in the $3 million  but I think the aspirations, particularly for the Historical Society, are greater than that. But I think we can absolutely move forward now and lock down those designs.”

The Queenscliff Football Netball Club trophy cabinet is sporting three new premiership cups, after wins to three of its junior teams. 

The U/17 netballers clinched the BFL's Division One Grand Final against a fast-finishing Barwon Heads by just three goals. 
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After a goal-for-goal first quarter, the Coutas opened up a four-goal buffer heading into the final quarter. The Seagulls drew within one goal in the dying minutes of the game before a stunning intercept by Defender Millie O’Shea broke their momentum. The turn-over resulted in two quick Couta goals.  
Kaitlin Gladman, with an almost faultless 28-goal shooting performance, was named Player of the Match.
The club's U/15 footballers - coached by Col Baker -  turned on a last quarter goal spree to win the Division 2 Grand Final against Drysdale. Jhye Clark was named man of the match after booting five goals. 

And the Coutas' U/17 Division 3 side - coached by Luke Orvis -  snared a back-to-back premiership, defeating Anglesea by just four points. Patrick Tucci was named man of the match. 

The talents of revered cartoonist and former Queenscliff resident Ron Tanberg will be showcased with the addition of a new artist board to the municipality’s Arts Trail.

The Board, to be launched on Sunday 21 October, will be placed on the boardwalk stretching between the Queenscliff ferry terminal and pier.
“Ron Tandberg was a much-loved and admired member of our community,” said Mayor Susan Salter. 

“His work made a huge contribution to our nation’s culture.” 
The Arts Trail runs between Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale and celebrates the works of artists and photographers who have visited and captured the local landscape. 
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 An  exhibition of Mr Tanberg’s  work, including a series of short videos of him discussing the creation of his famous caricatures, will be on display in the Queenscliff Library from Friday 5th until  Saturday 27th October.

Upwards of 20 artists from Queenscliff and Point Lonsdale will showcase their talents over the Melbourne Cup long weekend as part of the annual Bellarine Arts Trail. 

The popular two day event will include a total of 33 galleries and venues and more than 75 artists from across the Bellarine.

Hosted by the Barwon Heads Arts Council, the Trail gives visitors an opportunity to met and talk to the people who make our local art scene vibrant, in some cases, in the very space they work from. 

A highlight this year is the inclusion of world renowned sculptor Rod Dudley, who will open his Queenscliff studio to visitors, displaying sculptures in wood and bronze created in his Italian studio - where he spends six months of the year.  Rod will also exhibit at the Queenscliff Council Hall his Empire Day group sculpture of 1981, first shown at the Adelaide Festival. 
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Tussock Upstairs Gallery will host November Spaces 18 – paintings, prints, jewellery and ceramics by local and regional artists, Salt Gallery will be holding an exhibition titled Creatures Great and Small and Soula Mantalvanos will open her personal Queenscliff Gallery and Workshop studio, welcoming conversations about latest works.
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A new breakwater is among options locals are being asked to consider, to help stem sand erosion from Point Lonsdale’s front beach.

The Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning (DWELP) last month unveiled six proposals to protect the popular stretch – all but one involving construction of new rock or timber groynes. 

The options were revealed at two Open House sessions last month - the latest in an ongoing consultation program, funded by the state government and prompted by community concerns for the future of the beach. 

The most radical plan involves the construction of two additional rock groynes, two timber groynes and a breakwater, adjacent to the Point Lonsdale Bowls Club – at an estimated cost of $1 million. 

The structure would be approximately 10 – 15 metres wide and 65 metres in length, and according to research undertaken by DELWP, would assist in maintaining a more even beach. 

The options include: 
* Maintain extend the existing three rock groynes, with ongoing maintenance.
* Extend the existing three rock walls by 20-30 metres.
* Construct four additional rock groynes – similar in length and alignment to the exiting three.
* Build additional two additional rock and two additional timber groynes and a breakwater, and  
* Construct four additional timber groynes, between the existing rock groynes, to be capture sand and withstand high wave action. 

However the approach has been labelled “confusing” by a leading voice for action.  

“Unfortunately the options presented were a little confusing and repetitive. It was also a little strange that the community were being asked to vote on which option they thought would work, when such a decision requires quite a deep level of understanding of the coastal processes in action at the Heads,” said Save Point Lonsdale Front Beach group’s James Cotton. 

“The general consensus from those that understand the intricacies of the problem is that the groyne that was planned below the bowling club (Option 4) and never built needs to be put in place as soon as possible to save the promenade, which, since the last groyne open house has now had its foundations eroded.”
Mr Cotton said it was important locals maintained the momentum for action, by visiting the Lonsdale Bight website and having a say on the proposals. 

“The more feedback they get, the faster we should get a solution,” he said.  

