Ensuring life thrives in our valuable wetlands

Natural wonders

Did you know Greater Geelong is home to 100 individual wetlands, covering 11,630 hectares?

Three of them are internationally recognised as being significant under the Ramsar Convention.

Wetlands play a crucial role in the health of our environment and the people and wildlife that call the region home.

Acting as a natural sponge, they improve water quality by absorbing pollutants, provide a habitat for animals and plants, and control erosion.

With World Wetlands Day just past, it’s been a terrific opportunity to bone up on my knowledge as chair of the Environment portfolio.

Deputy mayor Trent Sullivan and I visited the Lower Barwon Wetlands at the invitation of Conservation Volunteers Australia.

We were taken through the rich ecosystem and the scientific surveys happening there, having a chance to also identify numerous birds, which are indicators of a healthy wetlands system.

I was also pleased to attend an informative Bellarine Landcare discussion with Cr Sarah Mansfield on aquatic invertebrate and microfauna that live in wetlands on the Bellarine Peninsula.

It was an interactive talk from Dr Robert Walsh, who had his microscopes, samples and petri dishes at the ready, giving us a great understanding of the web of life that wetlands depend on to stay in tip top shape.

As a farmer, it was valuable to delve deeper into why farm dams need to be fenced off.

This serves a dual purpose by providing livestock with clean water while also encouraging the full spectrum of life that resides there to thrive.

With all this knowledge in tow, I’m excited that work continues on the Sparrovale Wetlands in Charlemont (next to the Lake Connewarre), one of council’s most innovative environmental conservation projects.

The wetlands will act as an end-of-drainage solution for stormwater from the Armstrong Creek and Horseshoe Bend development precincts.

Home to frogs and fish, Sparrovale also provides habitat for a large number of migratory shorebirds and waterbirds including sharp-tailed sandpipers, whiskered terns and brolga.

We are turning the 500-hectare site into a new wetlands park that will allow visitors to take part in activities such as canoeing, fishing and bird watching.

The region’s wetlands are well worth exploring. You can find more information on them here: https://geelong.link/wetlands

While we’re on the topic, I’ll update you on the stunning wetlands, coastal dunes and woodlands that run between Ocean Grove and Point Lonsdale.

The renamed Southeast Bellarine Biolink Master Plan project, which aims to further protect this special area, is energetically progressing.

The green break, one of the last remote areas for nature on the Bellarine, is an area of significance under the Victorian Government’s Distinctive Arcas and Landscapes project.

New guidelines on creating coastal and marine management plans will help shape the city’s strategic plan.

Vegetation, fire safety and coastal erosion assessments are complete and a hydrological assessment on Lonsdale Lakes from Deakin’s Blue Carbon Lab will provide a better understanding of the processes here.

I thank the many land managers and community group representatives for their passionate involvement in meetings with the city each month.

A strong partnership continues with Wadawurrung Traditional Owners on increasing heritage and cultural connections and signage.

In terms of a shared trail, the team is continuing to investigate options to link Ocean Grove with Point Lonsdale that are safe and sustainable, while ensuring the green break is protected.

Local entertainment

There’s nothing like a balmy evening as summer comes to a close to make you want to leave the house and enjoy all that the Bellarine offers.

The Potato Shed in Drysdale recently launched its 2022 season and it was wonderful to see a taste of some of the live performers on the bill, including Bellarine Landcare and Colin Mockett.

The shed’s venue manager Rob MacLeod was at his witty best and the city’s Desiree Jacobson did a fantastic job presenting.

There really is something for everyone in the program – cabaret, dance, drama, music and circus – and a new bar that complements the outdoor stage is a great addition.

Visit geelongaustralia.com.au/potatoshed to book your next outing.

Cr Jim Mason