Wetlands’ advocate working for a better world

SEBASTOPOL’S M.R. Power Park might be known for its iconic mullock heap, or the fast-paced action of its dog park, but many residents may not be aware of its winding wetlands.

For two years, nine-year-old Esther Cutts has enjoyed visiting the reserve – her local – climbing the play equipment and the mullock heap, and listening to the resident frogs in the wet area.

“I really like coming here just to have some fun with my friends,” she said.

But the Newington Primary School student doesn’t like every element of M.R. Power Park.

She loves the potential of the “supposed wetlands,” which wind 400 metres from Crown Street over to a small lake area beside Morgan Street, although the ecosystem is in poor condition, full of gorse, and litter, which constantly flows out of a large adjacent drain.

Esther, her friends, and family have worked to clean up the wetlands and sweep it of a “surprising amount” of junk, but rubbish quickly returns, and catches in locations people cannot safely access.

“The wetland is a big space. It’s planned for an upgrade, but how long that’s going to take, I don’t know,” she said.

At a recent City of Ballarat council meeting, Esther approached councillors during public question time, offering her concerns about the green space, and providing a solution.

“A rubbish guard needs to be put right at the front of the wetlands, at the opening of the drain, because then the rubbish won’t go into the wetland, and it would be a much better place,” she said.

“The drain is a big, gaping hole which connects to a lot of other drains, so when it rains, the water flushes all this new dirty water and rubbish into the wetland.

“I also proposed for them to put in some native plants and trees, like gums and bottle brushes. Then it will be a nice place for people to visit, and native animals like frogs, other water creatures and water birds will be able to live and breed there.”

Esther and her parents were impressed by the friendly and respectful way in which City councillors received her proposal, which included hard-copy photographs of the site.

City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney immediately asked the municipality’s infrastructure and environment director Bridget Wetherall what could be done.

“We’ve had our parks team go out and inspect that site, and they’ll continue to monitor and manage the site for rubbish,” Ms Weatherall said.

“We are seeking to install a litter trap and replant some native vegetation. This will help attract more plants and animals, so hopefully [Esther’s] family, and the public, can enjoy it for a long time to come.”

Cr Moloney produced a follow-up question about the speed at which action might be taken. Ms Weatherall took this query on notice, but emphasised improvement would be implemented “as soon as possible.”

Esther hopes other young children and teenagers will take ownership over their local parks and nature reserves, giving the flora and fauna a voice, and some protection for the future.

“I’d like other people to take action on an area that’s close to their heart, and close to them, because if the world’s next generation cleans up, they’ll teach that to their kids, and the world will be a better place,” she said.