News and Updates.
2019 July 23rd -
Not only is Trust for Nature is delighted at the MP Councils move to permanently protect 2 of the most important sites on the Mornington Peninsula with Trust for Nature covenants so are we in the protection of Wetlands on the Mornington Peninsula.
Mornington Peninsula Shire owns portions of Warringine Park and the whole of 92 Elizabeth Ave, Capel Sound (the latter is part of Tootgarook Swamp).
These efforts by the council means that over 130 hectares of some of the Peninsula’s most engendered species and communities will be protected forever.
The 92 Elizabeth Ave site significantly adds to the adjoining covenanted sections of the Tootgarook Swamp namely the Shires Tootgarook Swamp Bushland reserve at Browns road and the extremely significant Boneo Park covenant of the McNaughts.
Species such as the Australasian Bittern, Swamp Skink, White-footed Dunnart, Lewins Rail and Leafy Twig-sedge at these sites are now protected forever.
In addition to these species wetlands of both Tootgarook and Westernport Bay will be protected and buffered from future climate impacts. The Mornington Peninsula Shire has been leading the way in conservation actions by permanently preserving some of the Peninsulas most unique and diverse habitats and has indicated they plan to complete more efforts to ensure a healthy and sustainable Mornington Peninsula.
This is a great outcome for conservation.
“This has been a combined effort from Council, Trust for Nature and our dedicated community groups including members of the former Warringine Park committee of management; Save Tootgarook community group and the Westernport Protection Council (WPPC) who have contributed significant work lobbying to establish Warringine Park”, Cr Gill concluded.
Trust for Nature has received funding from the Limb Foundation through the Bays and Islands project and the State Government to be able to place the covenants on title. TFN are looking for more private landholders who have conservation values are interested in protecting their properties in perpetuity, the MP Shire Council has set a great example for people to get involved. If anyone is interested please contact Ben Cullen from Trust for Nature on benc@tfn.org.au or 0407044821.
https://www.trustfornature.org.au/news/2019/council-secures-legal-protection
2019 April 3rd -
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland is closing it's feedback on Friday. Our submission has been finalised and sent off to Mornington Peninsula Shire, we have provided a fairly detailed submission (66 pages) which could have been further expanded upon due to the complexity of the Tootgarook Swamp and the time frames involved.
save_tootgarook_swamp_submission_to_the_extent_of_tootgarook_wetland.pdf
2019 February 25th -
Save Tootgarook Swamp has submitted its submission to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Biodiversity Conservation Plan you can read it here.
2019 February 20th -
The community has been invited to share their feedback on the Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) there is also a community drop-in session on Wednesday 20 March 2019 that can be attended.
In May 2018, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council adopted the Tootgarook Wetland Management Plan 2018 seeking to prevent further degradation of the Wetland, promote its values, recognise its role in the Catchment and broader Port Phillip area, and define the key risks to its values.
As part of this Plan, one of the high priorities was to review the extent of the Wetland, identify a buffer zone to the reviewed Wetland extent and develop a management strategy.
The aim of the management strategy is to review the existing planning scheme provisions affecting the Wetland, make recommendations to improve and strengthen the Environmental Significance Overlays, and prepare guidelines for the nominated buffer zone.
The management strategy and resultant planning scheme provisions would provide clearer directions for landowners and developers, as well as encourage better protection of the Wetland’s ecological values.
The Council engaged ecological experts, Biosis Pty Ltd, to review the extent of the Wetland and prepare a management strategy.
TOOTGAROOK SWAMP
Tootgarook Swamp is the largest groundwater-dependent ecosystem and freshwater marsh in the region.
The Wetland contains significant environmental and cultural values and is home to more than 240 indigenous plant species. It also holds a variety of fauna that includes internationally significant birdlife.
Tootgarook Wetland provides significant conservation, social and amenity benefits for the Mornington Peninsula and the broader community.
Download
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Main Body(PDF, 3MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-main-body.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix A – Proposed ESO(PDF, 108KB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-a-proposed-eso.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 1(PDF, 6MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-1.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 2.1(PDF, 6MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-2.1.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 2.2(PDF, 7MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-2.2.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 3(PDF, 2MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-3.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 4(PDF, 22MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-4.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 5(PDF, 2MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-5.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 6(PDF, 23MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-6.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 7(PDF, 2MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-7.pdf
Have your say:
Community consultation is currently open until 5pm Friday, 5 April 2019.
Community Drop-In Sessions:
Wednesday, 20 March 2019, Tootgarook Community Hall, 30 Barry Street, Tootgarook VIC 3941
10am - 12pm (a 15-minute presentation will commence at 10:30am)
2pm - 4pm (a 15-minute presentation will commence at 2:30pm)
6pm - 8pm (a 15-minute presentation will commence at 6:30pm)
You can also submit an online submission through the following URL.
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Have-your-say/Have-Your-Say-Defining-the-Extent-of-Tootgarook-Wetland
Email: Email your submission to: haveyoursay@mornpen.vic.gov.au with the subject line ‘Draft Report: Defining the Extent of Tootgarook Wetland’.
Post:
Attention: Strategic Planning Projects, Re: Draft Report: Defining the Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Victoria, 3939
In person: Surveys are also available to complete in hard copy at the Shire’s offices in Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville.
2019 February 16th -
Some more exciting wetland news.
The Shire have received their draft report for Defining the Extent of Tootgarook Swamp, at the coming council meeting on February 18 the council will be resolving to place it on public exhibition to seek community feedback for at least six weeks.
The report is the most accurate boundary of the swamp created to date, even though some has been lost over the years to human interference it is calculated to be 319 hectares in its current extent.
The report also goes on to give what is the best to date theory of the swamps functionality with hydrology, without further discussion or study, and raises knowledge gaps etc.
It goes through values and threats to the wetland, in planning context as well (there are some planning changes happening as part of the report), and is well worth a read to widen knowledge of the largest wetland on the Peninsula.
