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News>Seagull issues at Namatjira Park Wetlands
Melbourne Water in partnership with the Federal Government and Kingston Council is constructing a new $7.1 million wetland in the Clayton South Retarding Basin and neighbouring Namatjira Park.
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| Because the wetland is a construction site and it is currently closed to the public, it has created an environment where seagulls can drink and bathe without being disturbed. This is a unique and unexpected problem.
Council is acutely aware of the issues this is causing local residents and we are working with Melbourne Water to fix the problem as soon as possible. We know that this has taken some time and we appreciate your patience.
Today, Melbourne Water’s board is meeting to discuss a proposal to install netting at the site.
The netting will block all access to the water by seagulls. Without access to water, the seagulls are expected to leave the site after approximately a week. However, the netting will need to remain in place for much longer (up to six months or more while the reeds are growing) to ensure the seagulls do not return. When the reeds are established, they will serve as a deterrent to the seagulls.
Until the netting is installed, Melbourne Water and Council are doing everything we can to disturb the seagulls, including using air sirens, people on the ground, and visual disturbance such as flags.
As a precaution, Melbourne Water has taken a number of water quality samples and they are awaiting the results.
Once the water quality is confirmed, Melbourne Water is looking at sending people with trained dogs to the site to further disturb the seagulls.
When the landscaping is completed (this is expected in August, weather permitting), the area is expected to be less attractive to the seagulls. In addition, when the site is open to the public, the presence of the community and pet owners walking their dogs will disrupt the birds and reduce their numbers.
This project is a vitally important environmental initiative that will bring a wealth of benefits to the area in relation to:
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Protection against flooding for local properties
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Improving water quality
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The wetland will naturally filter pollutants such as nitrogen and phosphorus in local stormwater that would otherwise flow into Port Phillip Bay
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Stormwater harvesting
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The project will store stormwater to be reused by Council, offsetting up to 92 mega litres of potable water each year
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Enhancing local biodiversity
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Improving amenity in the area
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The retarding basin will be transformed into a beautiful natural wetland for the community and future generations to enjoy, with public access to the wetlands, walkways and barbecues
For more information about this matter, please call Melbourne Water’s toll free information line on 1800 673 151.
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