I would like to add my wholehearted support to Alastair's plea that not
only the protection but also the improvement of Kelly's Swamp and
indeed the the whole Jerrabomberra Wetland complex should be given our
highest priority. It is one of my perennial gripes that this jewel of
the the Bush Capital is so badly neglected. I have written before to
this forum and to the relevant ACT Government departments on the subject.
The screening of the swamp is now pathetic. Several additional hides
are necessary and both screens and suitable re-vegetation are urgently
required. Leaders of parties of school children should be advised that
the 'lawns' in front of the hides are not suitable luncheon venues. At
the very least perhaps a few signs warning would be revelers of the
presence of some very impressive snakes would be helpful. An alternative
cycle route for commuters should be established because this creates
almost continuous disturbance. Dogs........ well we've done that one
before to no avail. Photographers have been observed walking into the
swamp! Birdwatchers have been observed walking down to the edge of the
swamp in search of elusive rails! The foxes are a useful means to
estimate the numbers of Latham's Snipe present but probably should be
the subject of a meaningful control program.
As for the 'wetland' component, it is nothing more than a glorified
weedpatch (admittedly wonderful habitat for Skylarks, Common Starlings
and Eurasian Goldfinch amongst other protection-worthy species) with a
liberal smattering of cattle and the by-products thereof. A far cry
from the fens and water meadows that the term wetlands calls to mind.
The desperately few wetter bits are infested with carp and, instead of
being a nature conservation asset, appear to be a major spawning ground
for this noxious pest, which ensures a continuous downstream supply.
I have previously stated my opinion that this area could be managed such
that it becomes a wetland of international significance and a
destination on the itinerary of many international ecotourists.
Milburn
*******************************************************************************************************
This is the email announcement and discussion list of the Canberra
Ornithologists Group.
List-Post: <>
List-Help: <>
List-Unsubscribe: <>
List-Subscribe: <>
List archive: <http://bioacoustics.cse.unsw.edu.au/archives/html/canberrabirds>
List manager: David McDonald, email
<>
|
