This summer, 2026, has been incredibly distressing for me and many local residents of Venus Bay, Victoria. Our idyllic beaches have been under constant assault by large groups of visitors drawn here during the school holidays to hunt for pipis. This relentless influx of people is not only spoiling our beautiful environment but also causing significant social and ecological harm.

The once pristine beaches have been decimated daily, leaving behind mounds of rubbish and even human waste on the sands and roads leading to the beaches. parking inappropriately and  taking up space reserved for ambulance vehicles and space for people with disabilities.

I have witnessed hundreds of cars arriving full of people ready to scourge the beaches of these pipis.

 This lack of respect for our natural surroundings is heartbreaking. Moreover, the overfishing of pipis is depleting vital food sources for the young shorebirds, disrupting the delicate balance of our ecosystem.

What was once a harmonious blend of humans and nature has turned into a battleground, sowing seeds of discord between locals and visitors. Many of these visitors are not adhering to legal fishing guidelines, leading to rampant overfishing to a commercial level and a disregard for the rules that protect our shores.

I have personally spoken to fisheries several times only to be told they cant attend and to go higher up the chain to get anything done. I have similarly written to Parks Vic, but have yet to hear back.

We cherish our community and our environment, and we cannot stand by as they are systematically destroyed. We call upon the local government and environmental authorities to take decisive action: enforce stricter regulations and ban pipi hunting at Venus Bay. By doing so, we can protect our beaches, wildlife, and the soul of our community from further harm.

Please lend your voice to our cause. Sign this petition to urge immediate action to safeguard Venus Bay, and nearby coastlines and restore its natural beauty and peace. Together, we can make a significant difference.