Thieves target cards, by Andrea Hamblin. Geelong Advertiser, July 5, 2012. "Cars in Drysdale and Clifton Springs have been targeted by vandals. Residents on Barrands Lane and Mirrabooka Drive reported having their tyres slashed on Friday night, while overnight Monday theives stole hub caps from cars on nearby Central Rd... Senior ConstableJohn Shields of Drysdale Police, said it was likely victims across the Bellarine Peninsula were yet to report similar incidents to police... anyone with information should call Drysdale Police on 5253 1763 or Bellarine Police on 5256 2698..." [From, the print edition]
Forum on future of Bellarine. Geelong Advertiser, July 4th, 2012. "A blueprint for the future development of the Bellarine Peninsula will move a step closer to completion this week. A forum on Friday at the Clifton Springs Golf Club, hosted by the Committee for Bellarine, is the second phase in the drafting of the Bellarine 2050 Masterplan. The plan will detail a wide range of complex social, industrial and administrative challenges associated with the effects of future growth. Committee executive director Tom O'Connor said forecasts of a population explosion on the Bellarine has added urgency to the drafting of a master plan..."
Council crossing the boundary, by Joanna Carson. Bellarine Times, July 3 2012. "There is everything in a name, if the reaction to a proposed boundary realignment in Drysdale and Clifton Springs is any indication. Around 120 people braved a cold winter's night to attend a meeting with local councillor Rod McDonald, who was given the strong message that residents were passionate about remaining in Drysdale. "There does not appear to be any justification for such a drastic move. It just needs a few minor dog legs to fix the problems that are there," resident Peter van Wyk said. "We are mainly upset about the way they (the council) has gone about it. There does not appear to be any justification for such a drastic move. It just needs a few minor dog legs to fix the problems that are there."..."
Sex criminal housed metres from kinder, by Andrea Hamblin. Geelong Advertiser, July 2nd, 2012. "A VIOLENT sex offender was transferred to live in a home just metres from a playground and kindergarten in Clifton Springs. The 27-year-old lived on Country Club Drive from June 3 after completing a jail sentence at Port Phillip prison. It is believed the Department of Human Services moved him nearly three weeks later. The move came after shocked neighbours found out about the man's criminal past. The Geelong Advertiser has confirmed the incident and the man's sex offender status with multiple sources, including Victoria Police, government agencies and local health services..."
Airlift in Drysdale, by Alex Oates. Geelong Advertiser 22 June 2012. "An elderly woman was airlifted to hospital with head injuries last night after an accident in Drysdale..."
Local riders stride into Olympic contention, by Joanna Carson. Bellarine Times, June 21 2012. "... Drysdale-based dressage trainer/coach Mary Hanna also won her selection in the dressage team after recent strong performances in Europe. Aboard her top mount Sancette, who was imported from the United States in 2010, Mrs Hanna has received high scores in recent competition from top international judges. The current Victorian Dressage Team coach, her best Olympic result was in 1996 when she placed 24 out of 42 competitors at the Atlanta Olympic games, riding Mosaic II. She also competed at the Sydney and Athens games, but not in Beijing. Mrs Hanna – who will be competing at her fourth Olympics – and husband Rob run well-regarded warmblood stud Statene Park near Drysdale. Mrs Hanna experienced double tragedy in the 1980s when the original Statene Park at Mt Macedon was destroyed in the Ash Wednesday bushfires, luckily all the horses were saved. Then-husband Gert Donvig, a champion dressage rider from Denmark, was killed in a car crash a few years later. The establishment was eventually moved to a larger landholding on the Bellarine by the Hannas. Rob Hanna, a former top eventer, also has a key Olympic role. He is the current chef d' equip of the Australian eventing team, a position he held when Australia won silver in Beijing. Mrs Hanna's daughter Gitte Donvig, who helps run Statene Park, is also a national level dressage rider..."
