Tuesday, December 28, 2010

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November Update



Novara Steps & "Canoe Slide” A set of steps with a "canoe slide”, has been installed at Novara. Located south of the boat ramp it will be particularly useful during peak holiday periods. The Canoe Trail Friends thank Chris Abbis, Waterways Technical Officer with the City of Mandurah, for his cooperative approach in providing this innovative paddling feature. (see attached pic)







Point Grey Outline Development Plan The ODP, under taken by the Shire of Murray, states that it should make suitable provision for the two non-powered sites launch sites as identified by the Canoe Trail Friends.



Port Bouvard Limited was very helpful during the consultation process.







Water and Shorebird Sanctuaries As part of our water and shorebird public awareness strategy, we are going to produce a set of guides (Companion D) highlighting significant walks, adjacent to the waterways, where infrastructure is in place e.g. boardwalks or bird hides







2011 Waterbird ID Courses The two, free 4-day courses, include class work and field trips to local wetlands



Proposed dates are Tuesday 11th to Friday 14th and Tuesday 18th to Friday 21st of January 2011.



Anyone who wants to register their interest please call Amanda Willmott on 0417 900 795 or email amanda.willmott@peel-harvey.org.au Each participant must commit to the full 4-day course and is asked to participate in this summer's Shorebird count that will be held early February.







Robert’s bird counts







24 Oct. Herron Pt Walk Total 2487 W&S birds, 730 W & 1757 S-birds - 1180 red-necked stints Uncommon sighting, terek sandpiper







7 Nov. Island Pt Paddle Total 447 W&S birds, 274 W &173 S-birds – higher tide so not a lot of birds. Of interest wood sandpiper uncommon







14 Nov. Austin Bay Walk Total 2766 W&S birds, 191 W & 2575 S-birds - 1850 rednecked stints -20 fairy terns, 110 banded stilts.







28 Nov. Murray Delta & Boodlan Is Paddle Total 1368 W&S birds, 670 W & 698 S-birds.







5 Dec. Island Pt Paddle 807 W&S birds, 469 W & 338 S-birds - 16 species of shorebirds (usually 9 or 10, 12 max) including wood sandpiper and ruddy turnstone and greater sandplover all relatively uncommon.







Of interest - pectoral sandpipers on Austin Bay Paddle - uncommon, white-bellied sea eagle Harvey delta both times, 6 whistling kites together Austin Bay.

Other News

OTHER NEWS

Dolphin rides, with “gang of five”: Dolphins are great fun when they go under your boat looking up at you, jump out of the water doing tricks and generally interact with us paddlers in all sorts of ways. One Saturday morning, in October, the “gang of five” were out near Boodalin Island and met a pod of about eleven dolphins. The dolphins decided that each one of the five should be taken for a “dolphin ride” not only one paddler at a time, but often two at a time This went on for about half an hour or so enough time to travel (if that’s the right word) 3/4 of the way back to the Murray River. So fast and furious were some of these “rides” that amid the cries of joy and laughter, there was at least one cry of, “I can’t control my boat ” Now I know that individual paddlers have enjoyed similar “ride” experiences, but never have I heard of a group being chosen for this trick. P.S. I was there, and at one time I counted at least four dolphins under my boat. Barry

Birding with Robert: Every Sunday until 12 December I am doing excursions to count water and shorebirds in the proposed sanctuary areas. If anyone wants to tag along they are welcome, it’s all pretty informal. For both walks and paddles make sure you have footwear suitable for walking in mud. If you would like a copy of the programme please contact me, Robert on 9586 9920 or Barry on 9586 950
Some count highlights: Sunday 10 -- 450 red necked avocets; Sunday 17 -- 1,150 red necked stints

Sandy Cove and Clansman Beaches: We, along with the Mandurah Paddling Club and The Mandurah Over 55s Canoe Club have written to the Shire of Murray stating that these two public beaches should remain open to use by paddlers

DEC Canoe guides/ maps: Now available, titled Murray River: Pinjarra to Peel Inlet, the guide also takes in the Serpentine River from Riverside Gardens downstream. Durable, water resistant and virtually rip proof the guide will be available at most outdoor recreation stores, visitor centres and paddling stores for $11.00. Enquiries please contact DEC’s, Recreation and Trails Unit on 9334 0265


Clean Up Australia Day -- Serpentine River Result: Total collected by six paddlers (3 Friends and 3 Mandurah Paddling Club) from Serpentine River; fourteen car tyres, one recliner lounge chair, one bicycle, one 44gallon drum, one car bonnet, one three seater lounge (with cushions), one plastic chair, one large plastic tote box, nine large rubbish bags full of miscellaneous discarded plastic bags, bottles, cans etc.

