Please note due to the unavailability of the usual venue the 11 January 2017 meeting will be held at the Jerrabomberra Wetlands (details below).
A joint presentation on Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve – Past, Present and Future will be given by Lori Gould (Program Manager, Woodlands and Wetlands Trust) and Chris Davey (Founding Member of the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Management Committee) who has been associated with the Reserve over many years.
Lori will discuss her role at the Wetlands and the management structure she works within. She will also provide an overview of the Wetlands to highlight the interesting and varied place that it is. This includes its many natural values despite being classified as a ‘novel’ ecosystem, the challenging and sometimes conflicting management issues with so many neighbours and stakeholders, the pressures of development and catchment management affecting water quality, and the balance between human and natural uses. Lori will also discuss programmes and projects being carried out at the Wetlands including the Latham’s Snipe project.
Since the filling of Lake Burley Griffin in 1964, local ornithologists have been documenting the birds in the area. In addition, systematic monthly surveys by the ACT Government on the waterbirds of the area were conducted between August 1980 and September 1997. Since July 2012 COG has run quarterly surveys of all bird species throughout the Reserve.
Chris will provide a brief history of COG’s association with the Reserve and changes in bird richness and abundance since 1964. Management issues associated with the bird life using the Reserve in relation to surrounding land uses will also be discussed.
The Jerrabomberra Wetlands Offices are at 2 Dairy Rd Fyshwick.
Dairy Road is an extension of Newcastle St as it goes under the Monaro Highway at Fyshwick. Continue along past the Wetland Foreshores complex next door (2 entrances – do not go in either of these!), go through a traffic calming device, over a speed hump until you get to a gate on your left, a green mail box and a blue sign saying “ Jerrabomberra Wetlands Offices”. The critical point is not to turn into the complex next door.
Please note that parking inside the gate is limited, so it’s best to park along the road, with the E side, ie turning around and facing back towards Fyshwick, offering the best shoulder on which to park.