Protect Pittwater Association Committee members June 2023
June 14 2023
TAFE NSW graduate and local Leila de Young has been named Apprentice of the Year and Student of the Year at the TAFE NSW Excellence Awards.
The 22-year-old Freshwater local completed her Certificate III in Electrotechnology at TAFE NSW Northern Beaches in 2018, while undertaking an apprenticeship as part of her HSC.
She chose a vocational qualification as an alternative pathway to university after having a chat with her dad, who is in the construction industry.
“I had no idea what career path I wanted to follow and couldn’t see the logic in choosing an expensive degree that I was not 100% sure I would stick with.
“The course runs for three years, with a mix of theory and practical units covering all essential electrical concepts, such as complex wiring rules calculations, testing electrical installations to ensure compliance, and workplace safety.
“A couple of integral conversations I had with both my father, a builder, and an electrician at a high school careers expo, introduced me to the construction world and I realised that there were other options apart from the traditional university route,” Ms de Young said.
She worked as an apprentice for Dvine Smart Homes, headquartered in Curl Curl for over two years and believes the company was integral to “exemplifying her confidence and abilities.”
“I started my apprenticeship two weeks out of high school and attained a nationally recognised trade qualification at the age of 21.
“They nurtured me at every stage of my learning and never made me feel silly if I had questions,” Ms de Young said.
According to data uncovered in The Productivity Commission White Paper released in 2021, women make-up only 2% of qualified trade workers. Nationwide, there is a massive demand in industries such as building, and construction, and women are an untapped market.
To encourage women to get into trades, the NSW Government launched the Women in Trades program which is aimed at tackling skills shortages in trades areas and offers women employment security in high demand industries. For Ms de Young, studying at TAFE NSW has enabled her to be highly employable in an essential, booming industry.
“This qualification will keep me highly employable for the rest of my working life in a forever-growing, essential industry with endless room for growth,” Ms de Young said.
This year, Ms de Young decided to further explore the design-oriented aspect of the profession and has now been accepted into Sydney University’s Architecture degree. Due to her passion firmly rooted in construction, she continues to be a strong advocate for the value of vocational training.
“I have grown into a confident, practical, independent young woman as a result of studying this [TAFE NSW Certificate III in Electrotechnology] qualification.
“I do not regret my decision to undertake an electrical apprenticeship for an instant and am forever grateful to my teachers, employers, and colleagues for helping me to achieve what I have,” Ms de Young said.
Valerie Taylor AM, 88, and Bailey Mason, not yet 20, attended the Shark Nets Out Now protest at Manly on Saturday December 3rd, 2022
In May 2021 the Council called on the NSW government to remove shark nets on beaches in the Northern Beaches Council area and replace them with a combination of modern and effective alternative shark mitigation strategies that maintain or improve swimmer safety and reduce unwanted by-catch of non-target species.
Council made the call in response to Department of Primary Industries – Fisheries (DPI Fisheries) request for input from stakeholders on their preferred shark mitigation measures.
A number of residents addressed Council’s May meeting in support of shark net removal, including surfing champion Layne Beachley.
Then A/Mayor Candy Bingham said Council considered both the need to maintain or improve swimmer safety as well as the negative impacts on non-target marine species in reaching their decision.
“The effectiveness of shark nets has been questioned by many, yet their impact on other marine species is devastating,” Cr Bingham said.
“We have an aquatic reserve in Manly where turtles and rays are regularly seen by snorkelers, and up and down the beaches dolphins surf the waves alongside local board riders.
“The research conducted by DPI Fisheries found that 90% of marine species caught in nets were non-target species and that sharks can in fact swim over, under and around the nets anyhow.
“If the evidence is that there are other just as, or more, effective ways to mitigate shark risk, such as drone and helicopter surveillance, listening stations and deterrent devices, then we owe it to those non-target species to remove the nets.''