Sanctuary Zones Update: Recently both the Peel inlet and Harvey Estuary have been recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in a report by Birds Australia. IBAs are selected to identify priority places around the world for bird conservation. On Sunday, February 7, 2009 as part of the nationwide shorebird count, in excess of fifty thousand birds (56,000) were counted by trained volunteers.
For more details please refer to sanctuary zones for water and shorebirds on this blogsite

Road Reserve: Following representations from the Friends, the road reserve just south of the Caltex Service Station at Herron, is now open to the public allowing pedestrian access to the foreshore

Brunswick Island: Ninety percent of the Watsonia was knocked out last year. Follow up spraying has been done this year and probably will continue for another two years. It is pleasing to note the sedge/rush vegetation is reclaiming where the Watsonia infestations once thrived

Launch Sites

The Canoe Trail Friends have on going consultations with paddlers, canoe clubs, government agencies and developers to establish non-powered launch sites

River Trails: The Peel Trails Group in conjunction with the City of Mandurah and Shire of Murray has received a grant to design, manufacture and install canoe trail head signs at the following canoe launch sites: Pinjarra Boat Ramp; Ravenswood; Furnissdale; Riverside Gardens and Western Foreshore. These signs will complement canoe guides and further enhance paddling facilities


Disabled launch site: We have initiated consultation, to see if there is a need for a disabled launch site or sites.
Batavia Quays South Yunderup: The Friends are pleased that money has now been received to upgrade the boat ramp here, including the non-powered site. The Friends supported the Shire of Murray with this upgrade. To cater for the needs of paddlers, we have had input into the detailed planning of launch site location and car parking requirements
Furnissdale: As there may be a revision of all boating facilities at Furnissdale, because of the Review of Furnissdale Structure Plan, The Friends have put forward their requirements for non-powered sites
Murray Bend: Following a request from The Friends, the Shire of Murray has placed sand between the boat ramp and private jetty

Point Grey: The Friends have submitted the locations of two non- powered launch sites to the Shire of Murray via the Point Grey Outline Development Plan
Ravenswood: A launch site has been established opposite the Ravenswood Hotel All credit and appreciation goes to the Shire of Murray, in partnership with Mandurah- Murray Vietnam Veterans Canoeing Group The Shire excavated the site and the MMVVCG carried out the construction work
Rivergum Esplanade South Yunderup: The Friends are supporting the Shire of Murray in its quest to establish a designated launch site at this location

Riverside Gardens: Is a good model of a canoe launch site. Thanks go to the City of Mandurah for being prepared to consult, even about car parking requirements

Woodlands Pde. Stakehill: Access is now via the Kwinana Freeway at the Lymons Road turn off

The Mandurah Boating Guide: Identifies Non-powered launching sites

About Canoe Trail Friends


The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra Inc, a ‘paddlers alliance’, have developed a series of seven canoe trail guides to the Peel Region’s rivers and waterways and two associated companion guides providing details of the region’s natural and human history. These guides and companions are available free of charge to local residents of and visitors to our region through local visitor centres and businesses.
Environmental and community projects currently being undertaken by the Friends, include:
. establishment of a number of sanctuary zones for water and shore birds in the Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary to help protect threatened migratory and residential wader birds,

. tree plantings and clean-ups along our rivers and waterways,

. incorporation of canoe trails in the proposed Peel Regional Park,

. development of canoe launch points to provide better access to our rivers and waterways,

. preparation of submissions to local and state governments raising concerns about the environmental impact on our waterways, and

. event coordinators of the annual Peel Region Canoe Week.