Drysdale boundary shift up for discussion, by Ali Deane. Bellarine Times, June 22 2012. "A plan by the City of Greater Geelong to shift the town boundaries of Drysdale, Clifton Springs and Curlewis is gaining momentum after a motion to commence investigations and consultation was carried at the May council meeting. The Registrar of Geographic Names requested that council proceed with boundary realignment between Drysdale and Clifton Springs, west of Geelong-Portarlington Road in the interests of public safety in February; however, it has created discussion as to whether it is actually necessary. Councils are responsible for allocating geographic locality boundaries and, according to councillor Rod Macdonald, the process happens from time to time, as towns grow and housing increases, such as at Mt Duneed and Armstrong Creek earlier in the year..."
Draining for a drier Drysdale, by Ali Deane. Bellarine Times, June 12, 2012. "Amid widespread flooding across the state last week, a new drainage project to commence in August is set to alleviate problems in Drysdale. It is due to be completed by Christmas and will fix periodic flooding that occurs in the Collins Street-Clifton Springs Road area during periods of extreme rainfall..."
Model plan, by Ali Deane. Bellarine Times, June 12, 2012. "The plan for a total overhaul of the Drysdale town centre aims to centralise services and avoid community fragmentation. As the region faces a growth in population and boom in development, the latest plan prepared by the City of Greater Geelong aims to provide an important foundation for the future development of Drysdale. The Drysdale Urban Design Framework began with an Enquiry by Design process earlier in the year that incorporated the views of the state government, Council, key agencies and members of the Drysdale community..."
Seachange leads to champion cheese, By Gail Thomas. Stock and Land, 9 June, 2012. "Despite being city-born, pharmacists Corrine and Peter Blacket always had culinary interests and a fascination with rural pursuits. So in 1990, they decided to pack up their Melbourne base for a seachange. Buying a couple of acres at Drysdale, they had plenty of room and invested in some Cashmere goats, which quickly became pets. "As they grew old and died, they were replaced with milking goats, first a Toggenburg doe, then some Saanen doe kids then some more mature Saanen milkers," Mrs Blacket said..."
Drysdale design draft up for comment, by Ali Deane. Bellarine Times, June 5 2012. "The City of Greater Geelong (COGG) is seeking input from the community on the Urban Design Framework draft masterplan (UDF) that details the proposed Drysdale town centre expansion..."
Residents invited to have their say on Drysdale Urban Design framework. City of Greater Geelong, Media Release, Tuesday, 5 June 2012. "Bellarine Peninsula residents are being invited to have their say on a draft Urban Design Framework (UDF) for the Drysdale Town Centre. Cheetham Ward Councillor Rod Macdonald said the framework was an important foundation for the future development of Drysdale. "The G21 Regional Growth Plan Background Report indicates the Drysdale-Clifton Springs area will see a population growth of approximately 14,000 more people over the next 20-30 years." ..."
Geelong's newest Olympian knows she will have her work cut out when she arrives in London.
Drysdale's Mary Hanna was yesterday named in the Australian dressage team, becoming the region's sixth confirmed Olympian...
For Hanna, London will be her fourth Olympics after qualifying for Atlanta (1994), Sydney (2000) and Athens (2004). She did not compete at Beijing in 2008...Read more at: "Hanna makes fourth Olympics"
Modern Pentathlon - Victoria invites you to participate in the BELLARINE EQUATHON to be held at Drysdale, on Sunday 29th May 2011.
To be run under the auspices of Modern Pentathlon-Victoria at the Drysdale-Leopold Pony Club Grounds, Lake Lorne, Reserve Road, Drysdale.
Entries Close: Monday 24th May 2011
An Equathon is a three-event competition consisting of:
The swimming phase will be held at the Bellarine Aquatic Centre, Shell Road, Ocean Grove. The running phase will be held at Drysdale Leopold Pony Club grounds at the conclusion of the Equathon Jumping rounds. The run will be over a cross-country run style course of a one-kilometre loop, marked with flags. Runners doing the longer distances will repeat the course as necessary.
This event is open to both Individuals and Teams. Individuals complete the three phases of the event. Teams may comprise 2 or 3 people who do one or two phases each.
