WTF: Toucan’t be serious, algae attraction, lights aren’t all right

To even call it a bird watching point is a bit of ostrich.

WTF

They’re the little – and sometimes not so little – things that can really irk us... and they’re back! A new slot, on a new page with the same old problems that have us all saying, woah, that’s frustrating!

TOUCAN’T BE SERIOUS

The new Barwon Coast Barwon River bird observation point. Picture: Alison Wynd

Early birds who waited owl year for a new Bellarine bird watching tower have been left with an un-pheasant feeling after a hawkward launch.

Last week we received the good news that Barwon Coast would be opening its brand new Barwon River bird observation point in Ocean Grove, with local state MP Alison Marchant coming down to cut the ribbon.

There was even activities advertised, with kids’ crafts and games, as well as guided birdwatching.

Expecting some sort of tower, or as we in the birdwatching biz call a ‘hide,’ one of WTF’s spies was left confused upon arrival, having to ask where the actual point is.

Confusion turned to shock when they were pointed towards a bench.

To call it a bird watching point is a bit of ostrich.

We here at WTF HQ have been heron that a tower was planned for the spot, but those plans left nearby residents raven mad.

There is no suggestion of fowl play.

NEW ATTRACTION

A new attraction on the Barwon River titled Blue Green Algae View.

According to Google, the top sights in Geelong are the wool museum, Eastern Beach and the art gallery.

Well, according to the maps function, there’s now a new thing for people to do.

The mighty Barwon River had a very public battle with a bout of Blue Green Algae last year, which has now been immortalised.

Strolling down the Promenade west of the John M Macintyre Bridge, tourists and locals alike can take in the sights of the “Blue green algae view”.

By all accounts, the river is inface algae free, so the description may not be accurate.

It remains to be see what impact this brand new attraction will have on Geelong’s tourism industry.

PLANS IN DOGHOUSE

Plans for a residential dog breeding business were knocked back by council’s planning committee.

A resident might be feeling a little ruff that their plans to breed dogs at a Clifton Springs residential property were knocked back by council.

City Hall’s planning committee refused a planning permit that would’ve seen a dog breeding business set up in the laundry, garage and outdoor area of a house on Kanyanya Ave.

According to the City of Greater Geelong, council had received several pieces of not-so-pawsitive feedback from neighbours about barking, howling and whimpering at the proposed site, causing them distress and lack of sleep.

So it was perhaps unsurprising the plans received 18 objections.

Issues raised by residents included noise (again, unsurprisingly), stink, and concerns about the applicant’s ability to care for the dogs when they don’t live on site.

Committee chair councillor Andrew Katos had the last bark, saying the application “had the potential to create further conflict in the neighbourhood”.

“We thank the Clifton Springs community for sharing their feedback on the proposed application,” Mr Katos said.

MINI-BRIDGE FINALE

WTF: Rippleside bridge fix

It’s almost nine months since WTF quizzed the City of Greater Geelong about a mini bridge in Rippleside Park that was apparently awaiting bridgework.

A “bridgework ahead” sign had been stuck on the structure, which the council declared was destined for the bridge graveyard.

WTF: The tiny bridge at Rippleside and its new addition.

Well, we are happy to finally announce a new arrival to replace the disused little bridge - a baby stretch of walking track.

It’s clearly been a long labour of love for the engineers and path builders at Geelong council.

TRAFFIC LIGHT FIGHT

One of our readers is not a massive fan of traffic lights.

WTF loves hearing from the public.

This week, reader Andrew sent through his own personal gripe, this time with the amount of traffic lights in Geelong.

“Why have we got this obsession with traffic lights in Geelong and surrounds?” Andrew said.

“Every new road being built seems to end up with lights somewhere where the conditions are perfect for roundabouts, that have the ability to keep the traffic flowing and the frustration down.

“Why don’t these so called road gurus at VicRoads take a cheap flight to Cairns get a hire car and go north on the Captain Cook highway and see what roundabouts can really do.

“But that won’t happen cause you can’t put red lights cameras on them.”

While we can empathise with the frustration, we’re not 100 per cent sold on the VicRoads revenue raisers conspiracy, but fair play.

Is something getting your goat like Andrew? Let us know.

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Originally published as WTF: Toucan’t be serious, algae attraction, lights aren’t all right