The Friends are members of:
• Peel Boating Community Group
• Peel Trails Group
• Peel-Yalgorup System Ramsar Project Technical Advisory Group

Membership:
The Friends would appreciate your support for by you becoming a member of the Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra Inc.

Membership is open to any person over the age of 18years.
The annual membership fee is $5(five dollars)
Please Note: We are not a paddling club
Enquiries:
Send a self-addressed envelope to PO Box 3188 Mandurah East or call into Kayaks-4-U (near Kings Carnival, Western Foreshore Mandurah)
Membership Payment
Cash to Kayaks-4-U
Cheque or postal order to: Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra Inc. PO Box 3188 MANDURAH EAST 6210

Canoe Guides


The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra Inc. have produced a series of seven recreational canoe guides and three companions encompassing the waterways of the Peel Regional Park.

“Limited Edition” waterproof copies of these guides and companions are available through the sponsorship of Peel Development Commission, Kayaks-4-U and Yak Shack

For free copies of these limited editions: Send a self addressed DL size envelope, with stamps to the value of $1.65 (one dollar sixty five cents), to PO Box 3188, Mandurah East, WA 6210
or call into: Kayaks-4-U at Western Foreshore, Mandurah
or: Yak Shack at U5/40 Telsa Road Rockingham

Online copies are now available via: Mandurah Paddling Club’s
Website: www.mandurahpaddlingclub.org.au go to News, then check out canoe trails
A BIG thank you MPC

Canoe Guides:

Murray River: No. 1 The Darter Trail No. 2 The Swamp Hen Trail

Serpentine River: Nos 3 The Heron Trail & 3A The Spoonbill Trail
No. 4 The Mountain Duck Trail

Harvey River: No. 5 The Great Egret Trail

Peel Inlet : No.6 The Osprey Trail

Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary : No.7 The Pelican Trail

Canoe Guide Companions: A Natural History--- B Who are the Friends? ---C Human History

Leaflets, with a map showing the scope of the canoe guides and featuring heritage sites identified by the Mandurah Community Museum, complete with photos and descriptions are available from most Peel Region Visitor Centres

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------


Water and Shore Bird Sanctuary Zones: Following the receipt of our August letter to Hon Donna Faragher JP
MLC, Minister for the Environment, a joint visit to Creery Wetlands, Samphire Cove and Len Howard Conservation Park was carried out with Craig Olejnik (DEC’s Swan Coastal District Nature Conservation Coordinator). Follow up is taking place.

WATER and SHORE BIRD SANCTUARY ZONES

The Canoe Trail Friends have consulted with and received support for the Water and Shore Bird Sanctuary Zones from a wide range of community groups for this low cost initiative
However at the end of the day no local authority was able to take responsibility for the establishment of the bird sanctuary zones.

So we wrote to Minister Faragher, part of the Minister’s response was that she would call for a report from Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).
We then presented to DEC the reasons for, and locations of, the sanctuary zones and the report is expected to be with the Minister in 2010.

Then subject to the Minister's decision, a public consultation process will take place and representation made to the Western Australian Conservation Commission

In the mean time we will resume our own consultation processes

The zones primarily would give the birds respite from the effect of human interference; for example, power boating, canoeing, jet skiing and sail boarding. The zones would be marked by buoys at a predetermined distance from the shore. The proposed zones would not affect access to rivers

The Friends are of the opinion that a number of areas are suitable for consideration as sanctuary zones; however, there are at least four areas for which the zones could be designated with relative ease. These are:
Reserve at southern end of John Street, Coodanup: the waters closed to professional fishermen, immediately in front of the John Street reserve, which extend in front of the reserve to the Serpentine River. This is a feeding ground for migratory and endemic waders.
Creery Wetlands: at both water access points to this habitat. Bird observing is promoted from the shores of this reserve.
Samphire Cove: at the water access point to this habitat. Bird observing is promoted from the shores of this reserve.
Len Howard Conservation Park: at both access points to the wetland south of Mandurah Quay. Bird observing is promoted from the shores of this conservation park habitat.
By paddling, walking and using a GPS, we have defined the sanctuary zone boundaries for:
Southern Harvey Estuary: from one kilometre by land south of Herron Point, across the estuary to 2.6 kilometres by land south of Island Point. A passage through the zone would be maintained to provide access to the Harvey River. This zone abuts A class nature reserves.
Austin Bay: The designated A Class Nature Reserve at Austin Bay, the boundary of which extends into the waterway
Since we first promoted the sanctuary zone concept, fairy terns have been placed on the threatened species list
The City of Mandurah expects to address the prohibition of dogs from the John Street Coodanup,” Wild Life Sanctuary” in 2010, when the Dog Exercise Review recommendations are due to be available

