Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News

Summer’s here and so are the HoodiesWe’re half way through summer, so while the crowds are flocking to the beaches please remember they are home to one of our most vulnerable beach nesting birds, the Hooded Plover. By Portal Admin - 23rd January 2017 - Back to News There is nothing quite like enjoying a hot summers day down at the beach, whether it’s just enjoying the sun and the sand, splashing by the water’s edge or some beach cricket with mates.
We all have different ways of unwinding and relaxing but please remember while you are enjoying yourself care-free there are other beach users that can find this time very stressful.
It’s breeding time for the Hooded Plovers and they need all the help they can get.
While they are quite small and can go relatively unnoticed it is very easy for them to be disturbed by people and their pets without the people even realising.
There are nesting enclosures set up for the birds at many of our beaches; however this isn’t the only space they need.
Hoodies need to get themselves and their chicks to the water’s edge to feed so they can successfully raise a family.
For now, we have some great news from Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor, Pamela Rothfield.
"We have recently had a fledging of two chicks out at Cape Paterson – the first one for the season for Bass Coast," Cr Rothfield said.
"We also have some promising chicks on the beaches in Cowes, which still need our help to make it all the way."
People can help the Hooded Plovers have a successful breeding season by undertaking the following:
Avoid using beaches known to be used for Hooded Plover breeding
Walk close to the water’s edge
Keep an eye out for and obey signage and barriers put up for the protection of the birds
Keep your dog on a leash at all times and off the beach during 'no dogs' times. For details on restrictions please see the website www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/dogwalking
If you wish to let your dog run free, please use the designated off-leash areas that are around the Shire.
Report any incidents to 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211
There are many people working hard over the summer period to assist breeding success of the Hooded Plover. This includes volunteers from Friends of the Hooded Plover – Bass Coast and Hooded Plover Watch, and land managers including Bass Coast Shire Council, Phillip Island Nature parks and Parks Victoria.
It would be great if beach users could also act to help the survival of this endangered species.
Fledging of Hooded Plover Chicks. Photo courtesy of wildlife photographer, Kim Wormald
For more information contact:
Rhiannon Grinham
Acting natural resources officer
t (03) 5671 2159 | f (03) 5671 2222 | m 0466 447 306
e r.grinham@basscoast.vic.gov.au
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: support@gippsland.com

Related Articles- GPAC’s Summer Nights series brings free outdoor movies and family fun to Gippsland community on 13, 14, 21 February and 20 March 2026
GPAC’s Summer Nights brought families together with free outdoor movies, live entertainment, and food trucks, drawing strong community attendance and extending the series due to popular demand in Gippsland. - Gumbuya World kicks off summer fun with Oasis Springs reopening and family-friendly GumBOOya Halloween extravaganza
Gumbuya World reopens Oasis Springs on November 1, launching summer's splash season after GumBOOya Halloween. Families can enjoy slides, wildlife encounters, cabanas, and year-round thrills just 50 minutes from Melbourne. - Labor government backs Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve upgrades with major investment in cricket, football and community facilities
Works have begun on Moe's Ted Summerton Reserve, delivering oval upgrades, lighting, new changerooms, and improvements through the Regional Sports Infrastructure Program, boosting community sport, events, jobs, and local participation. - East Gippsland Libraries join Big Summer Read, inspiring children to read, build literacy, and combat the ‘summer slide’
This summer, East Gippsland Libraries join the Big Summer Read, encouraging children aged 0-18 to read, build literacy skills, earn badges, and stay engaged while combating the "summer slide." - East Gippsland Water expects no summer restrictions, yet climate change makes long-term conservation vital
East Gippsland Water predicts sufficient rainfall this summer, making restrictions unlikely, but warns climate change and future droughts mean ongoing water conservation remains essential for communities. - Parliamentary Inquiry into the 2026 summer fires across Victoria, make a submission by 15 March 2026
Parliamentary Inquiry launched to scrutinise Victoria’s 2026 bushfire preparedness, planning, and emergency response across regional communities. - Latrobe City outdoor pools set to reopen for summer with weather-based opening days ahead
Latrobe City’s outdoor pools reopen 29 November, operating on days forecast at 25 degrees celsius. Moe and Yallourn North offer family-friendly facilities, with Yallourn North free. Council highlights community enjoyment and water-safety benefits. - East Gippsland community invited to provide feedback on Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival foreshore location and improvements
East Gippsland Council invites community feedback on continuing the Lakes Entrance Summer Carnival at its foreshore location, seeking ideas on layout, activities, accessibility, and improvements for future planning and safety. - Join Omeo's visitor economy through tourism mapping and justice precinct masterplan vision sessions on 14 September 2025
Omeo visitor economy's future will be shaped through community sessions presenting the Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Draft Justice Precinct Masterplan, highlighting heritage, recreation, and opportunities to attract investment. - Omeo Mountain Bike Trails update - new website, shuttle services, and summer 114km launch
Omeo Mountain Bike Trails has launched a new website and shuttle services, with 40 km open now and the full 114 km network officially debuting this summer for riders nationwide. - West Gippsland CMA champions healthy waterways, culture, community, and sustainability across the catchment
West Gippsland CMA celebrates World Rivers Day by highlighting river health, cultural significance, and restoration efforts. Caring for 40,000km of waterways, they partner with communities to ensure resilient, thriving rivers. - Darren Chester presented to Five CHC Helicopter crew awarded National Emergency Medals for heroic Black Summer bushfire service