Modern Pentathlon Victoria will provide prizes. Medallions will be awarded to third place for all individuals, and all teams
Please contact Ernie Fontaine, Modern Pentathlon Victoria. esprit1@bigpond.com for a copy of the entry form and rules and conditions.
ph 03 52641730 or 0421210178
Please send entry forms to: MPV, Ernie Fontaine, 130 Bluestone School Road, Connewarre 3227 by May 24, 2011
Dates: Friday, 21st to Sunday, 23rd of January, 2011
Entries close 11th January 2011
The 2011 January Show will be held at the Drysdale/Leopold Pony Club Grounds. 2 Rings - Sand and Grass - height classes starting at 50cm - 1.15m. See the Geelong Showjumping Club website for more details.
The Bellarine Times (14 December 2010 p.1) article "On the trail - push begins to introduce an equestrian trail across the Bellarine", by Alison Martin, reports that
"A campaign by local and visiting horse riders to create a trail network across the peninsula has been boosted by Bellarine Tourism. Equestrians and horse enthusiasts have been calling for a network of horse trails on the Bellarine for several years, prompted by the huge increase of cars on local roads and growth of the local horse industry. Bellarine Tourism and the Committee for Bellarine are also pushing for the horse trail initiative to be implemented to address safety issues for riders and to capitalise on tourism and economic opportunities for the region.
Committee for Bellarine spokesperson, Tom O'Connor, said the committee had met with council regarding the need for the study implementation. "Equestrian, pony club, recreational and thoroughbred are the four components of the Bellarine's horse industry which is a significant part of the Bellarine and very much a core component for the rural strategy," he said. "The horse trail study provides the potential for employment growth and underpins environment, social and economic focuses on the Bellarine." O'Connor said he was confident the horse trail initiative could be a success, particularly if created in conjunction with the Bellarine Taste Trail..."
As has been previously mentioned on this blog, the Geelong Council have noted the Bellarine Horse Trails Study in their Council meeting minutes of 23 November 2010 - provided in pdf format (4.62mb).
"COUNCIL should adopt the recommendations of its own study into a proposed trail network on the Bellarine Peninsula to prevent “dangerous” conditions for riders, according to a peak riding body.
Pony Club Association Victoria president Jan Faulkner was “thrilled” that council’s study recommended designated “horse-friendly” roads, improved signage, a code of conduct for riders and development of off-road trails.
She called on councillors to act on the study, which went before council last week.
“I'’m not sure why they haven’t decided yet whether or not to follow the recommendations because I would think it would only be natural to accept them..."
"A council spokesperson said councillor John Doull thought that “at this stage the public on the Bellarine should be allowed to absorb the contents of the horse trails study and make their opinions known through the appropriate channels”."
The City of Greater Geelong will Note the Bellarine Peninsula Horse Trails Study tomorrow night - Tuesday 23 November 2010 at their council meeting. Below is the agenda item on the subject which I have extracted as they have it buried in the pdf of their agenda which they have published on their website.
Notes usually means - yes that is a really nice study and we think its great but we are not going to do anything about it - I would like to be wrong - please tell me I am wrong!
The agenda item is available on the City of Greater Geelong website in pdf format.
Portfolio: Cr John Mitchell
Source: Projects, Recreation & Central Geelong
General Manager: Dean Frost
Index Reference: Bellarine Peninsula Horse Trails Study
That Council notes the Bellarine Horse Trails Study.
The Exercise, Recreation and Sport Survey (ERASS) collect information on the frequency, duration, nature and type of physical activity that are participated in for exercise. In relation to "horse riding and other equestrian activities', the 2007 Annual Report found that:
Using the ERASS and ABS data for population, pet, age and gender, the total number of horse's riders on the Bellarine Peninsula is in the order of 331, including approximately 86 children and young people aged between 5-19 years.
The ABS data indicates that 1% of households had a pet horse and therefore considering the household data for the Bellarine Peninsula, it is likely that there is in the order of 126 households with a horse.
