re Fyshwick Sewage Ponds access

[Martin Butterfield <>]

Mark

Thinking of far distant parts I recall my time in Ottawa where a lot of the local birding time was spent going to the sewage ponds in the towns and villages around the area.  I suspect the birder's purchases from local coffee shops, gas stations etc make a non-trivial contribution to the local economy.

Getting to this side of the Pacific I'd suspect most visitors to beautiful downtown Werribee are birders going to the Western Treatment Plant.   Perhaps that would be a useful example to put to ACTEW Management?  It would be very good to see some joint action going on between COG, the Jerra Wetlands people, Canberra Nature Park and ACTEW to really develop and implement the idea you propose.  There is a lot of land around the ponds that could beenfit from well thought out plantings.

Clearly the waterbirds are the core attractant at a sewage works but with good advice - eg from COG - and planning there could be a much wider range of birds attracted to the area, and a good ecotourism venue established.

Martin

On 18 October 2013 13:28, Mark Clayton <> wrote:

Chris,

 

Has anyone from COG had a chance to discuss landscaping of the FSW? ACTEW now have the chance to make the area into a much more bird friendly site. Several years ago I visited, as I am sure other COG members have, the Henderson Sewage Works in Las Vegas in Utah. Most of the area is no longer a functioning  treatment plant and has been taken over by the local birders and extensively planted making it an excellent place to visit. The ponds still hold water so you get the variety of ducks and wading birds you would expect, plus the plantings attract a host of other species such as hummingbirds and small passerines. They even had Greater Roadrunners and Coyotes.

 

We have the opportunity to get something constructive done here, let’s not waste it!

 

Cheers,

Mark

 

From: Chris Davey [
Sent: Thursday, 17 October 2013 10:27 PM
To:
Subject: [canberrabirds] re Fyshwick Sewage Ponds access

 

Hi,

 

Today I had the opportunity to meet and discuss access issues to the Fyshwick Sewage Ponds with the Remote Plants Engineer from ACTEW Water.  As you may be aware remedial work has been occurring at the Ponds for a few months now and as the area had been declared a building site the area has been closed to the general public.   Due to unforeseen circumstances associated with bank stabilisation the area will remain closed for at least another 6 months.

One outcome of the meeting was an indication from ACTEW that a better signage strategy will be develop to inform the public concerning access.

 

I am confident that good communications are now in place between COG and ACTEW.  I will be the COG contact so as soon as I have any further news concerning access I will let you know.

 

In the meantime I urge members not to visit the area to allow ACTEW to finish the works as soon as possible.

 

Chris Davey (Vice-president)

 

 

--
Martin Butterfield

http://franmart.blogspot.com.au/