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John Swan
By Neil Daly
JUST under a year ago, I contacted a number of state MPs about the urgent need for a strategic management plan for Western Port and its hinterland, or as we now recognise it as, Bunurong Country.
JUST under a year ago, I contacted a number of state MPs about the urgent need for a strategic management plan for Western Port and its hinterland, or as we now recognise it as, Bunurong Country.
John Clarke
I based this plea on the visionary work of two pioneering conservationists: the late Emeritus Professor John Swan AO and the late John Clarke.
Through the video program Western Port - Cherished and Challenged, I knew of the work they had done to alert us to the environmental issues facing Western Port, and that they had been founding directors of the Western Port Seagrass Partnership.
As part of my effort to encourage the politicians to take a moment to reflect on the environmental and climate change issues confronting Western Port, I sent them a link to the video – for what it said in 2009 is still relevant today. The story appeared in the Bass Coast Post as Dear Reader.
With lockdown over and many Melburnians and others heading to this region to enjoy the sanctuary it offers, I was prompted to think of what they could do to help nurture and secure Western Port’s environmental future.
I’m fortunate to live here and, as such, I too have a responsibility to ensure this region will prosper, preferably founded on regenerative agricultural and ecotourism principles, and one not constantly under threat from industrial development, extractive industries and urban sprawl.
For if the latter part of this scenario comes to pass, goodness knows where Melburnians will go to escape the pressures of city life – for this alone, it is imperative that all must play a role in protecting this environment if it is to survive for future generations to enjoy.
As part of my effort to encourage the politicians to take a moment to reflect on the environmental and climate change issues confronting Western Port, I sent them a link to the video – for what it said in 2009 is still relevant today. The story appeared in the Bass Coast Post as Dear Reader.
With lockdown over and many Melburnians and others heading to this region to enjoy the sanctuary it offers, I was prompted to think of what they could do to help nurture and secure Western Port’s environmental future.
I’m fortunate to live here and, as such, I too have a responsibility to ensure this region will prosper, preferably founded on regenerative agricultural and ecotourism principles, and one not constantly under threat from industrial development, extractive industries and urban sprawl.
For if the latter part of this scenario comes to pass, goodness knows where Melburnians will go to escape the pressures of city life – for this alone, it is imperative that all must play a role in protecting this environment if it is to survive for future generations to enjoy.
I believe ‘Swan & Clarke’ had this in mind, but I had no idea how closely they were aligned until Gardening Australia presented its story For the Love of Nature on Friday November 19, 2021.
It is a story that forever links the two families and their dreams to leave their part of Western Port no longer challenged but cherished.
The land at Rhyll, owned by each in turn, represents a remarkable transformative story: from a cattle grazing area to an environment now home to native flora and fauna and migratory birds; it is now entrusted to Trust for Nature (TFN) to ensure the legacy will survive.
This is a significant step, for as the program synopsis says, “This land has cultural and historical significance: It is protected by one of the first covenants put on private property in Victoria; now more than 100,000ha of Victoria is protected with TFN covenants. But it has environmental significance too. TFN rarely keeps donated land – it puts covenants on land and resells it - however it will keep the Clarke’s land.”
As if by magic, the Gardening Australia program arrived at an opportune moment, for the federal and state elections are just around the corner.
So if you get a chance, please watch ‘For the Love of Nature’ and if you have a mind to help secure this region’s ecological future, look round this environment and craft a message to your MP and prospective candidates.
I’ll keep pursuing the matter, for the work started by our ‘pioneering conservationists’ must continue. They understood and demonstrated that the land, waterways and the seas are mutually dependent and pointed the way for all of us to walk on Bunurong Country together.
It is a story that forever links the two families and their dreams to leave their part of Western Port no longer challenged but cherished.
The land at Rhyll, owned by each in turn, represents a remarkable transformative story: from a cattle grazing area to an environment now home to native flora and fauna and migratory birds; it is now entrusted to Trust for Nature (TFN) to ensure the legacy will survive.
This is a significant step, for as the program synopsis says, “This land has cultural and historical significance: It is protected by one of the first covenants put on private property in Victoria; now more than 100,000ha of Victoria is protected with TFN covenants. But it has environmental significance too. TFN rarely keeps donated land – it puts covenants on land and resells it - however it will keep the Clarke’s land.”
As if by magic, the Gardening Australia program arrived at an opportune moment, for the federal and state elections are just around the corner.
So if you get a chance, please watch ‘For the Love of Nature’ and if you have a mind to help secure this region’s ecological future, look round this environment and craft a message to your MP and prospective candidates.
I’ll keep pursuing the matter, for the work started by our ‘pioneering conservationists’ must continue. They understood and demonstrated that the land, waterways and the seas are mutually dependent and pointed the way for all of us to walk on Bunurong Country together.
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Now our environment is constantly under threat from unsustainable development. Though conservationists are fighting an uphill battle, it is uplifting to know many people are behind the push to conserve and protect our natural environment, as, for instance, the recent Save Western Port Woodlands petition showed us.
May all who want it protected speak out and give our politicians ammunition to fight in their party rooms for what we value.
. The Clarkes have done a wonderful job of their property at Rhyll, building on the huge work done mainly by Ailsa with John's help on what was a bare property with pasture grasses and much weed infestation. And of course they were working in an era when there was no government assistance for fencing or plants. They grew their own trees from local seed or wherever they could get them from and paid for it all themselves. Thank goodness now for Landcare and Trust for Nature. Helen and her family passing the property to Trust for Nature so that local Aboriginal people can be involved in work on Country is a fabulous thing for them to have done and I hope inspires others to do the same.
Another informative step on what is turning into a very long road and a timely reminder that we can make a difference, both individually and, especially, when joining with others. Thank you for keeping Western Port and the whole region in our minds and hearts. The elections next year have the potential to be turning/tipping points for the better in a whole raft of ways. Don't 'sell' your vote cheaply!
Thank you for alerting us to the Gardening Australia program and giving us the opportunity to stay informed.
Thanks everyone and Neil of course
The positive contributions made by motivated individuals like John Swan and John Clarke with their partners and family, helping to restore vital eco systems of Rhyll cannot be underestimated. Working as GM of the Jean Michel Cousteau Resort we initiated community efforts to make a meaningful difference by establishing a designated local marine reserve. The re-populated marine life prompted the locals to request we expand the reserve.
Reading and hearing of this work can only help motivate and encourage others to step up and follow suit.
Grass root action can effectively change the world for our future generations.
Thanks also for directing attention to the video that John Clarke narrated… https://seagrass.com.au/resources/western-port-documentary/
As well as the work of WP Seagrass Partnership. The condition of Westernport’s Seagrass will always depend on the heath of its Seagrass.