Count highlights from our visits to the zones:

At Austin Bay on 4th October 2009: 1000 sharp-tail sandpipers, 1500 red-necked stints and a smaller number of red-capped plovers, not to mention around 2500 swans
February 28 2010 12,000 banded stilts

From the Southern Harvey Estuary two counts of red- necked stints made are worth mentioning, 5600 in February and 1200 in March 2009,700 red-necked avocets sighted in November and 2000 in December 2009
February 7 2010 (National Shorebird Count Day): 2,100 grey teal, 1300 Swans, 1270 red-necked avocets, 89 grey plovers, 8 pacific golden plovers, (not often sighted)

2010 PEEL REGION CANOE WEEK


The 5 th Annual Peel Region Canoe Week was held from 28 August – 12 September 2010
Where: Dwellingup, Mandurah, Pinjarra and Shoalwater
Novice and experienced paddlers were catered for with superb choices:
Dragon Boating, Canoe Polo, Whitewater Events, Sea Kayaking, Outrigger Canoeing, Senior Paddles, River and Estuary Paddles, Raft Building, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Resuscitation course plus a Multi Sport Event

A record 601 participants this year, with visitors from Queensland and New South Wales, congratulations go to all of the activity providers and a thank you to our supporters. For more details including competition results go to Peel Region Canoe Week

The event seemed to come of age this year, with the expansion of activities and interest being shown by not only the local press, but press beyond the Peel, likewise the online coverage was very good

2010 Peel Region Canoe Week was Proudly Supported by:

Ascot Kayak Club (Nanga Challenge)



City of Mandurah



Department of Sport & Recreation –Peel



Dwellingup Adventures



Kayaks-4-U



Mandurah Dragon Boat Club



Mandurah Outrigger Canoe Club



Mandurah Over 55s Canoe Club



Mandurah Paddling Club



Mandurah-Murray Vietnam Veterans Canoe Group



Peel Trails Group



Perth Canoe Polo Club (Murray White Water Festival)



South Metropolitan Public Health Unit



St John Ambulance



Westozkiteboarding (Stand Up Paddle Boarding)



Yak Shack

Peel Region Canoe Clubs & Links - Dec 2010

• Mandurah Over 55s Canoe Club Inc: The Club paddles three times a week, mainly on the estuary and rivers. Inquiries: send a stamped self- addressed envelope to PO Box 5214, Falcon 6210

• Mandurah Murray Vietnam Veterans’ Group: Members meet for a paddle on a Thursday morning at various locations in the Peel region. All Veterans and ex service people are welcome.
Contact Tiger 9537 8559 or website: www.mmvvg.asn.au

• Mandurah Outrigger Canoe Club Inc: Competitive & recreational paddling for teams &individuals Contact Colin, m: 0428 468 884 or website: www.mandurahoutriggers.blogspot.com

• Mandurah Paddling Club Inc: Membership: Competitive, recreational, social and junior recreational. Inquiries Paul, m: 0400 842 445, or website: www.mandurahpaddlingclub.org.au

• Peel Trails Group Website: Interested in what the go is with all sorts of trails around the Peel, then visit:
www.peeltrails.com.au

• Keep up to date with: Canoeing in Western Australia go to Robyn K’s site: www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

PEEL REGION CANOE CLUBS & LINKS

·       Mandurah Over 55s Canoe Club Inc:  The Club paddles three times a week, mainly
on the estuary and rivers. Inquiries: send a stamped self- addressed envelope
to PO Box 5214, Falcon 6210
 
