Dolphin-Eating Sharks Close Australian Beaches for 7 Days Straight

TIME

Two great white sharks have been spotted in the waters of Newcastle, Australia, prompting officials to shut down the beaches for seven consecutive days.

The sharks, one estimated around three meters long, the other five meters, have been spotted chasing, attacking and feeding on dolphins, whose carcasses now float in the water and wash up on shore.

Newcastle City Council announced that it is “not safe for anyone to be in the water,” and will not re-open the beaches again until at least 24 hours have passed since the last sighting.

[The Sydney Morning Herald]

Read next: Marine Biologists Capture Rare Photo of a Shark Birth

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Spontaneous Travel

The idea of spontaneous travel has always been something I have loved, even though I’m probably one of the worst exponents of it. When I was younger I used to like getting a group of friends together and heading off into the Great Outdoors, of which there was plenty in New South Wales, Australia – even in our region around Newcastle. Many great times were had travelling around the Barrington Tops, Watagans and the Central Coast. Now though the whole idea of spontaneous travel seems almost to difficult to materialise. However, in recent times the dream of spontaneous travel has returned and I have real intentions of realising it.

The link below is to an article that takes a look at spontaneous travel and gives 9 ways you can bring it about.

For more visit:
http://blog.travelworldpassport.com/be-more-spontaneous-travel-often/

Blackbutt Reserve

Kevin's Daily Photo, Video, Quote or Link

Since I was unable to visit Gap Creek Falls the other day, I decided I might pop in to have a look at the new animal enclosures at Blackbutt Reserve near Newcastle. I will say straight off the bat that I do have something of a prejudice against Blackbutt Reserve, as I see the place as nothing like a natural bush setting, it being far too ‘corrupted’ by human activity, weeds and the like. Having said that it is a good place for a family or group outing/event. It certainly has its place, but it is not a true nature reserve (in my opinion).

ABOVE: Visitor Centre

I do think that some well designed animal and bird enclosures at Blackbutt could lift the value of the reserve dramatically and make it a really great place for families, especially young families. There are opportunities for educational visits for kids, possible environmental…

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Australia: New South Wales – Great North Walk Improvements

One of the great multi-day walks in New South Wales has been improved with the addition of additional interpretative signage. The Great North Walk is a 250km walking trail between Newcastle and Sydney. The new signs are located in Palm Grove Nature Reserve on the Central Coast.

For more info visit:
 http://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/media/DecMedia12012402.htm

RISING TIDE PROTEST IN NEWCASTLE: COAL INDUSTRY THE TARGET

Climate change activists under the ‘Rising Tide’ banner conducted what was called on the day the ‘People’s Protest’ in Newcastle yesterday. The protest was an attempt to shut down the Port of Newcastle in Australia, which is the largest exporter of coal in the world.

Despite the protesters claim that they had successfully blockaded the harbour, the authorities had previously arranged for there to be no shipping movements on the day in the interests of safety. The protesters used kayaks and various home-made ‘boats’ to form the blockade near Horseshoe Beach. About 500 people took part in the protest.

A police presence was very active during the protest to ensure safety and to prevent any form of crime.

Rising Tide is preaching a message of anti-coal and pro-renewable energy for our future.

NSW Greens MP Lee Rhiannon took part in the protest.

The protesters block the harbour entrance

 

 

 

The police maintained an active presence

 

The police maintained an active presence