In all, 64% of the original swamp remains, considerably more than the other major swamps in the region: the Kooweerup Swamp (<1%), Carrum Swamp (<5%) and the closest, Kangerong Swamp (<5%).
It's almost hard to fathom how this wetland had become lost on maps not existing on them only 8 years ago.
We thank everyone whom is supporting and caring for our wetlands.
See agenda item 2.1
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2019/agendas-2019/planning-services-meeting-agenda-18-february-2019.pdf
Report is here in the attachments as attachment 1 item 2.1
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2019/attachments-2019/planning-services-meeting-attachment-book-18-february-2019.pdf
There are a number of recommendations within the report.
A new ESO should be applied to the current Wetland extent and proposed buffer zone (Attachment 5). This new overlay will consolidate and rationalise the content currently contained in ESO14, ESO18, ESO19 and ESO30 by:
o Deleting ESO30 completely; and
o Deleting those parts of ESO14, ESO18 and ESO19 that overlap with the new ESO (Attachment 6).
Consider a further review of any ‘unrelated’ provisions in ESO14 and ESO19 to determine whether another rationale (e.g. visual landscape values) exists for retaining such controls. If yes, review their mapping regarding their objectives and consider other overlay controls, e.g. the Significant Landscape Overlay.
List the Wetland Extent Report as a Background document in clause 72.08 of the Planning Scheme.
In consultation with the relevant Catchment Management Authority and other community-based organisations such as Landcare, develop specific management guidelines for the poa grasslands that seek to:
o Avoid and discourage grazing; and
o Encourage appropriate revegetation and rehabilitation in these locations.
Address the threat relating to the importation of geological and biological materials through good environmental management guidance which could be included as a permit condition if a permit is required. Otherwise, such guidance should be prepared in consultation with Melbourne Water, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and any local land managers to provide advice on best practice techniques for landowners.
It goes through values and threats to the wetland, in planning context as well, and is well worth a read. the years to human intervention it is calculated to be 319 hectares in its current extent..to seek community feedback for at least six weeks. a reference that can be used in future developments.
2019 January 28th -
Some very exciting news for you.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is making some moves to better protect wetlands on the Mornington Peninsula with seeking to place Conservation Covenants for Warringine Park, in Bittern and the recent section of the Tootgarook Swamp it acquired at 92 Elizabeth Avenue, Capel Sound.
See item 3.2 https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2019/agendas-2019/council-meeting-agenda-29-january-2019.pdf
Entering into conservation covenants for these reserves enables Council to demonstrate its commitment to conservation of biodiversity and landscape values and protecting these important natural assets by placing permanent legal protection on these properties. Conservation covenants will enable Council to potentially access significant native vegetation offset funding. Trust for Nature is working with the Mornington Peninsula Shire to help promote the protection of biodiversity on public and private land and will be covering the costs associated with applying a new covenant.
Significantly the covenanting of 92 Elizabeth Ave joins other Conservation covenants within the Tootgarook Swamp being the private covenant at Boneo Park and 191A-191 Browns Road, Boneo.
The Shire was also been undertaking some important other tasks within the Swamp in which Save Tootgarook Swamp members have provided some assistance on;
-the delineation of the Tootgarook Wetland system.
-mapping of potential EPBC listed vegetation communities.
We hope to provide the updates on these reports as they get completed.
2018 November 29th -
We would encourage everyone to have your say on the Mornington Peninsula Shires Draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Have-your-say/Have-Your-Say-Draft-Biodiversity-Conservation-Plan
The Shire is inviting the community to provide feedback on its draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, a large milestone in protection of the Shires Biodiversity.
The Shire is inviting the community to provide feedback on its draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, a large milestone in protection of the Shires Biodiversity. It provides actions to achieve best practice management for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity on the Mornington Peninsula.
Biodiversity is an essential component of ecosystem health, vital for sustaining the processes that make all life possible. Biodiversity underpins much of our economic wealth, including agriculture and tourism and provides numerous social and cultural benefits.
All human activities and land uses ultimately rely on diverse and functioning ecosystems, and all human activity, in-turn, has an impact on the environment, such that, the status of biodiversity and ecosystem health is determined by the actions of everyone.
Biodiversity provides a good indicator of ecosystem health. Biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbance and can sustain the complex interactions and processes that support ecosystem services. The more interactions between ecosystem elements, species or processes, the more resilient the ecosystem is to disturbance. Ecosystem services can be classed into four broad categories:
• Provisioning – e.g. production of food and water;
• Regulating – e.g. control of climate and disease;
• Supporting – e.g. nutrient cycling and pollination; and
• Cultural – e.g. recreational, spiritual.
They are the result of the complex interactions and processes of biodiversity (i.e. genes, species and ecosystems), all working together. Many of these functions and services are irreplaceable, providing us with food, water, clean air and water, climate regulation, organic waste decomposition, soil stabilisation, plant pollination, and providing for our health and wellbeing.
Biodiversity across Australia is in a state of ongoing decline, because of a legacy of widespread land clearing, and the impacts of a range of threats, including the introduction of exotic plants and animals, disease and changes to natural processes, such as fire and water flow regimes, which have led to population declines in species, and eventually, extinctions.
Victoria is the most cleared and intensively settled state in Australia, and between one quarter to a third of all terrestrial plants, animals and ecological communities are now considered to be threatened with extinction. On the Mornington Peninsula, 6% of indigenous plants and 20% of native fauna are threatened.
The draft Plan is largely informed by the Shires State of Biodiversity Report for the Mornington Peninsula, something that we encourage all people to read.
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/your-property/environment/flora-amp-fauna/docs/state-of-biodiversity-report-for-mornington-peninsula-2018.pdf
The Mornington Peninsula is a unique place when it comes to biodiversity – it is home to an incredible range of plants and animals, including species and areas of regional, state, national and international significance.