The shark mitigation strategy in New South Wales (NSW) has slowly been evolving over recent years. The introduction of Shark-Management-Alert-In-Real-Time (SMART) drumlines and shark surveillance drones has provided hope to those in the community who want to see the program cease its current lethal methods. But the State has been seemingly reluctant to make the final transition away from the lethal Shark Meshing Program (SMP) that still operates for eight months of the year.
A new report, 'Investigation into NSW Shark Meshing Program June 2023' by Envoy Foundation, covers the many shortcomings of the program in detail, including some that may not have been previously discussed. For example, trigger points should effectively alert the program's impact on threatened species, but instead, are reactive. Furthermore, when trigger points are tripped, there is no contingency plan for decisive and practical actions.
The Envoy Foundation report identified "extremely concerning discrepancies in data", including a photo of a bird found in shark nets in 2019 not included in data for the 2018/19 or 2019/20 catch data.
"There is an image of little penguin, also known as a fairy penguin — which are protected in NSW," Mr Borrell said.
"It's an image of a thing that was been pulled out of shark nets, but the animal does not appear in the data. How often does that happen?"
The report states the Envoy Foundation 'attempted to identify the bird but were not able to from the image or by speaking with the Protected Species and Communities Branch of the Biodiversity Conservation Division of the Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment.'
The answer they received was:
“Unfortunately without the last digit (I can’t make it out either) it could be one of 10 birds. Each of the 10 birds were all banded in 2002 on one of three dates 22 OCT 2002, 29 Oct 2002 or 5 NOV 2002. The banding of these birds occurred at one of two locations:
Manly Point, Sydney Harbour; or Collins Beach, Spring Cove, Sydney Harbour. That is about as much as I can provide without the last digit to actually individually identify the specific bird.''
''Additionally, images obtained show pregnant female sharks caught and killed that have been cut open, exposing a uterus full of pups. These pups are not included in the reported count of sharks killed, and any assessment made is done based on understated data.'' the report states
The images had to be obtained under GIPA applications.
June 13, 2023
With the annual whale migration season in full swing along the south coast, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service is reminding all boaties and those on the water to respectfully watch these creatures from afar.
NPWS Area Manager Jo Issaverdis said this reminder comes after an incident where a small boat purposely approached a whale off Burrewarra Point, north of Broulee.
'While we are looking into this incident, our key message is one of education and awareness,' Ms Issaverdis said.
'We urge boaties, surfers, swimmers and everyone on the water to please give the whales space, and stay at least 100 meters away in all directions.
'This rule is in place to keep both the whales safe and the community safe.
'Adult humpbacks can weigh up to 35 tonnes and if frightened or threatened, can cause serious damage to vessels, passengers and swimmers.
'We understand why people want to get a closer look at these majestic creatures, but the reality is that interfering with the whale migration and getting too close is risky and unsafe for all.
'There are so many great vantage points from the coast where people can watch one of world’s great migrations, and with more than 35,000 humpbacks expected to pass the coast this season, you're guaranteed to see some,' Ms Issaverdis said.
Under the NSW Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017 all watercraft, including boats, surfboards, surf skis and kayaks must stay at least 100 m from a whale, and at least 300 m if a calf is present.
Restrictions also apply to swimmers, snorkellers, divers and those in the water, who must stay at least 30 m from a whale. There are also restrictions for aircraft, including drones.
From May to November each year, humpback whales make the annual migration from Antarctic waters to Queensland to calve, while southern right whales tend to stay in NSW’s protected bays and beaches to nurture their young.
Signs of disturbance
Disturbed whales, dolphins, dugongs and seals react with a sudden change of behaviour, including:
- hastily diving
- vocalising
- changes in breathing patterns
- sudden change in body posture or positioning
- a sudden change in direction
- a change in swimming speed
- aggressive behaviour such as tail splashing, head lunges and charging
- protectively moving between you and their young.
If you see someone intentionally harming, touching, harassing, chasing, trying to restrict the path of a marine mammal, or getting too close, please report the illegal activity to National Parks and Wildlife on 13000PARKS (1300 072 757).