The Department worked with coastal engineering consultants Cardno to investigate the options. 
Community feedback will be presented to the State Government in October for consideration. 
A community and monitoring group will also be created for interested participants.
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The website is: engage.vic.gov.au/lonsdale-bight

Six teams are flying the finals flag for the Queenscliff Football-Netball Club, including our senior, including our senior footballers.

Despite losing last weekend's final home and away clash against Ocean Grove, the Coutas finished fifth on the league ladder and will meet Geelong Amateurs in an elimination final this Sunday August 19). 

Had they managed a win, the Coutas could have secured second spot and a double chance. 

Meanwhile, our U/15 (Division 2) and U17 (Division 3) teams have moved straight into the grand final, with wins in last weekend's first finals clashes. Both teams finished on top of the ladder. 

The U/17's, coached by Luke Orvis, are looking for back-to-back premierships. 

And three netball sides are also in the hunt for premiership glory - U/13 (Division 2), U/17 (Division 1) and B-Grade (seniors).

All teams will be in action at Leopold this weekend. 

This weekend's games: 

Saturday August 18
NETBALL - U/17 - Leopold 10am
NETBALL - B-Grade - 1pm
Sunday August 19
FOOTBALL - seniors - Leopold - 2.10pm
NETBALL - U/13 - Leopold - 9am 

Queenscliffe Councillors have rejected a call from 23 business operators to halt progress on the controversial Destination Queenscliff project to allow more time for consultation. 

The $7 million tourism initiativet, which includes 10 5-star cabins and a 40-seat ocean front cafe - was unanimously passed with minor amendments at the July Council meeting, despite a petition detailing trader concerns regarding unfair competition.  

The fight appears far from over, however, with the operators, including key accommodation houses and eateries, now seeking government intervention to halt the project and Bellarine MP Lisa Neville already threatening to withdraw her government’s $2.69m funding contribution. 

“As business owners in Hesse Street, we embrace development, however we have grave concerns about the proposed 40 seat café at Shortland’s Bluff and major development works outlined in the Destination Vision and Brief and the impact this will have on the established cafes, restaurants and other businesses in the retail heart of Queenscliff,” the petition said. 

“We wish to make clear that we are not resistant to change and development in Queenscliff per se; however, we firmly believe your current plans dissects the town and further, you must take into consideration the need to lift and revitalise Hesse Street before reinvesting in any development at the ferry terminal or on Shortland’s Bluff. Hesse Street is the hub and heart of Queenscliff and deserves attention.”

A 2016 financial analysis of the Destination Queenscliff, prepared by Urban Enterprise, predicted it would boost the local economy by more than $12 million and create 77 direct and indirect local jobs.

The Council, however, has failed to date to provide an assessment of its direct impact on other businesses.
“Our concerns with the master plan include the absence of any financial analysis or information about the impact the tax payer funded café/kiosk and high end lodgings will have on existing businesses – in particular the cafes, restaurants and accommodation providers across the Borough [and the] lack of consultation with the local businesses and residents most likely to be affected by the development plans prior to the Master Plan’s release,” the petition said. 

Frustrations were evident when Mayor Susan Salter, Acting CEO Phil Carruthers and General Manager Planning and Infrastructure,Phil Josipovic, fronted upwards of 20 business operators at the Shelter Shed Cafe on Wednesday July 24. 

​Cafe owner Donnie Grigau described the consultation process to date as an “abject failure,” while Circa 1902's Chris Dinneen accused Council of putting Hesse Street traders second.

“As a newcomer the temperature that I’m feeling is that the traders in the main street are feeling left behind. Council is putting money in and book-ending the town basically to our detriment,” he said. 

“There needs to be a more personal relationship that really honours and respects the people in the main  street... it seems like [we’re] an after thought and we’d prefer to be a forethought.”

In fending off the criticism, Mr Carruthers said the project would attract more tourists to the town and provide a level of accommodation not currently available.

“This will bring new people into the town that don’t currently come to the town because it’s a different market. 

“We’re not looking at competing with existing  town properties, we’re looking at getting new people in. They’ll come here and they’ll come into town, they’ll walk around, they won’t sit in their room,” he said. 

Traders were due to meet with Ms Neville this week, and, with Canberra contributing $3.5 million to the project, have also stepped up pressure on Corangamite MP Sarah Henderson.

“They [Council] need to do it properly, I absolutely agree. I am concerned if they haven’t properly taken those traders through what the business and financial assessments were, they absolutely should do that and if they’re not willing to do that, I’ll get RDV (Regional Development Victoria), because it’s an RDV-funded project… to do that. 

“My view is if they haven’t done it properly, if they don’t do all of that properly, then we would go back and push them to it,"  Ms Neville said.

