200m downstram from the Scrivener dam

["Bruce Lindenmayer" <>]

I would ask that COG consider a longer-term perspective on this issue. Whilst accepting that we might, in the short term lose some nesting/roosting habitat, and that the consultation process and follow-up may have been flawed in the past, we need to accept that willows are invasive weeds, should not have been planted and/or allowed to spread arround the lake in the first place. There are long term ecological benefits to biodiversity (not only water birds) in replacing them with natives.

 

I strongly support the principle of staged willow removal and replacement with appropriate native species.  There will certainly be some short-term loss of habitat, but none of the bird species impacted are threatened.

 

Willows are serious riparian weeds. We should support a phased replacement program.

 

Bruce