Ownership of the Breakwater
The St Kilda Breakwater is 'owned' by the Crown. In 1995 primary
responsibility for the Breakwater was transferred from Port of Melbourne
Authority to Melbourne Parks & Waterways, and subsequently to
Parks Victoria.
St Kilda Breakwater Management Plan
Earthcare St Kilda mounted a campaign to have the breakwater recognized
and managed as a Wildlife Cooperative Management Area in 1989. Information
gathered by the St Kilda Penguin Study Group had confirmed the existence
of a breeding penguin colony and identified a range of threats that
could be eliminated with appropriate management systems.
Submissions to the Department of Conservation & Environment
resulted in commencement of a formal planning process in January
1991. After consultation with government, community experts and
interested public, the St Kilda Breakwater Management Plan was published
in September 1992.
Breakwater Management Plan Primary Objectives
The two primary objectives of this plan are to anage the Co-operative
Area to:
- Protect and conserve the Regionally significant species, Little
Penguin
- Guide maintenance of a functioning breakwater
Other Specific Objectives
- Protect, preserve and conserve indigenous fauna
- Conserve and enhance the habitat of indigenous fauna
- Maintain and enhance biological processes and assist in preserving
genetic diversity
- Eliminate or control pest plants and animals, including domestic
animals
- Encourage research, especially where it may contribute to improved
management
- Provide for public education to promote a better understanding
of biological resources and processes
- Provide for community involvement in the planning, management
and conservation processes
- Manage biological resources consistent with the breakwater's
primary function of providing a safe mooring for vessels in adjacent
waters
- Coordinate management and works programs consistent with other
objectives
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Breakwater Reconstruction Project
(1995-1998)
The Breakwater was built in 1956 to provide safe harbour for boats
and yachts. By 1994 erosion by water and wind had left it in need
of repair.
As the Penguin Study Group had collected information on the penguins'
movements since 1986, it was known that May was when they would
be least likely to be on land. Therefore, it was decided to stage
the reconstruction only during this period. Because of this approach,
the reconstruction, involving the addition of 22,000 tonnes of rock
and soil to the Breakwater, took four years.
In the placement of rocks the contractor took particular care to
not disturb breeding sites identified by the Penguin Study Group.
This reconstruction project is a remarkably successful example of
cooperation and co-management and is testimony to the value of Wildlife
Cooperative Management Areas. All organizations and individuals
involved can be very proud of the result.
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