McGaths Hill Treatment Plant

[Andy Burton <>]

Hi Bob,

I think I understand what influences the Mildura WWTP thoughts, but the implications are not good.

If this is a requirement in this type of environment, I presume that it should also be a requirement in many other similar places.

Before long we will need to have employees guide us through areas such as National Parks, Nature Reserves, local municipal reserves and open spaces; in fact where does this stop? Will I be allowed to walk along the local beach without being in a group, with a Council Employee as a guide?

Does it mean that I can't go birding unless I'm in a group with an employee of a Government or Semi-government organisation as a  guide?

If I am with a guide do I assume that his/her regard for safety is any greater than mine?

Am I so thick that I have missed the point?

Society seems to be backing itself into a hole due in part to its own stupidity and in  part to the ineptness of some of its managers.

Andy

> 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