|
Keith et al
At Mildura WWTP, North West Victoria, the same 3rd
party legal liability issues came up. What has been arranged at present is
that birders can only undertake pre-arranged visits and Lower Murray Water will
provide a staff member to accompany the group. At present, Lower Murray
Water will only agree to approve and accompany groups organised through the
Sunraysia BOC.
Such an approach should work with any reasonably
cooperative council or authority, but obviously would limit visit frequency and
flexibility.
The other aspect that is encouraged is for such
authorities to recognise and capitalise, PR-wise, on the environmental and
conservation value of their establishments. Lower Murray Water are
cooperating to include the Mildura WWTP lagoon area in the Barkindji
Biosphere and funding will be allocated to establish walkways and bird hides as
part of the Biosphere project. Lower Murray Water also manage the Swan
Hill and Kerang WWTPs which receive groups to view the areas with an emphasis on
the migratory waders that use the ponds there. They actually designed and
constructed part of the ponds at Swan Hill to include a large island to protect
birds from cats, foxes, etc.
This approach creates community goodwill and allows
the authority to demonstrate that it is a "good citizen". This approach
may also work with some authorities and councils.
PS: while I am a consultant to Lower Murray
Water (in non-birding areas), these initiatives have been generated and
supported by non-birder management and employees, not me!
Regards
Bob Cook
| 