Approach distance
An approach distance is the closest you can lawfully go to a whale, dolphin, dugong or seal to watch it safely and without disturbing or harassing them, so they can live naturally and without interference.
Scientists, including veterinarians, helped to develop the Biodiversity Conservation Regulation 2017, which outlines the approach distances for New South Wales. These are based on The Australian National Guidelines for Whale and Dolphin Watching 2017 and also includes seals.
Remember, if a marine mammal approaches you, slowly move back to at least the minimum approach distance. Never chase it; try to touch it or restrict its path. On a rare occasion, a National Parks and Wildlife Service officer may ask you to move back beyond the minimum approach distance if they see an animal is still distressed and behaving as if it is disturbed.
By observing the following approach distances, you can have a safe and enjoyable time while helping to keep our wildlife wild.
Whales, dolphins dugongs
The approach distance is determined by the activity you are doing, either in the air, or in or on water, the type of animal and if there is a calf present.
The exception is when a whale, dolphin or dugong that is mostly white in colour is present. You must always stay at least 500 metres from them.
Approaching when in the water – swimmers, snorkelers and divers
If you are a swimmer, snorkeler or diver, to observe a marine mammal, you may enter the water at a minimum distance of:
- 100 metres away from a whale
- 50 metres from a dolphin or dugong.
If you are in the water, you must keep at least:
- 30 metres from a whale, dolphin or dugong, including a calf.
For reference, 30 metres in length is approximately the same length as:
- an official basketball court
- 2 public transport buses lined up end to end.
Approaching on the water – boats and surfboards
A vessel is watercraft that can be used as transport, including motorised or non-motorised boats, surfboards, surf skis and kayaks.
If you are on the water in a vessel you are not permitted to approach a marine mammal from behind or wait in front of it.
If a calf is present, you are not permitted to enter the caution zone for closer viewing. The caution zone boundary is 300 metres for whales and 150 metres for dolphins and dugongs.
You must comply with the following approach rules:
A vessel is in the caution zone when it is:
- 300 metres from a whale
- 150 metres from a dolphin or dugong.
A vessel can move no closer than:
- 100 metres to a whale
- 50 metres to a dolphin or dugong.
In the caution zone the skipper must:
- post a lookout if 2 or more people are on board
- not position the vessel ahead of the animal to wait for it
- approach from the side at least 30 degrees to its direction of travel
- move at a constant slow speed with negligible wake – when the waves created by the movement of the prohibited vessel are so small that if there was a boat nearby it would not move
- only 3 vessels are permitted to be in the entire caution zone at any one time – other vessels must wait their turn, regardless of size and not drift closer.
If dolphins are bow-riding, you must maintain course and speed.
If a whale approaches, slow down to minimal wash speed, move away or disengage gears and do not make sudden movements.
Thought-provoking works by 215 artists and designers from Australia have been shortlisted for the prestigious annual Northern Beaches Environmental Art & Design Prize.
Now in its third year, the Environmental Art & Design Prize brings together a community of creatives to highlights our environmental concerns and hopes across the nation.
Fresh perspectives on our global climate crisis and sustainable life on earth will be on show in an outstanding exhibition of art and design from 4 – 27 August at Manly Art Gallery & Museum, Curl Curl Creative Space and Mona Vale Creative Space Gallery.
Among the shortlisted artists and designers is Perdita Phillips (WA) whose film ‘Wheatbelt Anticipatory Archive II’ was developed from 500 historical aerial photographs of farming properties merged together and overlaid with new images to produce visual imagery which ‘unsettles the eye of settler colonialism with a more ecological vision’.
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Perdita Phillips, Wheatbelt Anticipitory Archive II (Film & video) detail
Other shortlisted artists and designers include Grace Kemarre Robinya (NT), whose painting ‘Raining Over Laramba, Different Times’ of rain in desert country conveys the transformative and life-giving power of water. The artist used to live in the Laramba community NT, where residents were until recently forced to drink water that contains three times the level of uranium considered safe.
Grace Kemarre Robinya. Photo: Rhett Hammerton
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