By Justin Flynn
The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will remove a washed up whale carcass from Thirteenth Beach tomorrow (Thursday October 3).
The 14 metre long whale was found at the beach on September 12 and DEECA said last week that it intended to let the mammal decompose naturally, a process it said could take months.
But DEECA said this week that the situation had changed.
“The remains have shifted west along the beach to a more accessible location and the carcass has decomposed to a point we can now safely remove it,” it said.
“Specialised biohazard equipment will be used to manage the remains. Areas impacted will be cleaned up including scraping a top layer of sand.
“Precautions will be taken to ensure machinery and vehicles do not impact hooden plovers which may be present on the beach, including barriers, spotters and Conservation Regulator staff on site.
“DEECA will work with SLSV and VFA to determine when it is appropriate to remove the water safety advice message on Vic Emergency. This will include SLSV drone flights after the carcass is removed.”
Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant said it had been a “complex” issue.
“I have strongly advocated for the views of the community to the relevant authorities, with the primary concern being the safety of our beaches and the ongoing risks associated with the whale decomposing for an extended period of time,” she said.
“Our beaches are much loved by locals and tourists, and as we come into our busiest season for the Bellarine, I understand the community, and small businesses, need every chance to thrive.”
A petition, started by Sarah Quincey, urging authorities to remove the carcass had attracted more than 2400 signatures.
“What an effort, thank you to everyone one of you who supported this, and wrote letters – it was absolutely a group effort,” she said.
“I’d like to pay my respects to the poor deceased whale – what was once a magical, beautiful whale that is to be respected and protected. Hopefully, strategies/actions can be put into place so DEECA can act quickly on these occurrences if they happen in the future for the safety of the community.”
From early tomorrow morning, there will be temporary closures in place as vehicles and heavy machinery move up and down the beach.
Important safety information:
• The beach between the access ramp (40W) and the Bluff, including all stairs in the area, will be temporarily closed for public safety.
• Traffic management will be in place along Thirteenth Beach Road. All road users (motor vehicle and bicycles) should expect delays and consider alternate routes such as Barwon Heads Road.
• A staging area in a gravel car park opposite the access ramp will be used for heavy equipment. It will be closed from early tomorrow morning.