The Shire is inviting the community to provide feedback on its draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, a large milestone in protection of the Shires Biodiversity. State of Biodiversity Report for the Mornington Peninsula Shire. Drawing on data from scientific, government and community sources, it is truly a comprehensive report and is essential reading for anyone interested in the peninsula’s natural environment.
The Shire is inviting the community to provide feedback on its draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, a large milestone in protection of the Shires Biodiversity. State of Biodiversity Report for the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Drawing on data from scientific, government and community sources, it is truly a comprehensive report and is essential reading for anyone interested in the peninsula’s natural environment.
In this report you’ll find information on the Peninsulas and where the Tootgarook Swamp fits in as being part of all of this:
700 species of indigenous plants (6% of which are threatened);
400 species native animals (20% of which are threatened);
22,00 ha (or 30%) of remaining native vegetation;
65 vegetation types (including 5 threatened vegetation communities); and
Major threats including land clearance, environmental weeds, feral animals.
The report has been prepared to assist the Shire in developing our Biodiversity Conservation Plan, which aims to establish strategies and encourage actions to help us achieve best practice management for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity on the peninsula.
You can have your say on the Plan by completing the Shires online survey or by filling out a hard copy survey.
The draft Plan is on public exhibition until 20 February 2019.
You can have your say:
In person: Surveys are also available to complete in hard copy at the Shire’s offices in Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville.
Submit an online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDNX6MP
Email: Email your submission to: haveyoursay@mornpen.vic.gov.au with the subject line ‘Draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan’.
Post: Attention: Natural Systems team, Re: Draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Victoria, 3939
Sign up to stay in touch
If are interested in hearing about Shire lead and other biodiversity-related events, register your details on the Mornington Peninsula Shires biodiversity sign up page. https://portal.mornpen.vic.gov.au/biodiversity-signup-to-stay-in-touch/
More information
You can also take a look at the plants of the peninsula
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/Plants-of-the-Peninsula
and wildlife of the peninsula pages
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/Wildlife-of-the-Peninsula
learn how environmental weeds
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/Environmental-Noxious-Weeds and feral animals https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/Feral-Animals
threaten our biodiversity, and find out what the Shire is doing
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/What-are-we-doing-to-protect-biodiversity
and what you can do
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/What-can-you-do-to-protect-biodiversity
to help protect our native plants and animals.
Lots of information is also available about the Tootgarook Swamp from the official Save Tootgarook Swamp website at www.savetootgarookswamp.org.
2018 November 14th -
UPDATE News- On the 31st of October Save Tootgarook Swamp gave some verbal submissions in support of our written submissions to the Mornington Peninsula Shires Forward Planning Committee.
This was in regards to the Southern Peninsula Arterial Corridor Investigation (see previous news post as well for STS submission).
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2018/attachments-2018/forward-planning-committee-meeting-attachment-book-31-october-2018.pdf
The meeting followed on from the community consultation process that has occurred following public exhibition of the Southern Peninsula Arterial Corridor Investigation (SPTI) Report.
The reports purpose was;
“That a further and preliminary report be brought to Council within 90 days as to traffic movement arrangements on the Southern Peninsula as an alternative to the freeway reserve overlay between Boneo Road and Blairgowrie.”
Currently a Public Acquisition Overlay cuts through critical habitat of federal listed species and high biodiversity values. This process is about considering alternatives could be considered and changed, weigh up options and have a discussion about what could be the best long term strategy.
Meeting-Minutes-31-October-2018 (Southern Peninsula Traffic with Verbal Submissions)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2018/minutes-2018/forward-planning-committee-meeting-minutes-31-october-2018.pdf
2018 October 14th -
We have finished our submission to the Mornington Peninsula Shires Southern Peninsula traffic investigation.
We can find our submission here. submission_sts_to_southern-peninsula-arterial-corridor-investigation-oct-2018-fin.pdf
2018 August 15th -
PLEASE HAVE YOUR SAY: Council working to unlock congestion on the Southern Peninsula and inviting you to provide your thoughts on a preliminary investigation report.
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Have-your-say/Have-Your-Say-Southern-Peninsula-Traffic-Investigation
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/News-Media-Publications/News-Media/Council-working-to-unlock-congestion-on-the-Southern-Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula Shire is investigating alternative traffic plans to using the southern peninsula freeway reserve through the environmentally and culturally significant Tootgarook Wetlands and reduce traffic congestion. We have been involved in this process which is aimed at getting ahead of the game and doing something to change the future for the benefit of the entire Southern Peninsula and it’s biodiversity and Ecosystems before any road announcement can be made.
The 590-hectare Tootgarook Swamp is the largest Shallow Freshwater Marsh in the Entire Western Port and Port Phillip bay region, we have destroyed and modified and drained all the others. We certainly shouldn’t be destroying our Southern Peninsula Biodiversity and Environment for a few weeks of the year, and certainly Should be destroying what is the most significant wetland in the entire Melbourne region.
We recommend that everyone views this PowerPoint presentation that Save Tootgarook Swamp ran during a public meeting we put on in April to understand the values of the Freeway Reserve and why it's important to not increase traffic levels, before doing the survey as to have a greater understanding of the issue.
https://1drv.ms/p/s!Ai01KDpb2dbolpsgiOtFNSbbD21DZg
We also have lots of information on our website www.savetootgarookswamp.org to help understand the Tootgarook Swamp better as a community resource.
The 50-year-old Public Use Zone and Public Acquisition Overlay have never been assessed entirely for cultural or biodiversity considerations, it’s outdated.
An extremely significant amount of biodiversity values are sighted on the PAO.
We need to remove cars from roads specifically day trippers in the peak season A smarter traffic system is needed on the Nepean Peninsula, one that splits traffic up based on destination, with better traffic flow designed on the existing road networks.
