Jerrabomberra wetlands neglected?

Neglected? nah, let’s dig it up for a power cable :\

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/news/local/news/general/cable-threat-to-city-wetlands/1718182.aspx

Canberra’s most important wetlands are threatened by a $37 million electricity upgrade, designed to boost land values for inner-city housing developments.
Jerrabomberra wetlands, which provides habitat for more than 170 native bird species, will become a high-traffic urban construction site if the proposed upgrade is approved.

cynical? who me? 🙂

In true RA style of resurrecting an old thread, but with a new slant, I see Jon Stanhope did a photo op for today’s CT in the bird hide at the Jerra Wetlands.

The story was about how Jon was inspired by his recent trip to the UK where he saw a wetlands area that was funded through developer contributions from nearby sites. Well there’s a revelation that he didn’t need to go all the way to the UK for. This is standard practice in local governments around Australia. The Maroochy Council that I was part of used this method to fund $millions worth of streetscape redevelopment for Mooloolaba Esplanade and beachfront, and the main streets of Maroochydore alongside Maroochy River. And that was a decade ago…

He also thinks this model could work for Mulligans Flat, but alas Forde is already sold so a bit late to be trying to levy anything on that development.

But lets let inspiration come from wherever it may and irrespective of how belatedly.

I just hope that while Jon was at the wetlands he observed all the nice fluffy bunnies hopping all around the bird hide and has ordered TaMS (HIS department) to finally do something about them.

It’s hard to accept this government being capable of taking on “big things” when it struggles to do a reasonable job of the basics.

Why can’t we have a sealed bike and walking trail around the whole lake? Is it purely for ornamental purposes or what?

ant said :

good spot for an…. immigration bridge.

I still think we should settle it as an Imaginary Immigration Bridge, and have an IIBA to oppose the IBA.

Jerra wetland is a piece of prime public realestate, and it’s a pity that it’s not being used (unable to be used is more accurate). But, money talks and Ms Dunne can walk – Canberra has other areas needing urgent attention (public transport, schools, roads) than the wetland.

good spot for an…. immigration bridge.

is this just a case of vicki dunne getting twitchy?

Irrespective of its “major” status, and as has been raised here numerous times by me and a number of others, the state of the Jerra wetlands – and the rabbit infestation in particular – is something the ACT Goverment should be embarrassed about.
And if they can’t get their crap together over basics like knocking off a few rabbits, what hope the bigger issues?