The body of a 16-tonne fin whale that washed up on 13th Beach, Victoria, on September 13 will finally be removed, the state government announced on Wednesday. The Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action will begin the operation at first light Thursday, with the beach closed to the public during the removal.
The 14-metre-long carcass, believed to be a sub-adult fin whale, had been left to decompose naturally, sparking community frustration over safety risks and economic impacts. The remains shifted west along the beach to a more accessible location, allowing for safe removal. The carcass will be cut into pieces and transported in a contained truck to Corangamite Regional Landfill near Camperdown.
Local businesses and residents had raised concerns about increased shark activity, with surfers evacuating the area and reports of curious sharks bumping swimmers at Point Impossible. School holiday crowds at nearby Ocean Grove beaches heightened worries, especially with no lifeguards on duty due to active shark alerts.
Community member Sarah Quinney launched a petition with nearly 2,500 signatures calling for removal, citing risks to public safety and local businesses like surf schools and lifesaving clubs. James Murphy, a local tour operator, noted the ongoing threat, saying he encountered a shark while surfing at Point Impossible.
The Conservation Regulator is investigating people attempting to take parts of the carcass, including its tail. Similar incidents occurred in 2019 and 2020 when whale carcasses washed up on Victorian beaches, leading to closures and removals.