Based on the data presented above the number of recreational horse riders based on the Bellarine Peninsula is likely to be at least 330, and no more than 1000. Whilst it is difficult to put an accurate figure on the number of recreational horse riders, it is probably closer to 330.
The Bellarine Peninsula Recreation and Leisure Needs Study 2006 identified a lack of equestrian facilities, particularly cross country courses, as a key issue to be addressed. The Leisure Needs study was silent on the need for a network of trails on the Peninsula to support trail riding activities.
In 2007 a group of local trail riders and other people involved in the equine industry on the Bellarine Peninsula presented Council with a community submission advocating for the development of a network of recreational tracks and trails on the Bellarine Peninsula (the submission was entitled 'Bellarine Rural Tracks & Trails Strategy 2007-2012').
The aim of the project is to validate the directions proposed in the community submission and investigate the need for and feasibility of developing a network of horse trails on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The strategy was required to consider such issues as:
The City of Greater Geelong appointed consultants to investigate the need for, and feasibility of, developing a network of horse trails on the Bellarine Peninsula. Two key outcomes of the project were to assess demand for trails and the capacity of some or all of the proposed trails to be shared by horse riders, cyclists and/or walkers, and to recommend a management framework to ensure that any proposed Trail is sustainable, affordable and of benefit.
Based on the data presented in the Bellarine Peninsula Horse Trails Background Report (Appendix 7-1) the number of recreational horse riders based on the Bellarine Peninsula is likely to be at least 330, and no more than 1,000. Whilst it is difficult to put an accurate figure on the number of recreational horse riders, it is probably closer to 330, than 1,000.
These horse riders represent both existing and potential demand for horse trails on the Bellarine Peninsula. Not all recreational horse riders will use trails if they were provided. Since the number of accessible and safe horse trails (or routes) is very small, existing demand for horse trails is correspondingly small. Although the demand for horse trails is small there are a number of horse riding opportunities that exist on the Bellarine Peninsula that will service the existing and likely future local needs.
Existing horse riding opportunities on the Bellarine Peninsula include: Road Network: Under the road rules, horses are regarded as a vehicle and riders are subject to the same road rules as apply to other drivers. There are some specific additional rules regarding helmets, riding two abreast and other rider safety stipulations.
Beaches: Horse riding is not permitted on the beaches between Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale; however, it is permitted at Point Richards, St Leonard's and Indented Heads, and also 13th Beach. The main reasons for excluding horse riding on beaches and foreshore areas relate to risk management (relating to conflict with other beach goers) and environmental (relating to erosion, compaction and weed control). Even with these limitations longer term opportunities exists to establish policies which eliminate risks and environmental damage whilst at the same time permitting horse riding on beaches. Strict conditions will be required and policing of access will be necessary. It will require negotiated outcomes between the various committees of management (land managers). At a minimum horse riding should not be permitted during peak holiday periods, on or near dunes or during nesting seasons. It should be noted at the time of the study the Barwon Coast and Bellarine Bayside were not receptive to this possibility.
Bellarine Rail Trail: Horse riding is permitted on between Geelong and the Drysdale Railway Station, but not permitted on the Drysdale to Queenscliff section of the Rail Trail. The two issues that restrict horse riding access to this section of the Rail Trail include conflict with other trail users and the existing tourist train service and damage to native vegetation.
It is possible to overcome the problems of risk management and environmental degradation by appropriate management of horse riding. For example by not permitting horse riding when the railway is scheduled to operate, and requiring horse riders to remain on designated tracks, and to avoid clearly marked native vegetation, including grasses. This would require the agreement of the Geelong Steam Preservation Society. At the time of the study the Geelong Steam Preservation Society were not receptive to this possibility.
Very few opportunities exist to create a safe circular horse route on the Bellarine Peninsula.
The best option revolves around the Bellarine Rail Trail: Lake Lorne – Gilles Road – Basin Road - Princess Road – Swan Bay Road – Banks Road – Andersons Road – Lake Lorne
Given the width of the road reserves, the amount of native vegetation, including native grasses, most horse riding will be done on the road, rather than the road verges. The route can be extended by including the Bellarine Rail Trail, subject to negotiating a suitable outcome with the Steam Preservation Society, and by opening Sheppard's Road between the Rail Trail and Banks Road.