·      Mandurah Murray Vietnam Veterans’ Group: Members meet for a paddle on a Thursday
morning at various locations in the Peel region. All Veterans and ex service
people are welcome.
Contact Tiger 9537 8559 or website: www.mmvvg.asn.au
·     Mandurah Outrigger Canoe Club Inc:
Competitive & recreational paddling for teams &individuals      Contact Colin, m: 0428 468 884 or website: www.mandurahoutriggers.blogspot.com

·       Mandurah Paddling Club Inc:  Membership: Competitive, recreational, social and junior recreational.  Inquiries Paul, m: 0400 842 445, or website: www.mandurahpaddlingclub.org.au 
·      Peel Trails Group Website:  Interested in what the go is with all sorts of trails around the Peel, then visit:     www.peeltrails.com.au
·     Keep up to date with: Canoeing in
Western Australia go to Robyn K’s site: www.iinet.net.au/~rokhor/canoe

2010 Peel Region Canoe Week was Proudly Supported by:

Ascot Kayak Club (Nanga
Challenge)
City of Mandurah
Department of Sport and Recreation –Peel
Dwellingup Adventures
Kayaks-4-U
Mandurah Dragon Boat Club
Mandurah Outrigger Canoe Club
Mandurah Over 55s Canoe Club
Mandurah Paddling Club
Mandurah-Murray Vietnam Veterans Canoe Group
Peel Trails Group
Perth Canoe Polo Club (Murray White Water Festival)
South Metropolitan Public Health Unit
St John Ambulance
Westozkiteboarding (Stand Up Paddle Boarding)
Yak Shack

2010 PEEL REGION CANOE WEEK

The 5th Annual Peel Region Canoe Week was held from 28 August – 12 September
2010 
Where: Dwellingup, Mandurah, Pinjarra and
Shoalwater
Novice and experienced paddlers were catered for with superb
choices:
Dragon Boating, Canoe Polo, Whitewater
Events, Sea Kayaking, Outrigger Canoeing, Senior Paddles, River and Estuary
Paddles, Raft Building, Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Resuscitation course plus a
Multi Sport Event 
 
The event seemed to come of age this year, with the expansion of activities and
interest being shown by not only the local press, but press beyond the Peel,
likewise the online coverage was very good
 
Mandurah Paddling Club 5th & 1st Marker Cup Results –September 2010 (www.mandurahpaddlingclub.org.au)
 
5th M C
Composite: John Breed (Snr) 58:09,
Steve Ashford 58:10, John Breed (Jnr) 1:02:36,
 Ian Thompson 1:09: 43   
Plastic:
 Andrew Breed 1:14:19

1st MC Composite:
Trudy Dor 52:15, Georgia Sharman 55: 35 
Plastic: Thomas Sewell 55: 36

2010 Murray Whitewater Festival Awards (www.murraywhitewaterfestival.com)
People Choice Awards: 1. Mark Tait –The Stig 
2. Pete Nidd –Wonderboy, or Captain Amazing
3.  Patrick Apps – Captain Confused? 
4.  Hewy Canoey – Worst shirt ever

Best new upcoming paddler award:
1.   Ben Horn

Queens for a day: 
1. Kirsten Malley  
2. Chantelle Rossier

Appreciation gift:
1. Brayden West – Bus driver/ Tour guide etc
2. Nathan White – For Swimming, Trailer, Firewood etc

Murray River Swim team Members 2010:
Captain – Nathan White, Hewy Canoey, Jock

WATER and SHORE BIRD SANCTUARY ZONES


The Canoe Trail Friends have consulted with and received support for the Water
and Shore Bird Sanctuary Zones from a wide range of community groups for this
low cost initiative
However at the end of the day no local authority was able to take responsibility for the establishment of the bird sanctuary zones.

So we wrote to Minister Faragher, part of the Minister’s response was that she would call for a report from Department of Environment and Conservation (DEC).

We then presented to DEC the reasons for, and locations of, the sanctuary zones and the report is expected to be with the Minister in 2010.

