Hi all
Wanted to let everyone in Victoria know about a threat to the Mallee
Emu-wren population in Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and adjacent state
forest (NW Vic). Turns out that the land on the west of the Calder Hwy,
near the intersection of Nowingi Tk and Old Calder Hwy, is unreserved
crown land earmarked for a toxic waste dump. This area is one of, if not
the best area to see Mallee Emu-wren, Striated Grasswren, Chestnut
Quail-thrush etc.
There is a rally against the toxic waste dump to be held on
Wednesday 13th October
We plan to leave from the State Library at approx 12.00Noon - make
our way along Swanston Street, turn left into Bourke and make our way to
Parliament - scheduled for arrival at 12.30pm. Please find attached a
flyer. We would love to see as many birdos there as possible.
Please find following a more detailed summary of the flora and fauna
issues associated with the proposal. Please contact me if you would like
any further information.
· The site
adjoins Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and is located in an area previously
thought to be, and managed as, state forest. The site is high quality,
old-growth, mallee vegetation of the type required by many threatened
species, particularly mallee birds. The abundance of orchids and yam
daisies on site indicates that this site has not been grazed heavily in
European history. Areas of mallee with historically low grazing pressure
are rare and particularly valuable.The area in and around the
proposed toxic waste dump has high value as a corridor between the
Hattah Kulkyne NP and Murray Sunset NP.
· Both Malleefowl
and Mallee Emu-wren (nationally threatened) have been observed on site in
the past few months indicating exceptional habitat for these species.
Malleefowl are in serious decline in north-west Victoria, with fewer than
1000 breeding pairs left. The Mallee Emu-wren is in dramatic decline in
South Australia and Victoria, and the Hattah population is generally
considered the largest and most viable population remaining. This area is
the spot where Australian and international bird observers are sent to
find this bird.
· The clearing of
native vegetation is estimated between 25 Ha and 100 Ha. In addition, the
noise and disturbance from initial and ongoing construction work will
make a much greater area unsuitable for these shy and elusive birds.
There is no compelling reason why the proposed toxic waste dump should be
located in an area of native vegetation. Therefore, the unnecessary
clearing of native vegetation sets a dangerous precedent for Victoria.
Approval for Major Projects Victoria to clear an area of native
vegetation may limit the future legislative ability of government
employees charged with enforcing the Native Vegetation Management
Framework to continue to enforce these regulations.
· The mallee is a
fire-prone environment. Frequent controlled burns or large fire breaks
constructed to protect the facility from wildfire will also make a large
area unsuitable for most mallee birds which require long-unburnt mallee.
Such fire management would be at odds with the fire management plan for
the adjacent Hattah-Kulkyne National Park.
· The proposal
has triggered an assessment by the Federal Dept. Environment and Heritage
because of " the likelihood of significant impact on a number of
listed threatened species under the EPBC Act, in particular, the
Malleefowl, the Mallee Emu-wren and the Black-eared Miner due to the loss
and isolation of habitat and disturbance to movement patterns. The
decision also takes into account risks in relation to the long term
stability and management of the site and the potential consequences of
escaped toxic substances into the environment and potentially into the
Hattah Lakes Ramsar sites and other Ramsar sites on the River
Murray".
· The site is on
the eastern fringe of the Raak Plains - the largest area of groundwater
discharge in Victoria. Any contamination of groundwater (considered
by the consultants designing the facility as high probability and high
impact) will be discharged onto the surface, potentially entering the
food chain from there.
Kind regards
Fiona Murdoch
Fiona Murdoch
Phone (03) 5029 1404
Fax (03) 5029 1160
Email
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