This is why it’s time for other alternative options such as pushing for a ferry service to Melbourne and Frankston, we will never be linked by rail, there simply is not enough land on the Southern Peninsula due to geographical restraints.
We also recommend that you write a submission if you feel that the online survey doesn’t you’re your view point.
Email your submission to: haveyoursay@mornpen.vic.gov.au with the subject line ‘Southern Peninsula Traffic Investigation’.
Previous News...
Not only is Trust for Nature is delighted at the MP Councils move to permanently protect 2 of the most important sites on the Mornington Peninsula with Trust for Nature covenants so are we in the protection of Wetlands on the Mornington Peninsula.
Mornington Peninsula Shire owns portions of Warringine Park and the whole of 92 Elizabeth Ave, Capel Sound (the latter is part of Tootgarook Swamp).
These efforts by the council means that over 130 hectares of some of the Peninsula’s most engendered species and communities will be protected forever.
The 92 Elizabeth Ave site significantly adds to the adjoining covenanted sections of the Tootgarook Swamp namely the Shires Tootgarook Swamp Bushland reserve at Browns road and the extremely significant Boneo Park covenant of the McNaughts.
Species such as the Australasian Bittern, Swamp Skink, White-footed Dunnart, Lewins Rail and Leafy Twig-sedge at these sites are now protected forever.
In addition to these species wetlands of both Tootgarook and Westernport Bay will be protected and buffered from future climate impacts. The Mornington Peninsula Shire has been leading the way in conservation actions by permanently preserving some of the Peninsulas most unique and diverse habitats and has indicated they plan to complete more efforts to ensure a healthy and sustainable Mornington Peninsula.
This is a great outcome for conservation.
“This has been a combined effort from Council, Trust for Nature and our dedicated community groups including members of the former Warringine Park committee of management; Save Tootgarook community group and the Westernport Protection Council (WPPC) who have contributed significant work lobbying to establish Warringine Park”, Cr Gill concluded.
Trust for Nature has received funding from the Limb Foundation through the Bays and Islands project and the State Government to be able to place the covenants on title. TFN are looking for more private landholders who have conservation values are interested in protecting their properties in perpetuity, the MP Shire Council has set a great example for people to get involved. If anyone is interested please contact Ben Cullen from Trust for Nature on benc@tfn.org.au or 0407044821.
https://www.trustfornature.org.au/news/2019/council-secures-legal-protection
2019 April 3rd -
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland is closing it's feedback on Friday. Our submission has been finalised and sent off to Mornington Peninsula Shire, we have provided a fairly detailed submission (66 pages) which could have been further expanded upon due to the complexity of the Tootgarook Swamp and the time frames involved.
save_tootgarook_swamp_submission_to_the_extent_of_tootgarook_wetland.pdf
2019 February 25th -
Save Tootgarook Swamp has submitted its submission to the Mornington Peninsula Shire Biodiversity Conservation Plan you can read it here.
2019 February 20th -
The community has been invited to share their feedback on the Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) there is also a community drop-in session on Wednesday 20 March 2019 that can be attended.
In May 2018, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council adopted the Tootgarook Wetland Management Plan 2018 seeking to prevent further degradation of the Wetland, promote its values, recognise its role in the Catchment and broader Port Phillip area, and define the key risks to its values.
As part of this Plan, one of the high priorities was to review the extent of the Wetland, identify a buffer zone to the reviewed Wetland extent and develop a management strategy.
The aim of the management strategy is to review the existing planning scheme provisions affecting the Wetland, make recommendations to improve and strengthen the Environmental Significance Overlays, and prepare guidelines for the nominated buffer zone.
The management strategy and resultant planning scheme provisions would provide clearer directions for landowners and developers, as well as encourage better protection of the Wetland’s ecological values.
The Council engaged ecological experts, Biosis Pty Ltd, to review the extent of the Wetland and prepare a management strategy.
TOOTGAROOK SWAMP
Tootgarook Swamp is the largest groundwater-dependent ecosystem and freshwater marsh in the region.
The Wetland contains significant environmental and cultural values and is home to more than 240 indigenous plant species. It also holds a variety of fauna that includes internationally significant birdlife.
Tootgarook Wetland provides significant conservation, social and amenity benefits for the Mornington Peninsula and the broader community.
Download
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Main Body(PDF, 3MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-main-body.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix A – Proposed ESO(PDF, 108KB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-a-proposed-eso.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 1(PDF, 6MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-1.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 2.1(PDF, 6MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-2.1.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 2.2(PDF, 7MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-2.2.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 3(PDF, 2MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-3.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 4(PDF, 22MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-4.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 5(PDF, 2MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-5.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 6(PDF, 23MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-6.pdf
Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula (Draft Report) – Appendix B – Map 7(PDF, 2MB)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/have-your-say/defining-the-extent-of-tootgarook-wetland/extent-of-tootgarook-wetland-mornington-peninsula-draft-report-appendix-b-map-7.pdf
Have your say:
Community consultation is currently open until 5pm Friday, 5 April 2019.
Community Drop-In Sessions:
Wednesday, 20 March 2019, Tootgarook Community Hall, 30 Barry Street, Tootgarook VIC 3941
10am - 12pm (a 15-minute presentation will commence at 10:30am)
2pm - 4pm (a 15-minute presentation will commence at 2:30pm)
6pm - 8pm (a 15-minute presentation will commence at 6:30pm)
You can also submit an online submission through the following URL.
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Have-your-say/Have-Your-Say-Defining-the-Extent-of-Tootgarook-Wetland
Email: Email your submission to: haveyoursay@mornpen.vic.gov.au with the subject line ‘Draft Report: Defining the Extent of Tootgarook Wetland’.
Post:
Attention: Strategic Planning Projects, Re: Draft Report: Defining the Extent of Tootgarook Wetland, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Victoria, 3939
In person: Surveys are also available to complete in hard copy at the Shire’s offices in Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville.