Then subject to the Minister's decision, a public consultation process will take place and representation made to the Western Australian Conservation Commission


In the mean time we will resume our own consultation processes 

The zones primarily would give the birds respite from the effect of human
interference; for example, power boating, canoeing, jet skiing and sail
boarding. The zones would be marked by buoys at a predetermined distance from
the shore. The proposed zones would not affect access to rivers

 
The Friends are of the opinion that a number of areas are suitable for consideration as sanctuary zones; however, there are at least four areas for which the zones could be designated with relative ease.
These are:
Reserve at southernend of John Street, Coodanup: the waters closed to professional fishermen, immediately in front of the John Street reserve, which extend in
front of the reserve to the Serpentine River. This is a feeding ground for migratory and endemic waders.

 Creery Wetlands: at both water access points to this habitat. Bird observing is promoted from the shores of this reserve.

 Samphire Cove: at the water access
point to this habitat. Bird observing is promoted from the shores of this
reserve.

 Len Howard Conservation Park:
at both access points to the wetland south of Mandurah Quay. Bird observing is
promoted from the shores of this conservation park habitat.

 By paddling,walking and using a GPS, we have defined the sanctuary zone boundaries for:

Southern Harvey Estuary: from one kilometre by land south of
Herron Point, across the estuary to 2.6 kilometres by land south of Island
Point. A passage through the zone would be maintained to provide access to the
Harvey River. This zone abuts A class nature reserves.

Austin Bay: The designated A Class Nature Reserve at Austin Bay, the
boundary of which extends into the waterway 
Since we first promoted the sanctuary
zone concept, fairy terns have been placed on the threatened species list

The City of Mandurah expects to address the prohibition of dogs from the John Street Coodanup,” Wild Life Sanctuary” in 2010, when the Dog Exercise Review recommendations are due to be available


Count highlights from our visits to the zones:


At Austin Bay on 4th October 2009: 1000 sharp-tail sandpipers, 1500 red-necked stints and a smaller number
of red-capped plovers, not to mention around 2500 swans

February
28 2010 12,000 banded stilts


From the Southern Harvey Estuary two counts of red- necked stints made are worth
mentioning, 5600 in February and 1200 in March 2009,700 red-necked avocets
sighted in November and 2000 in December 2009


February
7 2010 (National Shorebird Count Day): 2,100 grey teal, 1300 Swans, 1270 red-necked avocets, 89 grey plovers, 8
pacific golden plovers, (not often sighted) 

Canoe Guides

The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra
Inc. have produced a series of seven recreational canoe guides and three
companions encompassing the waterways of the Peel Regional Park.
 
 “Limited Edition”
waterproof copies of these guides and companions are available through the sponsorship of Peel Development Commission,
Kayaks-4-U and Yak Shack
 
For free copies of these limited editions: Send a
self addressed DL size envelope, with stamps
to the value of $1.65 (one dollar sixty five cents), to PO Box 3188,
Mandurah East, WA 6210
 or call into: Kayaks-4-U at Western Foreshore, Mandurah
              or: Yak Shack at
U5/40 Telsa Road Rockingham
Online copies are now available via: Mandurah Paddling Club’s
Website: www.mandurahpaddlingclub.org.au
go to News, then check out canoe trails
A BIG thank you MPC
 
Canoe Guides:
 Murray River: No. 1  The Darter Trail      No. 2 The Swamp Hen Trail
 

Serpentine River:  Nos 3 The Heron Trail   &  3A The Spoonbill Trail

No. 4  The Mountain Duck Trail
Harvey River:  No. 5  The Great Egret Trail

Peel Inlet :   No.6 The Osprey Trail 

Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary : No.7  The Pelican Trail        
Canoe Guide Companions:  A  Natural History--- B  Who are the Friends? ---C  Human History
 
Leaflets, with a map showing the scope of the canoe guides and featuring heritage sites identified by the Mandurah Community Museum, complete with photos and descriptions are
available from most Peel Region Visitor Centres

About Canoe Trail Friends

The Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah
and Pinjarra Inc, a ‘paddlers alliance’, have developed a series of seven canoe
trail guides to the Peel Region’s rivers and waterways and two associated
companion guides providing details of the region’s natural and human history.
These guides and companions are available free of charge to local residents of
and visitors to our region through local visitor centres and businesses.
Environmental and community projects currently being
undertaken by the Friends, include:
. establishment of a number of sanctuary zones for water and shore birds in the Peel Inlet and Harvey Estuary to help protect threatened migratory and residential wader
birds, 
tree plantings and clean-ups along our rivers and waterways,incorporation of canoe trails in the proposed Peel Regional Park,
. development of canoe launch points to provide better access to our rivers and waterways,
. preparation of submissions to local and state governments raising concerns about the
environmental impact on our waterways, and
. event coordinators of the annual Peel Region Canoe Week.
 
