-----Original Message-----
From: Chris Davey
[
Sent: Friday, 19
September 2008 9:43 PM
To: 'Alastair Smith'
Cc: Jenny Bounds
Subject: RE: [canberrabirds] FW:
Protect Kellys Swamp
Hi Alastair,
COG has written a submission regarding the
Plan of Management of the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and is aware of the
unfortunate activities at Kelly’s Swamp. In order that our concerns
are heard at the highest level COG ensured that they were invited to the Chief
Minister’s Roundtable called to examine the effects of the Kingston
Foreshore development on the Jerrabomberra Wetlands. I, as President,
received an invitation to attend the Roundtable scheduled for the 9th September
but unfortunately, for reasons unknown, the meeting was postponed the day
before the meeting. As yet I have not been informed when the Roundtable
will be rescheduled but I can assure you that when it does COG’s views on
the activities will be expressed in the strongest way possible.
For your information the Chief
Minister’s Roundtables are special meeting specifically set up to ensure
that local expert have an opportunity to express their view to the Chief
Minister. To this end I was invited and participated in the Roundtable on
the Central Molonglo.
At this stage I believe that personal
representation at the Roundtable will be the best way to go but if there is a
change of Government then we will possible need to explore other avenues,
including letter writing.
Many thanks for your expressions of
concern,
Regards
Chris
-----Original Message-----
From: Alastair Smith
[
Sent: Thursday, 18
September 2008 7:54 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] FW: Protect
Kellys Swamp
I am very concerned with the increased
visitation to Kellys Swamp and the effect that this is having
on the bird life. Quite obviously the development that is going on in nearby
Kingston will see much greater numbers of visitors in the future, many of who
appear to have no idea that Kellys Swamp is such an important wetland for
waterbirds and waders.
In the past, we have seen evidence of
canoeing and dog exercising in and around Kellys, and on father’s day
Sunday afternoon I was frustrated while birding by people walking in front of
the hides and flushing the birds. There was a game of cricket going on in the
grass area near the southern end of the swamp and children riding scooters at
the north. It would appear that the decision to cut the grass in front of the
hides and on the banks of the swamps has meant that people feel comfortable
walking right up to the water’s edge, which completely defeats the
purpose of the hides and screening plants.
As a conservation organisation may I strongly
suggest that COG makes representation to Environment ACT to have them desist
from the practice of mowing as this seems to be the major catalyst for
people’s behaviour and is only a relatively recent practice. Also could
they consider signage to advise the casual visitor to be mindful of the birds
and to use the paths when moving between hides. Furthermore, many of the
screening trees and plants have died in recent years and I have seen no effort
to replace these plants and rabbit numbers are again on the increase with the
damage that this brings. To date I have seen no evidence of a baiting program.
Perhaps the government's efforts could be better utilised here.
While I am happy to write as an individual,
I think that in this case the collective voice of COG needs to be heard.
Regards
Alastair