2019 February 16th -
Some more exciting wetland news.
The Shire have received their draft report for Defining the Extent of Tootgarook Swamp, at the coming council meeting on February 18 the council will be resolving to place it on public exhibition to seek community feedback for at least six weeks.
The report is the most accurate boundary of the swamp created to date, even though some has been lost over the years to human interference it is calculated to be 319 hectares in its current extent.
The report also goes on to give what is the best to date theory of the swamps functionality with hydrology, without further discussion or study, and raises knowledge gaps etc.
It goes through values and threats to the wetland, in planning context as well (there are some planning changes happening as part of the report), and is well worth a read to widen knowledge of the largest wetland on the Peninsula.
In all, 64% of the original swamp remains, considerably more than the other major swamps in the region: the Kooweerup Swamp (<1%), Carrum Swamp (<5%) and the closest, Kangerong Swamp (<5%).
It's almost hard to fathom how this wetland had become lost on maps not existing on them only 8 years ago.
We thank everyone whom is supporting and caring for our wetlands.
See agenda item 2.1
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2019/agendas-2019/planning-services-meeting-agenda-18-february-2019.pdf
Report is here in the attachments as attachment 1 item 2.1
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2019/attachments-2019/planning-services-meeting-attachment-book-18-february-2019.pdf
There are a number of recommendations within the report.
A new ESO should be applied to the current Wetland extent and proposed buffer zone (Attachment 5). This new overlay will consolidate and rationalise the content currently contained in ESO14, ESO18, ESO19 and ESO30 by:
o Deleting ESO30 completely; and
o Deleting those parts of ESO14, ESO18 and ESO19 that overlap with the new ESO (Attachment 6).
Consider a further review of any ‘unrelated’ provisions in ESO14 and ESO19 to determine whether another rationale (e.g. visual landscape values) exists for retaining such controls. If yes, review their mapping regarding their objectives and consider other overlay controls, e.g. the Significant Landscape Overlay.
List the Wetland Extent Report as a Background document in clause 72.08 of the Planning Scheme.
In consultation with the relevant Catchment Management Authority and other community-based organisations such as Landcare, develop specific management guidelines for the poa grasslands that seek to:
o Avoid and discourage grazing; and
o Encourage appropriate revegetation and rehabilitation in these locations.
Address the threat relating to the importation of geological and biological materials through good environmental management guidance which could be included as a permit condition if a permit is required. Otherwise, such guidance should be prepared in consultation with Melbourne Water, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and any local land managers to provide advice on best practice techniques for landowners.
It goes through values and threats to the wetland, in planning context as well, and is well worth a read. the years to human intervention it is calculated to be 319 hectares in its current extent..to seek community feedback for at least six weeks. a reference that can be used in future developments.
2019 January 28th -
Some very exciting news for you.
Mornington Peninsula Shire is making some moves to better protect wetlands on the Mornington Peninsula with seeking to place Conservation Covenants for Warringine Park, in Bittern and the recent section of the Tootgarook Swamp it acquired at 92 Elizabeth Avenue, Capel Sound.
See item 3.2 https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2019/agendas-2019/council-meeting-agenda-29-january-2019.pdf
Entering into conservation covenants for these reserves enables Council to demonstrate its commitment to conservation of biodiversity and landscape values and protecting these important natural assets by placing permanent legal protection on these properties. Conservation covenants will enable Council to potentially access significant native vegetation offset funding. Trust for Nature is working with the Mornington Peninsula Shire to help promote the protection of biodiversity on public and private land and will be covering the costs associated with applying a new covenant.
Significantly the covenanting of 92 Elizabeth Ave joins other Conservation covenants within the Tootgarook Swamp being the private covenant at Boneo Park and 191A-191 Browns Road, Boneo.
The Shire was also been undertaking some important other tasks within the Swamp in which Save Tootgarook Swamp members have provided some assistance on;
-the delineation of the Tootgarook Wetland system.
-mapping of potential EPBC listed vegetation communities.
We hope to provide the updates on these reports as they get completed.
2018 November 29th -
We would encourage everyone to have your say on the Mornington Peninsula Shires Draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Have-your-say/Have-Your-Say-Draft-Biodiversity-Conservation-Plan
The Shire is inviting the community to provide feedback on its draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, a large milestone in protection of the Shires Biodiversity.
The Shire is inviting the community to provide feedback on its draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, a large milestone in protection of the Shires Biodiversity. It provides actions to achieve best practice management for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity on the Mornington Peninsula.
Biodiversity is an essential component of ecosystem health, vital for sustaining the processes that make all life possible. Biodiversity underpins much of our economic wealth, including agriculture and tourism and provides numerous social and cultural benefits.
All human activities and land uses ultimately rely on diverse and functioning ecosystems, and all human activity, in-turn, has an impact on the environment, such that, the status of biodiversity and ecosystem health is determined by the actions of everyone.
Biodiversity provides a good indicator of ecosystem health. Biodiverse ecosystems are more resilient to disturbance and can sustain the complex interactions and processes that support ecosystem services. The more interactions between ecosystem elements, species or processes, the more resilient the ecosystem is to disturbance. Ecosystem services can be classed into four broad categories:
• Provisioning – e.g. production of food and water;
• Regulating – e.g. control of climate and disease;
• Supporting – e.g. nutrient cycling and pollination; and
• Cultural – e.g. recreational, spiritual.
They are the result of the complex interactions and processes of biodiversity (i.e. genes, species and ecosystems), all working together. Many of these functions and services are irreplaceable, providing us with food, water, clean air and water, climate regulation, organic waste decomposition, soil stabilisation, plant pollination, and providing for our health and wellbeing.
Biodiversity across Australia is in a state of ongoing decline, because of a legacy of widespread land clearing, and the impacts of a range of threats, including the introduction of exotic plants and animals, disease and changes to natural processes, such as fire and water flow regimes, which have led to population declines in species, and eventually, extinctions.