TheFriends are members of:
  • Peel Boating Community Group
  • Peel Trails Group
  • Peel-Yalgorup  System Ramsar Project Technical Advisory Group
Membership:
The Friends would appreciate your
support for by you becoming a member of the Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and
Pinjarra Inc.
Membership is open to any person over
the age of 18years.
The annual membership fee is $5(five
dollars)
Please Note: We are not a paddling club
Enquiries:  
Send a self-addressed envelope to PO Box 3188
Mandurah East or call into Kayaks-4-U
(near
Kings Carnival, Western Foreshore Mandurah)

Membership Payment

Cash to
Kayaks-4-U 
Cheque
or postal order to: Canoe Trail Friends of Mandurah and Pinjarra Inc. PO Box
3188 MANDURAH EAST 6210 

Facebook

Friends are now on facebook access is by
 
 
If for some reason this link does not work go to the search
bar at the top of the facebook page &; type in "Canoe Trail Friends of
Mandurah & Pinjarra" &; follow the link.
If you are a facebook member click "like" to like
us

Launch Sites

The Canoe
Trail Friends have on going consultations with paddlers, canoe clubs,
government agencies and developers to establish non-powered launch sites
Water and Shore Bird Sanctuary Zones:
Following the receipt of our August letter to Hon Donna Faragher JP
MLC, Minister for the Environment, a joint
visit to Creery Wetlands, Samphire Cove and Len Howard Conservation Park was
carried out by Barbara Manson, Barry Small and Craig Olejnik  (DEC’s Swan Coastal District Nature
Conservation Coordinator).
Follow up will take place when Craig returns from leave on
October 27  
Disabled launch site:  We have
initiated consultation, to see if there is a need for a disabled launch site or
sites.
Batavia Quays South Yunderup: The Friends are pleased that money has now been received to upgrade the
boat ramp here, including the non-powered site. The Friends supported the Shire
of Murray with this upgrade. To cater for the needs of paddlers, we have had
input into the detailed planning of launch site location and car parking
requirements
Furnissdale:
As there may be a revision of all boating facilities at
Furnissdale, because of the Review of Furnissdale Structure Plan, The Friends
have put forward their requirements for non-powered sites 
Murray Bend:  Following
a request from The Friends, the Shire of Murray has placed sand between the
boat ramp and private jetty
Point Grey:
The Friends have submitted the locations of two non- powered launch sites to
the Shire of Murray via the Point Grey Outline Development Plan
Ravenswood: A
launch site has been established opposite the Ravenswood Hotel All credit and
appreciation goes to the Shire of Murray, in partnership with Mandurah- Murray
Vietnam Veterans Canoeing Group The Shire excavated the site and the MMVVCG
carried out the construction work
Rivergum Esplanade South Yunderup:
The Friends are supporting the Shire of
Murray in its quest to establish a designated launch site at this location 
Riverside Gardens:  Is a good model of a canoe launch site.
Thanks go to the City of Mandurah for being prepared to consult, even about car
parking requirements 
Woodlands Pde. Stakehill: Access is now via the Kwinana Freeway at the
Lymons Road turn off 
 