Additional out and back routes can include:
Please see the Bellarine Peninsula Horse trails Study Appendix A, for the proposed network of friendly horse routes on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Improving the quality of horse riding facilities will involve three distinct approaches:
1. Relatively low cost actions which can be taken in the short term.
a. In association with the horse riding community prepare a Code of Conduct for horse riders using horse friendly roads (and also for use on the Geelong to Drysdale section of the Bellarine Rail Trail).
b. Designate the following roads as horse friendly: Drysdale – Leopold Pony Club - Gilles Road - Basin Road - Princess Street - Swan Bay Road - Banks Road - Andersons Road – Drysdale – Leopold Pony Club.
c. Adequately signpost areas of remnant native vegetation along Gilles Road, Basin Road, Princess Street, Swan Bay Road, Banks Road and Andersons Road, particularly native grasses.
d. Install advisory signs along Gilles Road, Basin Road, Princess Street, Swan Bay Road, Banks Road and Andersons Road at appropriate intervals to warn motorists of horse riders and to drive slowly (eg 40 kph).
e. Promote the horse friendly route and code of conduct through Council's normal media outlets (eg web site) and via the horse riding community.
f. Monitor use of the route by horse riders, the incidence of accidents or near accidents involving horses and damage to native vegetation.
g. Subject to satisfactory introduction of the horse friendly route (i.e. significant number of horse riders using the route, no negative feedback regarding the condition of the road surface or the speed of vehicles, no increase in accidents involving horses and no horse related damage to native vegetation), consider extending the horse friendly route with out and back links from Banks Road along Sheppards Road, and from Andersons Road to Burrows Road - Manifold Road – Grassy Point Road – Batmans Road.
h. Adequately signpost areas of remnant native vegetation, particularly native grasses, along all designated horse friendly roads.
i. Install advisory signs along Sheppards Road, Burrows Road, Manifold Road, Grassy Point Road and Batmans Road at appropriate intervals to warn motorists of horse riders. Advisory signs will also be required at the intersection of Andersons Road and Portarlington – Queenscliff Road and Batmans Road and Portarlington – Queenscliff Road to warn motorists of horse riders and horse riders of a major road. The intersection of Drysdale-St Leonards Road/Grassy Road/Bluff Road will require advisory signs for horse riders warning of the dangers of the intersection.
2. Negotiations with public land managers to improve access to off road horse trails.
a. In the longer term consultation be undertaken with the various land management agencies (Bayside Bellarine Committee of Management, Barwon Coast Committee of Management and Geelong Steam Preservation Society), regarding the feasibility of permitting horse riding in designated areas under their control, subject to specific conditions.
b. Consult with the Borough of Queenscliff relating to beach access at Point Lonsdale.
c. Internally within Council, discuss horse access to beaches along Buckley Park.
d. Should approval from the respective land managers be forthcoming, horse riding only be permitted subject to the following conditions such as:
· At times when trains are not running on the Bellarine railway.
· At times of low use on beaches (eg winter and early morning in summer).
· At times which are not environmentally important to native flora and fauna (eg when the hooded plover is not nesting).
· At locations which are not potentially environmentally destructive (eg not within 20 metres of dunes, or 10 metres of remnant vegetation).
· At locations which are not high risk areas (eg near caravan or camping grounds, designated picnic areas and play areas).
e. A Code of Conduct for horse riders being developed which outlines their rights and responsibilities.
f. Subject to horse riding being permitted on the Rail Trail, Council monitor use of the Rail Trail by horse riders, walkers and cyclists to determine whether significant demand exists to justify opening Sheppards Road between the Rail Trail and Banks Road.
3. Ongoing consultation with the horse community to plan and develop horse riding infrastructure in the medium to long term.
a. Council encourage the formation of a "Horse Riders of the Bellarine Peninsula" group comprising representation of all recreational horse riding. Its primary function being to coordinate the planning of horse related facilities and infrastructure and provide advice to Council on horse related matters.
