Residents at Point Cook, Sanctuary Lakes and Altona Meadows are probably some of the luckiest people in Victoria with views that have greater value than they can imagine. Residents and recreational visitors to the area can literally lean over their back fence to experience the internationally listed Cheetham Wetlands and see a natural wonder than occurs once every year.
Cheetham Wetlands forms part of the much larger internationally significant Ramsar Wetlands which extends from Point Cook all the way to the Bellarine Peninsula near Geelong.
Cheetham Wetlands is a safe haven for thousands of migratory birds that come from as far away as Siberia and Japan between September and March to breed every year. It makes Cheetham Wetlands, which is just a stones-throw from Melbourne city, one the state’s most significant natural locations
The wetlands are under the protection of key environmental and government organisations, and is managed by Parks Victoria. Equally important for the health of the wetlands is the impact that residents and local businesses can have on protecting the wetlands.
Biodiversity Coordinator for the Port Phillip and Westernport CMA (PPWCMA) Mark Smith explains that protecting the wetlands from human impact of probably one of the most difficult tasks for the organisations involved in managing the wetlands.
“Cheetham Wetlands really are an astounding natural asset to have on Melbourne’s door step. Every year thousands of birds fly from around the world to seek haven at Cheetham, arriving as early as September and staying until the following March. Cheetham Wetlands literally comes alive for these six months every year.”
“Cheetham sits right in the middle of some significant housing estates, is fringed by the Point Cook Marine Sanctuary and is adjacent to some beautiful recreation areas. The challenge is to ensure that while people have the opportunity to view this amazing wetland, that these visitors don’t threaten the safe haven for these birds,” Mr Smith explained.
Residents near Cheetham Wetlands and visitors to the area who are interested to help protect the Wetlands can do so by:
- Making sure their dogs or cats do not roam into the wetlands and disturb the birds
- Not walking or riding in the wetland itself
- Talking to their friends and neighbours about the wonderful migratory birds and importance of the wetlands
- Joining or forming a friends group to help Parks Victoria with the conservation of the wetlands
World Wetlands Day (February 2) marks the anniversary of the signing of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. The Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar Wetlands (of which Cheetham is a part) are home to tens of thousands of migratory shorebirds each year between September and March.
World Wetlands Day brings these wetlands into focus and encourages responsible use and appreciation of this wonderful natural asset. Local celebrations will occur the week starting January 25 and continue until February 2. For more info and to see local events visit: www.dse.vic.gov.au/worldwetlandsday
See more information about Cheetham Wetlands here - http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1park_display.cfm?park=92 |