The Mandurah Boating Guide: Identifies Non-powered launching
sites  
 

Other News

Sandy Cove and Clansman Beaches: We, along with the
Mandurah Paddling Club and The Mandurah Over 55s Canoe Club have written to the
Shire of Murray stating that these two public beaches should remain open
to use by paddlers 
DEC Canoe
guides/ maps
:  Now available, titled Murray River: Pinjarra
to Peel Inlet, the guide also takes in the Serpentine River from Riverside
Gardens downstream. Durable, water resistant and virtually rip proof the guide
will be available at most outdoor recreation stores, visitor centres and
paddling stores for $11.00. Enquiries please contact DEC’s, Recreation and
Trails Unit on 9334 0265     
Avon
Descent
: The 2010 Avon Descent is regarded as
one of the toughest yet, due to low water levels it became an endurance test
not often faced by paddlers. Just to start and “ have ago” deserves recognition
let alone finish.
Results: Congratulations to these local paddlers who made it
to finish line:    
Solo
paddler
:  Mark Hardie
Duo
Team Paddlers
:
Ian Thompson & Craig Small, Kane Tonkin & Stephen McDonald, Paul Ryde
& Scott Holman
Congratulations
to these paddlers who didn’t quite make it:
Solo
Paddler
:
Malcolm Henning
Duo
Team Paddlers
:
Vern Gough & Paul Harding, Jane Field & Brad Reed
Clean Up Australia Day -- Serpentine River
Result
Total collected by
six paddlers (3 Friends and 3 Mandurah Paddling Club) from Serpentine River;
fourteen car tyres, one recliner lounge chair, one bicycle, one 44gallon drum, one
car bonnet, one three seater lounge (with cushions), one plastic chair, one
large plastic tote box, nine large rubbish bags full of miscellaneous discarded
plastic bags, bottles, cans etc.
 
Sanctuary
Zones Update
: Recently both the Peel inlet and Harvey Estuary have been
recognised as an Important Bird Area (IBA) in a report by Birds Australia. IBAs
are selected to identify priority places around the world for bird
conservation. On Sunday, February 7, 2009 as part of the nationwide shorebird
count, in excess of fifty thousand birds (56,000) were counted by trained
volunteers.
For more
details please refer to sanctuary zones for water and shorebirds on this
blogsite
Road Reserve: Following
representations from the Friends, the road reserve just south of the Caltex
Service Station at Herron, is now open to the public allowing pedestrian access
to the foreshore
Brunswick Island: Ninety percent of the Watsonia was
knocked out last year. Follow up spraying has been done this year and probably
will continue for another two years. It is pleasing to note the sedge/rush
vegetation is reclaiming where the Watsonia infestations once thrived

October 2010 Update

 
Dolphin rides, with “gang of five”: Dolphins are great fun
when they go under your boat looking up at you, jump out of the water doing
tricks and generally interact with us paddlers in all sorts of ways. Recently
one Saturday morning, the “gang of five” were out near Boodalin Island and met
a pod of about eleven dolphins. The dolphins decided that each one of the five
should be taken for a “dolphin ride” not only one paddler at a time, but often
two at a time This went on for about half an hour or so enough time to travel
(if that’s the right word) 3/4 of the way back to the Murray River. So fast and
furious were some of these “rides” that amid the cries of joy and laughter,
there was at least one cry of, “I can’t control my boat ” Now I know that
individual paddlers have enjoyed similar “ride” experiences, but never have I
heard of a group being chosen for this trick. P.S. I was there, and at one time
I counted at least four dolphins under my boat. 
Birding with Robert Wroth: Every Sunday from now until 12
December
I am doing
excursions to count water and shorebirds in the proposed sanctuary areas. If
anyone wants to tag along they are welcome, it’s all pretty informal.  For both walks and paddles make sure you have
footwear suitable for walking in mud.
If you would like a copy of the
programme please contact me, Robert on 9586 9920 or Barry on 9586 950
Some count highlights: Sunday 10 --
450 red necked avocets; Sunday 17 -- 1,150 red necked stints    
2010
Peel Region Canoe Week
A  record 601 participants this year, with
visitors from Queensland and New South Wales, congratulations go to all of the
activity providers and a thank you to our supporters. For more details
including competition results go to Peel Region Canoe Week
River
Trails:
The Peel
Trails Group in conjunction with the City of Mandurah and Shire of Murray has
received a grant to design, manufacture and install canoe trail head signs at
the following canoe launch sites: Pinjarra Boat Ramp; Ravenswood; Furnissdale;
Riverside Gardens and Western Foreshore. These signs will complement canoe
guides and further enhance paddling facilities