Caring for a Ramsar wetland site
Caring for a Ramsar wetland site
A community event organised to showcase and care for a Ramsar listed wetland
Local Links - Stronger Communities -
LLCI010-010
The issue
Leeton Shire Council (LSC) had worked with a number of organisations to continue work on the Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetland rehabilitation plan, which included the need to establish plantings in a large area of the Fivebough wetland. The Fivebough and Tuckerbil is a Ramsar listed wetland of international importance, with high cultural significance for the local Aboriginal community, as well as having prolific bird life. LSC wanted to hold an event to highlight both the cultural and environmental importance of the area to the community and contacted Landcare to seek assistance with the organisation and coordination of the day. A Fivebough Community Planting Day was organised and planned for September.
The solution
A number of organisations were contacted that have shown previous interest, or have had input into the rehabilitation plan. Murrumbidgee Irrigation, Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists, Riverina Local Land Services, Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council, local primary and secondary schools, the Office of Environment and Heritage and the Department of Crown Lands were asked to assist on the day.
Bush tucker was provided for the event, representatives from OEH and the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists spoke about threatened species, and representatives from the Department of Crown Lands spoke about their vision for the Fivebough Wetlands. School students were involved in the tree planting.
The impact
The day began with a traditional Welcome to Country followed by Parkview Public Primary school performing a traditional Wiradjuri dance and a Smoking Ceremony. The community was informed of the significance of this wetland and expressed their pleasure in learning more about the cultural and environmental significance of the area. Over 250 students and 50 community members attended and over 1,000 trees were planted.
Learnings
It was important to involve all interested organisations in the event, promote it as widely as possible, and ensure that one or two key people attend. Input was required from the Aboriginal community as to the events that would best highlight the cultural significance of the area.
Key facts
- Ramsar listed wetland of international importance
- Over 1,000 trees planted
- Over 50 community members in attendance
- Over 250 school students
- Over six organisations collaborating to ensure the day was a success.