Victoria is the most cleared and intensively settled state in Australia, and between one quarter to a third of all terrestrial plants, animals and ecological communities are now considered to be threatened with extinction. On the Mornington Peninsula, 6% of indigenous plants and 20% of native fauna are threatened.
The draft Plan is largely informed by the Shires State of Biodiversity Report for the Mornington Peninsula, something that we encourage all people to read.
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/your-property/environment/flora-amp-fauna/docs/state-of-biodiversity-report-for-mornington-peninsula-2018.pdf
The Mornington Peninsula is a unique place when it comes to biodiversity – it is home to an incredible range of plants and animals, including species and areas of regional, state, national and international significance.
The Shire is inviting the community to provide feedback on its draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, a large milestone in protection of the Shires Biodiversity. State of Biodiversity Report for the Mornington Peninsula Shire. Drawing on data from scientific, government and community sources, it is truly a comprehensive report and is essential reading for anyone interested in the peninsula’s natural environment.
The Shire is inviting the community to provide feedback on its draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, a large milestone in protection of the Shires Biodiversity. State of Biodiversity Report for the Mornington Peninsula Shire.
Drawing on data from scientific, government and community sources, it is truly a comprehensive report and is essential reading for anyone interested in the peninsula’s natural environment.
In this report you’ll find information on the Peninsulas and where the Tootgarook Swamp fits in as being part of all of this:
700 species of indigenous plants (6% of which are threatened);
400 species native animals (20% of which are threatened);
22,00 ha (or 30%) of remaining native vegetation;
65 vegetation types (including 5 threatened vegetation communities); and
Major threats including land clearance, environmental weeds, feral animals.
The report has been prepared to assist the Shire in developing our Biodiversity Conservation Plan, which aims to establish strategies and encourage actions to help us achieve best practice management for the protection and enhancement of biodiversity on the peninsula.
You can have your say on the Plan by completing the Shires online survey or by filling out a hard copy survey.
The draft Plan is on public exhibition until 20 February 2019.
You can have your say:
In person: Surveys are also available to complete in hard copy at the Shire’s offices in Rosebud, Mornington, Hastings and Somerville.
Submit an online survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CDNX6MP
Email: Email your submission to: haveyoursay@mornpen.vic.gov.au with the subject line ‘Draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan’.
Post: Attention: Natural Systems team, Re: Draft Biodiversity Conservation Plan, Mornington Peninsula Shire, Private Bag 1000, Rosebud, Victoria, 3939
Sign up to stay in touch
If are interested in hearing about Shire lead and other biodiversity-related events, register your details on the Mornington Peninsula Shires biodiversity sign up page. https://portal.mornpen.vic.gov.au/biodiversity-signup-to-stay-in-touch/
More information
You can also take a look at the plants of the peninsula
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/Plants-of-the-Peninsula
and wildlife of the peninsula pages
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/Wildlife-of-the-Peninsula
learn how environmental weeds
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/Environmental-Noxious-Weeds and feral animals https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/Feral-Animals
threaten our biodiversity, and find out what the Shire is doing
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/What-are-we-doing-to-protect-biodiversity
and what you can do
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/Your-Property/Environment/Flora-Fauna-Biodiversity/What-can-you-do-to-protect-biodiversity
to help protect our native plants and animals.
Lots of information is also available about the Tootgarook Swamp from the official Save Tootgarook Swamp website at www.savetootgarookswamp.org.
2018 November 14th -
UPDATE News- On the 31st of October Save Tootgarook Swamp gave some verbal submissions in support of our written submissions to the Mornington Peninsula Shires Forward Planning Committee.
This was in regards to the Southern Peninsula Arterial Corridor Investigation (see previous news post as well for STS submission).
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2018/attachments-2018/forward-planning-committee-meeting-attachment-book-31-october-2018.pdf
The meeting followed on from the community consultation process that has occurred following public exhibition of the Southern Peninsula Arterial Corridor Investigation (SPTI) Report.
The reports purpose was;
“That a further and preliminary report be brought to Council within 90 days as to traffic movement arrangements on the Southern Peninsula as an alternative to the freeway reserve overlay between Boneo Road and Blairgowrie.”
Currently a Public Acquisition Overlay cuts through critical habitat of federal listed species and high biodiversity values. This process is about considering alternatives could be considered and changed, weigh up options and have a discussion about what could be the best long term strategy.
Meeting-Minutes-31-October-2018 (Southern Peninsula Traffic with Verbal Submissions)
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/files/assets/public/new-website-documents/about-us/meetings-amp-minutes/2018/minutes-2018/forward-planning-committee-meeting-minutes-31-october-2018.pdf
2018 October 14th -
We have finished our submission to the Mornington Peninsula Shires Southern Peninsula traffic investigation.
We can find our submission here. submission_sts_to_southern-peninsula-arterial-corridor-investigation-oct-2018-fin.pdf
2018 August 15th -
PLEASE HAVE YOUR SAY: Council working to unlock congestion on the Southern Peninsula and inviting you to provide your thoughts on a preliminary investigation report.
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/Have-your-say/Have-Your-Say-Southern-Peninsula-Traffic-Investigation
https://www.mornpen.vic.gov.au/About-Us/News-Media-Publications/News-Media/Council-working-to-unlock-congestion-on-the-Southern-Peninsula
Mornington Peninsula Shire is investigating alternative traffic plans to using the southern peninsula freeway reserve through the environmentally and culturally significant Tootgarook Wetlands and reduce traffic congestion. We have been involved in this process which is aimed at getting ahead of the game and doing something to change the future for the benefit of the entire Southern Peninsula and it’s biodiversity and Ecosystems before any road announcement can be made.
