A CONTENTIOUS hand beach cleaning trial launched by Mornington Peninsula Shire has come under fire for failing to meet the “community’s expectations” with reports of litter and seaweed having increased.The shire is currently undertaking a 12-month trial that involves cleaning all Port Phillip beaches solely by hand on a fortnightly basis instead of a mechanical rake, which was found to have only removed about 40 per cent of litter, according to the shire. However, while mechanical raking does create an aesthetically pleasing groomed look, it has been known to leave behind broken bottles, shredded plastic and even hypodermic needles.Deputy mayor…
Browsing: Beach cleaning
JOSIE Jones OAM addressed community members at the Mount Martha Yacht Club last Wednesday (18 September), where she highlighted the role of public consultation in solving environmental issues.Community feedback has revealed that 78% of residents surveyed preferred hand-cleaning over mechanical raking, and found the rake to be ineffective. The meeting reaffirmed the value of engaging in meaningful public discussions about the care of beaches and why we are stuck in a cycle of litter.Jones also educated the audience on the seasonal movement of tides from April to October, clarifying misconceptions regarding the accumulation of seaweed and litter. “Seaweed, which comes…
THE Port Melbourne-based Happsa Group has won the cleaning contract for more than 100 Mornington Peninsula Shire-run community services. The $2.3 billion worth of shire assets include halls and maternal and child health centres, public toilets, foreshore amenity blocks and public barbecues.Happsa will also be responsible for litter collection in “high profile precincts”. The group’s contract starts in July and could last for seven years. The contract is separate to beach cleaning which, also from July, will be done by hand instead of mechanical beach cleaners. The 12-month trial on Port Phillip beaches will cost about $733,000 (Hands up for…