Victoria Police will patrol Altona and Williamstown beaches this summer under a zero-tolerance approach to unsafe and antisocial behaviour. Operations begin on 1 November, with Water Police, the Public Order Response Team and other units supporting local officers. Acting Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert warned that alcohol, drugs and waterways can be a deadly mix. Jet ski riders will face speed and restricted-area checks, drug and alcohol testing, and possible vessel seizure. Patrols will also cover St Kilda, Half Moon Bay, the Surf Coast, Bass Coast and Mornington Peninsula.
Victoria Police will deploy officers across beaches, waterways, shopping centres, nightlife areas and transport hubs this summer. Several operations will run at once, including Operation Summersafe from 1 November, which targets beaches from St Kilda to the Mornington Peninsula. Water Police will check jet skis and may seize vessels. Officers will also patrol Chapel Street on Friday and Saturday nights. Proactive patrols will begin in Mordialloc after recent disorderly behaviour, with acting Deputy Commissioner Chris Gilbert saying such conduct will not be tolerated.
A Lorne music teacher has been named one of three finalists in the outstanding secondary teacher category at this year's Victorian Education Excellence Awards. John Waller has taught for 16 years at Lorne P-12 College, where he leads the school's music program. He was nominated by a colleague and said the recognition was humbling. The program has grown since he started, and students have achieved five perfect study scores of 50 in VCE VET Music. The winners will be announced on 23 October.
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Two soil-dwelling plant pathogens have been confirmed in the Lorne area, according to a sign on the Doug Stirling Track. One, Phytophthora cinnamomica, causes root rot that can kill plants, including canopy gums. The other, Mycosphaerella, also affects eucalypts and spreads through wet soil, water and contaminated footwear or vehicles. The writer says there is no known cure, so management focuses on prevention, such as cleaning boots and equipment before entering bushland. Public land managers also treat affected areas with phosphorous acid.