The 590-hectare Tootgarook Swamp is the largest Shallow Freshwater Marsh in the Entire Western Port and Port Phillip bay region, we have destroyed and modified and drained all the others. We certainly shouldn’t be destroying our Southern Peninsula Biodiversity and Environment for a few weeks of the year, and certainly Should be destroying what is the most significant wetland in the entire Melbourne region.
We recommend that everyone views this PowerPoint presentation that Save Tootgarook Swamp ran during a public meeting we put on in April to understand the values of the Freeway Reserve and why it's important to not increase traffic levels, before doing the survey as to have a greater understanding of the issue.
https://1drv.ms/p/s!Ai01KDpb2dbolpsgiOtFNSbbD21DZg
We also have lots of information on our website www.savetootgarookswamp.org to help understand the Tootgarook Swamp better as a community resource.
The 50-year-old Public Use Zone and Public Acquisition Overlay have never been assessed entirely for cultural or biodiversity considerations, it’s outdated.
An extremely significant amount of biodiversity values are sighted on the PAO.
- 5 EPBC matters, plus 9 migratory agreement species.
- 2 FFG listed EVC’s and another 6 State significant endangered EVC’s.
- 10 FFG listed species and another 8 Near Threatened and Vulnerable Species.
- 1 endangered and 7 Rare plants.
- This doesn’t include regionally significant data, that is species that are becoming extinct on the Mornington Peninsula, but are common elsewhere.
We need to remove cars from roads specifically day trippers in the peak season A smarter traffic system is needed on the Nepean Peninsula, one that splits traffic up based on destination, with better traffic flow designed on the existing road networks.
This is why it’s time for other alternative options such as pushing for a ferry service to Melbourne and Frankston, we will never be linked by rail, there simply is not enough land on the Southern Peninsula due to geographical restraints.
We also recommend that you write a submission if you feel that the online survey doesn’t you’re your view point.
Email your submission to: haveyoursay@mornpen.vic.gov.au with the subject line ‘Southern Peninsula Traffic Investigation’.
Previous News...
What is the Tootgarook Swamp?
Click to enlarge
The Tootgarook Swamp, or Boneo Swamp, as it is sometimes referred, is a Ground Water Dependent Ecosystem and the largest example left of an Shallow freshwater marsh in the Port Phillip bay and Western Port region.
The swamp exists on organosols soils (fibric peat), and as a peat regenerating wetland it is the most threatened form of wetland type internationally.
Peat regenerating wetlands are a major carbon storehouse, exceeding that of forests, and are worthy of international Ramsar protection.
In fact one could argue that the Tootgarook swamp matches the description of a in fact a fen.
A fen is a wetland system with a permanently high water level at or just below its surface. It’s principal source of nutrients is from surface or groundwater, and the substrate is an alkaline to slightly acidic peat soil. The vegetation is usually dominated by sedges.[1]
Similar to "The Fens" in England there are a few hills, which have historically been called "islands" as they remained dry when the low-lying swamp around them were became inundated by ground water.
The approximate 590 hectare swamp is found on the lower section of the Mornington Peninsula, called the Nepean Peninsula in Victoria, Australia.
Unfortunately a large portion of the Tootgarook Swamp is inappropriately zoned as residential and industrial, with roughly half of the actual swamp inside the green wedge and half within the urban growth boundary.
There are only 4% of total wetlands left in Victoria that are greater than 100 hectares, and of the original wetlands in Victoria, we have already lost over 37% in the last 200 years. The Tootgarook Swamp is no different since European settlement,considerable land use changes have altered the landscape, reducing the wetland area from an estimated 1,500 hectares to approximately 650 hectares.
Of the 100% of shallow fresh water marshes in Victoria, 60% [2] have been destroyed.
Australia is the most arid continent in the world, yet we still drain and fill our wetlands.
Wetlands are considered the most biologically diverse of all the planets ecosystems, but despite this they are still being destroyed at an alarming rate.
Wetlands are described as the interface between land and marine ecosystems and are known as the cradle of diversity, existing on all continents globally (including Antarctica recently discovered), essentially wetlands are a biodiversity super lab.
A wetland is like a snowflake. No two wetlands can be the same as they will not have the same conditions. There are many ingredients that add to these conditions, like the PH or alkalinity of water, soil types, climate, land shape, geology, water seasonality, atmospheric precipitation cycle, and salinity. All these ingredients combine in many different ways to create a unique genetic diversity seen only in wetland environments and specially balanced and suited to the species that inhabit it.
A healthy biodiverse ecosystem in wetlands like Tootgarook Swamp provide a number of benefits. These benefits are known as ecosystem services like;
The cost of replacing these (if possible) would be extremely expensive. It therefore makes economic and development sense to protect our wetlands like Tootgarook Swamp so they can continue to provide for us and the planet for generations to come.
Save Tootgarook Swamp is dedicated to fighting for the continued protection of the Tootgarook Swamp catchment and its unique biodiversity values, and strongly believes in the Ramsar convention's context of the Wise use of Wetlands.
So please support our campaign to help protect this precious swamp for future generations by signing the petition on the community run website.
and we hope you have a look around the website and it other page resources.
[1] IPCC http://www.ipcc.ie/a-to-z-peatlands/fens/
[2] Department Environment and Primary Industry http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/plntanml/biodiversity/directions/wetlands.htm
The swamp exists on organosols soils (fibric peat), and as a peat regenerating wetland it is the most threatened form of wetland type internationally.
Peat regenerating wetlands are a major carbon storehouse, exceeding that of forests, and are worthy of international Ramsar protection.
In fact one could argue that the Tootgarook swamp matches the description of a in fact a fen.
A fen is a wetland system with a permanently high water level at or just below its surface. It’s principal source of nutrients is from surface or groundwater, and the substrate is an alkaline to slightly acidic peat soil. The vegetation is usually dominated by sedges.[1]
Similar to "The Fens" in England there are a few hills, which have historically been called "islands" as they remained dry when the low-lying swamp around them were became inundated by ground water.
