capeocc@ourcapelife.org
The Cape’s Natural World
Sadly (for us) David & Jeannie Hartney and Lorraine Rowlands are relocating and will be surely missed. They have been instrumental in caring and educating us about our precious coastal environment we share. Special thanks to the volunteers who have worked with them.
So much effort has been made to regenerate the once degraded pastureland into a sustainable housing community we call The Cape.
Over the past 7 years, extensive areas of open spaces have been transformed into rich wetland habitats, community revegetation plots and nature-based home gardens to complement the beautiful coastal environment we all enjoy.
We are privileged to be able to live in such an environment, and as residents and owners, we all have a role as caretakers/custodians of this natural environment to enjoy now and into the future.
As the estate grows with more people, housing and associated beach use, our behaviour will have an increased impact on the environment unless we manage and care about it.
Since detailed observations started in mid-2019 by a small group of residents, the data has been used to shape how we can better manage the environment as it regenerates. To date, 143 bird species and 33 land based animal species (excluding introduced species such as fox and rabbit) have been recorded within the estate and adjoining coastal park:
Of the 143 bird species, 20 (or 14%) are listed as threatened under State and Federal Environment Acts.
9 frog species and 8 reptile species have been observed along with 16 land-based mammals, of which 4 (or 25%) are on the threatened species list.
Among these are the vulnerable Latham’s Snipe (the migratory bird wader from Japan that spends summer in our wetlands and marshes) and the vulnerable Lewin’s Rail, an elusive waterfowl in our creek line and wetlands. Both these birds may be roosting and foraging no more than 50 metres from the nearest homes and less from walking tracks!
A walk along the beach will most likely bring you into contact with a vulnerable beach nesting bird, the Hooded Plover, whose breeding success is severely impacted by human-related disturbances.
Occasionally, vulnerable Blue-winged Parrots forage around the estate before returning to Tasmania to breed over summer. They are closely related to the critically endangered, Orange-bellied Parrot, and sadly, appear to be on the same trajectory to extinction.
Sadly, mange is rife within our local Common Wombat population, but it is treatable. Wildlife do get injured, especially skittish kangaroos.
How can you help? Even small things can make a difference:
Slow down while in/on vehicles and give animals right of way!
Pick up rubbish around the estate on your strolls, especially plastics near the waterways which inevitably end up in the stomach of our sea and shorebirds including the Hooded Plover.
Avoid going into habitat areas where signposted – they have been set aside for a reason and are increasingly important as the estate grows with houses.
If you see an injured animal, contact Wildlife Victoria on (03) 84007300. They will arrange for a volunteer to attend to the animal.
If you see a wombat with mange, contact Manage Management (0431 600 125) who have volunteers able to treat this horrible, deadly condition.
Initiate deployment of portable wildlife signage from designated sign keepers within the estate if the incident warrants it.
Consider volunteering in support of the Hooded Plover monitoring program or helping out with the annual Latham’s Snipe Surveys (contact David Hartney through the Cape Chatter website or residents FB Group for more information).
Wuthering, Cape Bush style
Under the guidance and initiative of Louisa Connors, The Cape hosted the first flash-mob performance of The Most Wuthering Heights Day Ever on 19 July at The Cape amphitheatre.
About 33 ‘Cathies’ participated in a performance of Kate Bush’s classic dance from the music video of ‘Wuthering Heights’. It was a wonderful, whimsical thing to behold that put a smile on everyone’s face.
Thanks Louisa for the lead on this one.
Links here, here (Facebook) and here (You Tube).
Campaign to get a bike trail to Wonthaggi
There has been interest shown in campaigning for the creation of a bike trail from Cape Paterson to Wonthaggi. If you’d like to be involved, please contact the committee and we’ll put you in touch.
New residents’ social gathering
On 12 July we held a social gathering at the display house to welcome new residents. Thank’s to Marie and Brendan for letting us use the venue.
Farm masterclass – Vietnamese Cooking
Flavors of Vietnam Cooking Masterclass coming up with Peta Evans (not Pete Evans!) a culinary wiz, it’ll be great fun, please see the try booking link for more information see here.
Date: Saturday 30 August 2025 1:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Location: Cape display house.
Farm Materclass – Basket weaving
- What? Join Sally Meakin, our local expert in the craft of coiled basket weaving, for an intriguing session learning the skills and techniques required to make your own coiled creations.
- When? Saturday 13 September
- Further details to follow very soon
OC Levies issued
Lot owners please note that OC Levies have been issued and are due on 1 September. If you haven’t got your levy notice, please contact Ace Body Corporate.
Ace has new email address
Note that Ace’s email address has changed. Please update your contacts as appropriate:
- gippsland@bg.acebcm.com.au
AGM
On 18 July we held the annual general meeting of the owners’ corporation. We had a great turnout. We kept the meeting short and had a great social gathering afterwards.
Thanks to all those who attended.
New committee
As is customary, a new volunteer owners’ corporation committee (OCC) was chosen at the AGM. We now have a committee of nine. Thanks to Heather Allen who steps off the committee after three years of valuable contributions.
The incoming committee is (in no particular order):
- Robyn Shallard
- Kate Lewer
- John Godfrey
- Richard Keech
- Romano Studer
- Dries Swerts
- David Maltby (new)
- Denys Walkerden (new)
- Bill Mitchell (new)
Thanks to all the committee for their valuable volunteer contributions.
Selection of chair and secretary will be made at the next OCC meeting.
Treaty in Victoria
Note from Phil Bourne, 6 Seastar St.
About 2 years ago we had a Treaty update conducted at The Cape by the First Peoples’ Assembly of Victoria. As the Treaty process continues I am working on another opportunity to be informed and inspired by this important historical development.
‘Watch this space’ for further information as it unfolds. In the meantime feel encouraged to check out the website https://firstpeoplesvic.org/ or check out this upcoming webinar. https://firstpeoplesvic.org/events/treaty-webinar-for-allies/
Our Cape Life 