A number of people have asked me about access to the Western Treatment Plant
(WTP).
Background
In 2004 and 2005, there was a long period of consultation between Melbourne
Water (MW) and various interest groups, including both the Bird Observers
Club of Australia and Birds Australia, concerning access to the WTP. This
dialogue arose from a MW review of their internal processes and, in
particular, concern about public health and safety and other risks arising
from visitations to the Plant. MW engaged external consultants to identify
the risks and to recommend strategies to deal with those risks. The process
they undertook seemed very professional and thorough. I understand that,
initially, the external consultants recommended severely curtailed access,
which of course was the simplest strategy to minimise risks arising from
visitor access. MW, thankfully, sought the views of the major bird
organisations (and other stakeholders) before accepting the recommendations.
The bird clubs made strong representations for maintenance of the status
quo, as there had not been a single event of concern from visits by birders
in more than 60 years.
Access Management Plan
After much discussion, MW proposed, and the bird clubs agreed, that a new
Access Management Plan was warranted. The Plan that was eventually adopted
in June 2005 was signed by me (as Chairman of the former WTP Wildlife
Consultative Committee, and with the consent of both bird clubs) and by
Eamonn Kelly, the General Manager of MW Infrastructure Group.
The major elements of the Plan, that affect birdwatchers, are -
1. MW would introduce a new system to allow them to monitor and manage
access, to replace the existing system of self regulation, which relies on
birdwatchers advising MW before each visit (which many often fail to do);
2. the existing permit system would continue to operate, but there
would be three different levels of access;
3. Level 1 access, which is available to everyone who holds an
existing Permit, would allow birdwatchers to enter a designated area west
of Little River, which includes Paradise Road, Lake Borrie, Ryan's Swamp and
the Austin Road/ T Section Lagoon area;
4. Level 2 access would allow entry to the coastal strip east of the
Little River (across the Little River ford), to gain access to the 270 South
Borrow Pit and the 55 and 95 East Conservation Ponds;
5. Level 3 access only applies to a person undertaking a scientific
study/research project specifically approved by MW, who has completed the
induction. They have access to all areas specified in the permit;
6. Level 2 access would only be available to those people who hold a
permit and have undertaken the MW Induction Programme on the health and
safety, operational and environmental issues which exist at the WTP;
7. birdwatchers can upgrade from a Level 1 to a Level 2 permit by
doing the induction, which will take around one hour and must be done at the
WTP on a week day;
8. an upgraded access management system would be implemented, using
swipe/proximity cards with new electronic gates, to replace the existing G2
keys;
9. birdwatchers would no longer need to advise MW of impending visits
as their access would be recorded when they used their swipe/proximity card
(if you were coming from interstate it would still be sensible to check the
website to ensure the WTP had not been closed - for example when the air
show is on);
10. access to the WTP would only be allowed off 29 Mile Road/Point Wilson
Road at Paradise Road, Austin Road and into the T Section, Summer and
Western Lagoons, and off Beach Road into Kirk Point (Level 1 access);
11. for an interim period leading up to the opening of the Werribee River
Park by Parks Victoria, access will continue to be allowed from New Farm
Road and 65 West Road, but this will cease once the River Park is
operational;
12. new interpretive, direction and information signs are to be placed at
different points within the WTP;
13. roads, car parking and lookout facilities are to be upgraded over
time, after consultation with stakeholders;
14. the construction of a lookout over the 25 West Lagoons, to provide
viewing of the nesting Cormorants and Darters and the other waterbirds, is
under investigation;
15. special short term permits will continue to be available for overseas,
interstate and other irregular visitors who make a written application;
16. MW is investigating an internet based permit application process, but
no specific proposal has yet been made; and
17. permits are to be for one year ($20 renewal fee) with a $50 deposit
for the swipe card (those people who already have paid a $50 deposit for a
G2 key, will not have to pay twice).
Access to the Spit Nature Conservation Reserve is not covered by these
arrangements, as access to this area is controlled by Parks Victoria.
The present situation
As not much has happened since the Access Management Plan was signed in
2005, I am being asked what is happening.
I have contacted MW and been advised -
1. letters will be issued to all existing permit holders inviting them
to apply for a new permit (work and other pressures have prevented this
happening before now and it is still not clear when the letters will go
out);
2. the electronic gates have not been installed because the cost quotes
obtained greatly exceeded the original estimates. It is now anticipated
that 2 gates for birdwatcher (and other stakeholder) access will be
installed in 2007 (Point Wilson/Paradise Road for Level 1 access and Little
River ford for Level 2 access); and
3. G2 keys will continue to be used for access to Austin Road and the T
Section, Summer and Western Lagoons until funding for more electronic gates
is forthcoming.
I hope this clarifies the position.
John Barkla
Chairman
Melbourne Water Biodiversity Conservation Advisory Committee
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www.birding-aus.org
birding-aus.blogspot.com
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