14 January 2011

Twitchers win again as Mulligans Flat to be restored to pristine 1960s condition

| johnboy
Join the conversation
12

Jon Stanhope has announced plans to spend $200,000 to restore the highly artificial conditions which made the Mulligans Flat wetlands a birdwatching delight in the 1960s.

Planning work has commenced on a $200,000 repair project to a large dam in Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve that will enable the re-creation of an important wetland environment, Chief Minister and Minister for Territory and Municipal Services Jon Stanhope said today.

“The work on this dam will help restore one of the ACT’s most important wetlands to good health and once again attract a wide array of water birds,” Mr Stanhope said.

Since 1995, Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve has protected a unique box gum woodland environment, as well as a large wetland area created by a very large farm dam built in the 1960s.

However, a number of breaches to the dam wall over time have reduced the size of the wetlands.

The power of Canberra’s bird watchers, and their devotion to artificial habitats being maintained in the name of the environment, is a source of constant wonder.

Consider the opportunity cost of the Jerrabomberra wetlands also kept as a near-private playground.

Join the conversation

12
All Comments
  • All Comments
  • Website Comments
LatestOldest
wildturkeycanoe10:22 pm 13 Jan 11

Aren’t the ponds/dams in Gungahlin enough for the waterfowl? Or is it too far for them to fly/swim/walk? Why don’t we re-create some other “artificial conditions” for public enjoyment such as a racetrack/speedway, forests [such as the pinus radiata ones in Stromlo/Molonglo that the bushfires destroyed], or other 60’s fun activities such as cricket. The government can’t mow the lawn on several west Belconnen playing fields but they have a budget to fix a private dam! This is seriously for the birds…

Just thinking @ #10 +1

Had a recent hospital admission to emergency. 6 Hours, and after cutting up rough at the waiting time was admitted for 2 and a half weeks.

Emergency was an incredible experience. So many obviously competent, dedicated staff, dealing with patients ranging from life threatening conditions to the totally pissed. Better men (and women) than I am, Gungha Din. The doctor who was a 20 year old replica of Audrey Hepburn obviously screwed with my mind!!!

When the ACT is standing head and shoulders above the other states in relation to expenditure on emergency care, Sonic can spend our money on Grasby statues , Arboretums and ‘works of art’.

I realise dear Sonic , that you have to prioratise your Government’s expenditure, but do Arboretums really come in above basic health services?

JustThinking4:58 pm 13 Jan 11

Geesh,
with waiting time at hospital emergency,,,,isn’t there anything else that the money could be spent on?
Crap how many teens with nothing to do go watch birds in the waterlands?
How many go spraypaint graffiti somewhere that we can all whinge about?

I am really really sure that there are more important things that can be done with the money.
Maybe NOT another skatepark,,,but maybe more police supervision at the skateparks.
Maybe something for kids who do not skate?

Do we make sure adults have enough to do watching birds,,,,,or make sure we have enough for the kids to do??

Squil said :

housebound said :

An artificial wetland (= farmland/grassy woodland before the dam was built) is now “one of the ACT’s most important wetlands”. Surely not.

Why not? Animals don’t care that it used to a farm. And the ACT is a very small place with very few natural bodies of water.

Ladies and Gentlemen, I present your twitcher.

housebound said :

An artificial wetland (= farmland/grassy woodland before the dam was built) is now “one of the ACT’s most important wetlands”. Surely not.

Why not? Animals don’t care that it used to a farm. And the ACT is a very small place with very few natural bodies of water.

An artificial wetland (= farmland/grassy woodland before the dam was built) is now “one of the ACT’s most important wetlands”. Surely not.

D2 said :

Can’t see any downside to this.

What’s a “twitcher”?

A twitcher is a bird watcher and vice versa

Jerrabomberra wetlands a private playground? That’s over the top. What else do you suggest is done with it that would be less exclusive?

Skate park? Got them. Sports fields? Got em. Stadium? Got one. Markets? Covered. Theater? Sorted.

$200 000 is a pittance for a State Government project. Throw away money to keep some oldies, some greenies and the birds happy. Smart move from the Government and congrats to whoever lobbied for the outcome.

Can’t see any downside to this.

What’s a “twitcher”?

It just seems like a lot of resources going to a very minority interest spoono.

Especially an interest which traditionally requires no infrastructure at all.

Kerryhemsley11:00 am 13 Jan 11

Stanhope seems obsessed with putting money in to wetlands in Canberra.

What’s your problem with that JB? It’s lovely green space that’s helping protect a habitat for the declining numbers of woodland bird speices. Everyone is free to visit the Jerra wetlands and Mulligans flat and enjoy it. You wanna get rid of public space and build some flats?

Daily Digest

Want the best Canberra news delivered daily? Every day we package the most popular Riotact stories and send them straight to your inbox. Sign-up now for trusted local news that will never be behind a paywall.

By submitting your email address you are agreeing to Region Group's terms and conditions and privacy policy.