Phillip Island Conservation Society Incorporated

The Phillip Island Conservation Society Incorporated (PICS) is a non-profit community organisation and registered charity dedicated to the environmental protection and conservation of natural resources on Phillip Island, Victoria, Australia. Established in 1968, PICS is one of the oldest community conservation groups in Australia and has played a pivotal role in preserving the island's unique ecosystems and natural heritage.

Mission and Objectives

PICS operates with a clear commitment to sustaining Phillip Island as a special and ecologically significant place. The society works collaboratively with local communities, government bodies, and other environmental groups to promote awareness and action in conservation efforts. Their principal focus is on advocating for the preservation of natural habitats, wildlife, and coastal environments on the island.

Historical Significance

Since its inception in 1968, PICS has been instrumental in many successful conservation campaigns. The society's history reflects longstanding community dedication and optimism in achieving environmental goals. Early activities include:

• Collaborating with the Saltwater Creek Action Group to prevent a residential marina development at Saltwater Creek.
• Working alongside the Nobbies Action Group to oppose large-scale private developments on Crown Land at Point Grant, an ecologically sensitive area known as the Nobbies.
• Planting thousands of native trees in community-driven efforts during the 1988 Bicentennial Celebrations, significantly contributing to habitat regeneration on Phillip Island.

The first 40 years of the society’s activities are documented in the book An Island Worth Conserving; a History of the Phillip Island Conservation Society 1968-2008 by Christine Grayden. This publication was awarded in the community/collaborative section of the Victorian Community History Awards in 2009.

Activities and Community Engagement

PICS holds quarterly meetings featuring speakers on topics relevant to conservation and environmental protection. It also auspices projects like Red Rocks Coast Care, furthering active community involvement in protecting coastlines and natural reserves.

The society encourages public participation and membership to extend its efforts in education, advocacy, and practical conservation work. Their ongoing initiatives include habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and campaigning against environmentally inappropriate developments.

Relationship with Other Conservation Efforts

While PICS focuses on grassroots conservation, Phillip Island is also home to other environmental organizations, such as the Phillip Island Nature Parks, which conducts research, conservation, and education programs focused on wildlife like little penguins, fur seals, and coastal birds. Together, these organizations contribute to a robust network dedicated to the island's ecological health.

Phillip Island Conservation Society Incorporated exemplifies community-driven environmental stewardship, leveraging decades of experience and local support to ensure the protection and sustainable management of Phillip Island’s natural environment[1][2][3][4].

[1] https://picsvictoria.org.au [2] https://picsvictoria.org.au/pages/about/ [3] https://www.basscoast.vic.gov.au/directory/phillip-island-conservation-society-inc [4] https://www.phillipislandlandalliance.org.au/phillip-island-conservation-society [5] https://www.penguins.org.au/conservation/