The approximate 590 hectare swamp is found on the lower section of the Mornington Peninsula, called the Nepean Peninsula in Victoria, Australia.
Unfortunately a large portion of the Tootgarook Swamp is inappropriately zoned as residential and industrial, with roughly half of the actual swamp inside the green wedge and half within the urban growth boundary.
There are only 4% of total wetlands left in Victoria that are greater than 100 hectares, and of the original wetlands in Victoria, we have already lost over 37% in the last 200 years. The Tootgarook Swamp is no different since European settlement,considerable land use changes have altered the landscape, reducing the wetland area from an estimated 1,500 hectares to approximately 650 hectares.
Of the 100% of shallow fresh water marshes in Victoria, 60% [2] have been destroyed.
Australia is the most arid continent in the world, yet we still drain and fill our wetlands.
Wetlands are considered the most biologically diverse of all the planets ecosystems, but despite this they are still being destroyed at an alarming rate.
Wetlands are described as the interface between land and marine ecosystems and are known as the cradle of diversity, existing on all continents globally (including Antarctica recently discovered), essentially wetlands are a biodiversity super lab.
A wetland is like a snowflake. No two wetlands can be the same as they will not have the same conditions. There are many ingredients that add to these conditions, like the PH or alkalinity of water, soil types, climate, land shape, geology, water seasonality, atmospheric precipitation cycle, and salinity. All these ingredients combine in many different ways to create a unique genetic diversity seen only in wetland environments and specially balanced and suited to the species that inhabit it.
A healthy biodiverse ecosystem in wetlands like Tootgarook Swamp provide a number of benefits. These benefits are known as ecosystem services like;
- Protection of water resources
- Soils formation and protection
- Nutrient storage and recycling
- Pollution breakdown and absorption
- Contribution to climate stability
- Maintenance of ecosystems
- Recovery from unpredictable events
- Food
- Medicinal resources and pharmaceutical drugs
- Breeding stocks, population reservoirs
- Future resources
- Diversity in genes, species and ecosystems
- Social benefits, such as
- Research, education and monitoring
- Recreation and tourism
- Cultural Values
The cost of replacing these (if possible) would be extremely expensive. It therefore makes economic and development sense to protect our wetlands like Tootgarook Swamp so they can continue to provide for us and the planet for generations to come.
Save Tootgarook Swamp is dedicated to fighting for the continued protection of the Tootgarook Swamp catchment and its unique biodiversity values, and strongly believes in the Ramsar convention's context of the Wise use of Wetlands.
So please support our campaign to help protect this precious swamp for future generations by signing the petition on the community run website.
and we hope you have a look around the website and it other page resources.
[1] IPCC http://www.ipcc.ie/a-to-z-peatlands/fens/
[2] Department Environment and Primary Industry http://www.nre.vic.gov.au/plntanml/biodiversity/directions/wetlands.htm
Social Feeds
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Newsletters and Downloads
save_tootgarook_swamp_submission_to_the_extent_of_tootgarook_wetland.pdf
Save Tootgarook Swamp Submission to Mornington Peninsula Biodiversity Plan Feb 2019.pdf
submission_sts_to_southern-peninsula-arterial-corridor-investigation-oct-2018-fin.pdf
submission_in_response_how_can_we_best_manage_domestic_cats_in_australia_from_the_victorian_feral_cat_declaration.pdf
2017 5th AGM.ppsx
To determine the possible breeding and presence of Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus - C.Brown 31st May 2017.PDF
2016 4th AGM.ppsx (YouTube Video Version)
Q3 2016 Newsletter
Wetland Fact Sheets produced by the Ramsar convention of Wetlands with information on the benefits of wetlands, their alarming loss, wise use of wetlands, and what you can do as an individual.
2015 3rd AGM.ppsx
Q2 2015.pdf
Q1 2015.pdf
Biosphere Connector, Issue 4 Jan - Mar 2015.pdf
2014 2nd AGM.ppsx.
'WHY IS TOOTGAROOK SWAMP IMPORTANT AND NEEDS SAVING?'Flyer.pdf
Q2 2014.pdf.
Swamp Management
Guidelines for the Greater Tootgarook Swamp Final Version 2014 June.pdf
Q1 2014.pdf.
'Help Preserve Australia's Wetlands'
A0 biodiversity poster.pdf
2013 1st AGM (Very large file).ppsx.
Q2 2013.pdf.
Q1 2013.pdf.
Save Tootgarook Swamp Submission to Mornington Peninsula Biodiversity Plan Feb 2019.pdf
submission_sts_to_southern-peninsula-arterial-corridor-investigation-oct-2018-fin.pdf
submission_in_response_how_can_we_best_manage_domestic_cats_in_australia_from_the_victorian_feral_cat_declaration.pdf
2017 5th AGM.ppsx
To determine the possible breeding and presence of Australasian Bittern Botaurus poiciloptilus - C.Brown 31st May 2017.PDF
2016 4th AGM.ppsx (YouTube Video Version)
Q3 2016 Newsletter
Wetland Fact Sheets produced by the Ramsar convention of Wetlands with information on the benefits of wetlands, their alarming loss, wise use of wetlands, and what you can do as an individual.
2015 3rd AGM.ppsx
Q2 2015.pdf
Q1 2015.pdf
Biosphere Connector, Issue 4 Jan - Mar 2015.pdf
2014 2nd AGM.ppsx.
'WHY IS TOOTGAROOK SWAMP IMPORTANT AND NEEDS SAVING?'Flyer.pdf
Q2 2014.pdf.
Swamp Management
Guidelines for the Greater Tootgarook Swamp Final Version 2014 June.pdf
Q1 2014.pdf.
'Help Preserve Australia's Wetlands'
A0 biodiversity poster.pdf
2013 1st AGM (Very large file).ppsx.
Q2 2013.pdf.
Q1 2013.pdf.