Horses are highly likely to have significant impact on any areas sensitive flora and fauna. Council will need to comply with all relevant state and federal legislation. Existing and proposed Horse Trail Routes may need to be referred the Commonwealth Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Victoria's Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, Native Vegetation Management - A Framework For Action (2002), Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007, Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.
The report provides a number of recommendations.
Where implementation of specific recommendations requires a new capital allocation from Council, these will be presented and considered as part of the overall annual budget process (where applicable). Opportunities for funding from the State Government, clubs and the community will be investigated once the plan has been accepted by Council.
Existing and proposed Horse Trail Routes may be referred the Commonwealth Environment, Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, Victoria's Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, Native Vegetation Management - A Framework For Action (2002), Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006, Aboriginal Heritage Regulations 2007, Crown Land (Reserves) Act 1978.
A planning permit would be required to clear or disturb any native vegetation from the any proposed Horse Trail Route.
No Council officers involved in the preparation of this report are known to have a direct or indirect interest in matters to which this report relates.
There are no immediate risks associated with this report. Appropriate risk management measures will be put in place when implementing the recommendations of the report.
Horse riding is a legitimate recreational activity. It is important that horse trails be established to cater for community interests in this activity. It is possible that without such designated trails Council and other land managers will be faced with an increase in unauthorised and illegal riding in parks, beaches and reserves.
The following consultations were undertaken as part of the methodology used in preparing the Bellarine Horse Trails Study: The Bellarine Horse Trails Study has been overseen by a two tiered management structure. Including -
A Project Working Group comprising representatives from the following organisations:
In addition to the governance structure, personal or telephone interviews with Council staff nominated by the Project Control Group, representatives of land management agencies which control and/or maintain potential land suitable for horse trail development and other potential stakeholders, including:
Other consultations undertaken as part of the development of the report include:
A mail questionnaire to:
Jody is a BSH Level 111 Certified eventing coach and world-renowned instructor. She is the coach educator in Canada. She has been the national eventing coach of their Olympic teams. Jodie has performed successfully in elite showjumping in both Canada and USA.
Held at Wallington Park Equestrian Centre, Queenscliffe Highway, Wallington 3222 on November 20 and 21, 2010.
Cost: $120 for Members of the Geelong Showjumping Club and $130 for non-members.
This includes two lessons of 90 minutes duration in a group of four.
Note: Members are given preference as are riders who ride both days.
More information is available from: Geelong Showjumping Club clinics.
The Department of Primary Industries now requires all horses owners from 1 July 2010 to have a PIC (Property Identification Code) identifying the properties where they keep their horses. Below is an extract from the DPI's Horse Notes June 2010 - Newsleter no.3.
Horse Owners need PICs
Dr John Harkin, Animal Standards Branch, Biosecurity Victoria.
No, a PIC is not a tool for digging holes. PIC stands for Property Identification Code. Under Victorian legislation, all livestock owners are required to have a PIC. The PIC data (stored on a database) provides DPI with up to date knowledge of Victoria’s livestock populations and contact details for livestock owners, which proves invaluable in responding to emergency animal disease (EAD) events and assists with emergencies such as bushfires. Following the equine influenza outbreak, it was agreed that Victorian horse owners would be well served by being incorporated into the PIC system. This idea had gained strong industry support, which was
further bolstered by the Black Saturday bushfire event. Having PICs for horses is an issue that has also been pursued at national level, and it has now been agreed that all horse owners throughout Australia should have PICs allocated to their horse-bearing properties.As from 1 July 2010, it will be compulsory for all Victorian horse owners to have a PIC identifying the properties where they keep their horses. Applying for a PIC is free of charge. An application form can be downloaded from the web, or mailed to you (ring 1800 678 779), or obtained from any DPI office - simply complete it and send it to DPI. You will need to supply on your application your name, address and other contact details, and also the council property number or rates assessment number of the property at which the horse is to be kept (found on the
rates assessment notice from the local council).You must indicate on the form both that the property is used for horses, by ticking under "Horses" in the"Livestock Type" box, and entering the number of horses on the property. In the case of properties where horses are kept occasionally (e.g. showgrounds or pony clubs), simply indicate on the form (by a tick) that horses are kept there from time to time, but enter "0" (zero) for the number at present. Applicants will subsequently be sent a credit-card style card which details their PIC. Certain scenarios arise with the requirement to have a PIC that may pose practical difficulties, given the difference between livestock production enterprises for which the system was primarily developed and what are most often companion animals. Additionally, unlike production livestock, no tracking of movement of horses between properties is envisaged.