"If you think of all of the issues that the borough has had over the last three years, they've all come down to the fact that they’ve decided they’re just going to ram raid their way through it all, do their own thing and not engage people properly. 

"Let’s not do that again, let’s start early with the community and let’s have the community enaged throught this process properly," she said.

The design for the Shortland’s Bluff precinct, prepared by Hassell Studio and revealed at recent Open House sessions, includes: 10 Council-managed cabins within the Recreation Reserve – replacing an existing seven - new Council-owned ocean-front cafe-kiosk, walking trails, revamped car parking at the Bull Ring, a ship spotting platform, visitor information facility and light activations on the Fort of Queenscliff walls.  

Letters obtained under Freedom of Information show support for the project from big local businesses players;  Searoad Ferries, Beacon Big Four Resort, Queenscliff Harbour, Geelong and Bellarine Tourism.  
Cr Tony Francis, in his previous role of Chamber of Commerce CEO, also penned a glowing letter of endorsement, but said he was not conflicted by the stance and remained open-minded about the project. 

MEANWHILE - An assessment of the community's support for the project has been rubbished by local community groups. 

The Kismet report measured sentiment from Open House consultations, a community survey and public submissions. Twenty two submissions were lodged. A further 122 people completed a project survey. 

Kismet concluded 69 per cent of participants generally supported Destination Queenscliff.

However, the Queenscliff Community Association (QCA) said the analysis failed to take into account the membership of it and other organisations opposed to the plan. 
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"It is our understanding that the Community and Civic Associations and other environmental groups boasting over 100 strong memberships each were counted as one submission," the Association said. 

A community initiative to tackle plastic pollution has arrived in Queenscliff. 

Boomerang Bags encourages locals to donate unwanted material and to transform it, via sewing bees at the Neighbourhood House, into reusable shopping bags. 

The program, already running in other communities, is among three local projects to share in $6,800 under the Queenscliffe Community Environment Association (CEA) grants program. 

“Boomerang Bags is a grassroots, community driven movement aimed at shifting societies throw-away mentality to a more sustainable revolution of re-purposing and re-use,” said project spokesperson Jane Rodwell. 

 “We are looking for volunteers from all walks of life to get together to help make re-usable bags. We need to enlist people who can help mark out and cut materials, pin, iron, stamp and sew.

“The bags will be given away to friends, family, colleagues, local retailers, bagless strangers and so on, as a plastic bag alternative that can be used and reused, or passed on to others,” Mrs Rodwell said.

The program coincides with Queenscliff IGA’s decision to scrap single use plastic bags from this month and ‘Plastic Free July’ – an initiative of the newly-created Transition Towns group.  

“The circulation of reusable bags within the BOQ creates an opportunity to spread an important social and environmental message about sustainable solutions, and fostering conscious habits that extend well beyond the plastic bag,” said Mrs Rodwell. 

The St Aloysius Primary secured funding under the CEA program to host a ‘Kid’s Teaching Kids’ conference in September. The one-day event will bring students from across Geelong to Queenscliff to teach each other about sustainability initiatives and environmental issues.

The Swan Bay Environment Association also gained funding to extend its Gardens for Wildlife program, providing residents with advice on improving the ecological value of their garden. 
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To donate fabric or participate in Boomerang Bag-making workshops email: qnhouse@fastmail.com or phone 5258 3367.  All ages are welcome and no experience required.

Amateur whale watchers are being encouraged to help track the movements of the mammals in out of the bay over coming weeks, as part of the Two Bays Whale Project.

Whale watching season is well and truly underway and experts are tipping increased local action with several sightings already, including a pod of Humpbacks off Queenscliff last month.

Launched in 2015, and run in conjunction with the Dolphin Research Institute, the project aims to provide a more accurate understanding of numbers and movements. 

“The 2017 whale season broke all previous records, with a total of 218 validated sightings of four whale species between May 15th and December 5th,” said the project’s co-founder and curator David Donnelly. 

“In total, the estimated number of individual whales was 458, which is a whopping 296 more than whales than the 2016 season. 

“Whether this is a case of more whales, more people looking or a combination of both is yet to be determined but one thing’s for sure, whales never fail to attract the attention of the public,” Mr Donnelly said. 

Having been hunted to the brink of extinction, sightings of Humpback whales have steadily grown in recent years, with eastern Australian numbers expected to reach around 33,000 this year. 

Southern Right whales are still classed as threatened, with between just 250 and 400 individuals and no noticeable population increase. 

“Understanding whale numbers and movements is critical to their management and protection but it is a huge challenge, taking decades of piecing together snippets of data, Mr Donnelly said. “This is where the Two Bays Whale Project has been making a difference.” 

Penalties apply for deliberately approaching a whale closer than 200m for vessels; 300m for jet skis; 500m height for aircraft and drones. 
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For project details, log onto www.dolphinresearch.org.au
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