Five CHC Helicopter personnel based at East Sale RAAF Base received National Emergency Medals for courageous, lifesaving service during the 2019–20 Black Summer bushfires across Gippsland communities. - Latrobe City Council announces '2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens' photography and video winners
Latrobe City Council congratulates winners of the 2025 Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local photography and videography with category prizes and an overall winner highlighted across Council platforms. - Drouin Picnic Racing Club receives $13,519 upgrade boost through Allan Labor government's Regional Customer Facilities Program
Drouin Picnic Racing Club will receive $13,519 to upgrade facilities and enhance race day experiences, part of the Allan Labor government's $730,000 investment improving regional racing venues statewide. - Cape Paterson Traffic Plan adopted to improve safety through community-driven road and pedestrian upgrades
Bass Coast Shire Council has adopted the Cape Paterson Traffic Management Plan, developed with strong community input to improve safety through speed reductions, traffic calming, better intersections, and pedestrian-cyclist connectivity. - Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow. - East Gippsland Water invites community feedback through annual customer satisfaction survey this October
East Gippsland Water is inviting customers to complete its annual satisfaction survey, providing feedback on water quality, service, and community engagement. Responses will guide future improvements and participants can win a $100 bill credit. - Tim Bull criticises Labor government for mismanagement, volunteer cuts, and inadequate fuel reduction ahead of high-risk summer season
Gippsland East MP Tim Bull warns communities face extreme bushfire risk this summer due to Labor’s volunteer cuts, ageing CFA fleet, inadequate fuel reduction, and failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations. - Victoria’s scenic drive from Gippsland Lakes to Wangaratta through picturesque towns and alpine landscapes
Travel Victoria’s iconic Great Alpine Road, winding from Gippsland Lakes to Wangaratta through lush spring landscapes, vibrant towns, roaring rivers and perfect camping weather - an unforgettable journey for adventurous travellers. - Farm fencing grants protect 300 hectares of biodiversity and boost waterway health across West Gippsland
Over 300 hectares of farmland will be fenced through West Gippsland CMA's farm fencing grants, protecting waterways, biodiversity, and livestock while supporting sustainable farming and revegetation across the catchment. - Agriculture advisory committee supports East Gippsland farmers through collaboration and regional advocacy initiatives
The Agriculture Sector Advisory Committee advises on policies, programs, and partnerships to support East Gippsland farmers, addressing biosecurity, water security, pest management, and regional agricultural priorities for a resilient sector. - Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage. - Baw Baw Shire to host community barbecues supporting farmers through 'Look Over the Farm Gate' grants
Baw Baw Shire Council will host five community barbecues supporting farmers' wellbeing through Look Over the Farm Gate grants, offering connection, resources, and mental health support amid ongoing dry conditions. - East Gippsland Water donates hay to support farmers through Lions Club ‘Need for Feed’ program
East Gippsland Water donated two semi loads of hay to support drought-affected farmers in Victoria’s south-west, demonstrating sustainability, community support, and its commitment to recycling and environmental stewardship. - East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region. - Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Baw Baw Shire Council secured TAC and Federal Blackspot funding for four key road safety projects in Warragul and Drouin, targeting high-risk areas with upgrades to improve safety for all road users. - Six-year Thurra River campground closure triggers renewed demands for urgent government action before summer
Tim Bull says East Gippslanders face another summer without Thurra River’s main campground, urging the Minister to expedite long-delayed approvals after six years, stressing local businesses rely on its reopening. - Danny O'Brien urges families to claim up to $200 for kids' sport through Get Active program by 31 December 2025
Danny O'Brien is urging families to apply for the Get Active Kids program, offering up to $200 for children's sport and recreation costs to ease cost-of-living pressures and encourage participation. - Baw Baw Shire Council extends Acting CEO Mick Cummins’ leadership through 2 January 2026 during CEO’s absence
Baw Baw Shire Council has extended Mick Cummins’ Acting CEO role until 2 January 2026, supporting the organisation while CEO Tilla Buden focuses on health and recovery. - Danny O’Brien congratulates local football and netball clubs recognised through this year’s TAC Club Rewards Program
Gippsland South football and netball clubs have secured TAC Club Rewards funding, promoting safe driving and road safety awareness through community-led initiatives supported by AFL Victoria. - Have your say on key council plans, policies, and the future direction of South Gippsland through current engagement opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites community feedback on key draft plans, policies, and the 2026/27 Budget, with in-person engagement opportunities and "Coffee with a Councillor" sessions in October. - Latrobe City invites photographers and videographers to capture the region’s beauty in the ‘Latrobe Through Your Lens’ until 15 December 2025
Latrobe City Council invites photographers and videographers to enter the eight-week Latrobe Through Your Lens competition, celebrating local people, places, and culture, with prizes including gift cards and getaway experiences. - East Gippsland Council streamlines procurement, connecting suppliers through VendorPanel online
East Gippsland Council now manages major procurement through VendorPanel, giving local, regional, and national suppliers fair, simple access to opportunities while supporting transparency, competition, and local economic growth. - Darren Chester braces Gippslanders demand for safer roads as funding stalls while initiatives like Cycling Without Age grow
Gippslanders demand urgent road repairs, with Princes Highway neglected for years, while initiatives like Cycling Without Age provide older residents joy, connection, and community engagement across the region.
|
|