a) Existing properties with PICs and horses. Already, the owners of thousands properties with PICs have indicated that they have horses. There is no need for properties that have an existing PIC to apply for another. If you are not sure, call the DPI Helpline on 1800 678 779 - if there is already a PIC, you can advise that horses are running on it.
b) Agistment on one property of multiple horses with different owners. It will be sufficient for the owner of the agistment property to apply and hold a PIC, although the owners of the agisted horses will need to satisfy themselves of this. It will soon be possible for PIC holders to view a list of Victorian PICs online, which will facilitate this process.
c) Race courses and training stables. Provided that each course and stable is covered by a PIC, which could involve a listing of all relevant council property numbers on one application, the obligation will be deemed to have been met. Alternatively, individual training stables and the course could have a separate PIC if desired.
d) Geographically separate parcels of land owned by one person. A person may apply for one PIC to cover all of the blocks that they own and run horses on. There is no need to apply separately for each block, as long as they are in the same locality. To provide DPI with the most up to date information about the location in Victoria, and their numbers, horse owners need to regularly supply DPI with updates about their numbers and any changes to the parcels of land to which the PIC applies.
Further information can be obtained from the DPI Helpline on 1800 678 779.
More information about PICs is available . You can apply for a PIC by completing the PIC form (Microsoft Word format)
The Geelong Council appointed consultants to investigate the need for and feasibility of developing a network of horse trails on the Bellarine Peninsula.
Two key outcomes of the project were to assess demand for trails and the capacity of some or all of the proposed trails to be shared by horse riders, cyclists and / or walkers, and to recommend a management framework to ensure that any proposed trail is sustainable, affordable and of benefit.
Following community consultation, the draft study is available for comment.
Copies of the plan and feedback forms are available from:
The closing date for written submissions is 5pm, Friday, 2 July 2010.
Feedback can be submitted to Genevieve Twyford, Recreation and Open Space Planner, City of Great Geelong, PO box 104, Geelong, Vic 3220 or email gtwyford@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
Further information can be obtained by phoning: (03) 5272 4754
The Bellarine Horse Trails Study - Horse Routes Report, June 2010 is available in Microsoft Word Format (2063kb) and the Bellarine Horse Trails Study - Background Report, August 2009 is also available in Microsoft Word Format (2020kb). (These document requires the use of Microsoft Word Reader).
The Executive Summary from the Horse Routes Report is reproduced below:
The City of Greater Geelong has appointed SGL to investigate the need for and feasibility of developing a network of horse trails on the Bellarine Peninsula. Two key outcomes of the project are to assess demand for trails and the capacity of some or all of the proposed trails to be shared by horse riders, cyclists and/or walkers, and to recommend a management framework to ensure the proposed Bellarine Horse Trail Network is sustainable, affordable and responsive.
Horse Riding on Public Land
Horse riding is not permitted on the beaches between Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale, however, it is permitted at Point Richards, St Leonards and Indented Heads, and also 13th Beach, which is outside the study area.
The main reasons for excluding horse riding on beaches and foreshore areas are risk management and environmental. However, it is known that horse riding occurs on both the Ocean Grove to Point Lonsdale and the Portarlington to St Leonards beaches.
An opportunity exists to establish policies which eliminate risks and environmental damage whilst at the same time permitting horse riding on beaches. Strict conditions will be required and policing of access will be necessary. It will require negotiated outcomes between the various committees of management. At a minimum horse riding should not be permitted during peak holiday periods, on or near dunes or during nesting seasons. Other restrictions can include requiring horses to be ridden at walking pace when within 50 metres of other beachgoers. Access to the beaches should only be permitted at designated access points.
Horse riding is permitted on the Geelong to Drysdale, but not permitted on the Drysdale to Queenscliff section of the Rail Trail. However, no documentation has been found which confirms this situation.
Two issues will restrict horse access to the Rail Trail; risk management and damage to native vegetation. As with the beaches, horses are regularly ridden on the Drysdale to Queenscliff section of the Rail Trail. Anecdotal evidence suggests that horse riders are unaware they are not supposed to be on that section. A lack of signs prohibiting horse riding compounds the problem.
As with the beaches it is possible to overcome the problems of risk management and environmental degradation by appropriate management of horse riding. For example by not permitting horse riding when the railway is scheduled to operate, and requiring horse riders to remain on designated tracks, and to avoid clearly marked native vegetation, including grasses. A key management strategy is to signpost areas of significant native vegetation.
With goodwill by all stakeholders, safe and environmentally sustainable horse riding can be established on beaches and the Drysdale to Queenscliff section of the Rail Trail.
Sheppards Road has been identified as a suitable road for horse riding. The road between Banks Road and Portarlington-Queenscliff Road is public road maintained by Council. Consequently, horse riding is permitted on this section of the road. Sheppards Road, west from Banks Road to the Rail Trail is an unused Government road over which an agricultural license has been granted. Council has the option to have the license cancelled and reinstate it as a public road, and resume responsibility for care and maintenance of the road reserve. Sheppards Road to the east of Portarlington-Queenscliff Road is an unmaintained road reserve and significant native vegetation, likely of “very high significance” has regenerated. If horse access were to be permitted, a formal trail may be required to minimise damage to vegetation. Removal of vegetation will require a permit and Ministerial approval.
Potential Horse Routes
Very few opportunities exist to create a safe circular horse route on the Bellarine Peninsula. The best option revolves around the Bellarine Rail Trail (refer to map in Appendix A):
Lake Lorne – Gilles Road – Basin Road - Princess Road – Swan Bay Road – Banks Road – Andersons Road – Lake Lorne
Given the width of the road reserves, the amount of native vegetation, including native grasses, most horse riding will be done on the road, rather than the road verges. The route can be extended by including the Bellarine Rail Trail, subject to negotiating a suitable outcome with the Steam Preservation Society, and by opening Sheppards Road between the Rail Trail and Banks Road.
Additional out and back routes can include:
Horse riding is permitted on all these roads, although if a route is to be promoted as being safe, advisory signs will be required, particularly where horse riders are required to cross a major road. As the roads are maintained for vehicular use, in some sections the size of the gravel stones used on the road surface may be uncomfortable for horses and hence unsuitable for horse riding.
Equestrian Clubs
Consultation with equestrian clubs in the Bellarine Peninsula has identified a series of issues which impact on horse riding:
All equestrian clubs have a common goals of improving horse riding facilities. They recognise that Barwon Heads has a major OH&S problem due to lack of security fencing. It is also too small to accommodate their membership.
A Grade 1 cross country course can be constructed at Drysdale, although this requires an extension of the Lake Lorne Reserve, into the adjacent reserve.
Substantial work is required to bring the Portarlington cross country course to a safe standard. Cross country courses are subject to ongoing vandalism and inappropriate uses by non horse riders.
Development of an overnight camping area has the potential to attract additional events, particularly two day events.
Horse groups on the Bellarine Peninsula have the opportunity to coordinate their activities and present a united front to Council, outlining their priorities for development.
Ideally a coordinating group will incorporate all horse recreational interests, including trail riders.
Recommendations
Improving the quality of horse riding facilities will involve three distinct approaches:
1. Relatively low cost actions which can be taken in the short term.
2. Negotiations with public land managers to improve access to off road horse trails.
