WORLD WETLAND DAY – 5 FEBRARY 2017
WORLD WETLAND DAY – 5 FEBRARY 2017
Landcare put Fivebough Wetland in focus for Leeton locals
Local Links - Stronger Communities -
LLCI010-021
The issue
Murrumbidgee Landcare received a Foundation Grant from Riverina Local Land Services to celebrate World Wetland Day. Leeton was the focus as it has a Ramsar-listed wetland nearby that is undervalued for its economic, cultural and natural resource values. It was decided to hold a Birds and Brekky at Fivebough event and a viewing of the movie Storm Boy at the Roxy Theatre on February 5.
The solution
Fivebough and Tuckerbil wetlands are significant and overseen by a management committee chaired by NSW Department of Industry-Lands.
Birds and Brekky at Fivebough started at 7.30am with the participants receiving a free breakfast from the Leeton Lions Club. This was then followed by presentations from Keith Hutton-Fivebough bird enthusiast, Geoff Sainty-wetland plant specialist and David Hunter-OEH frog specialist. After the presentation attendees walked around the wetland and learnt more from the presenters.
In the afternoon the movie Stormboy commenced with a Welcome to Country from Jimmy Ingram-local Aboriginal elder, followed by Paul Maytom-Leeton Mayor. Erin Lenon then talked on the importance of environmental water and the international significance of wetlands. An evaluation was completed by the participants and the feedback was very positive.
The impact
Birds and Brekky at Fivebough
There were approximately 70 attendees, including 10 children ranging in age from five to 15. Over halfof the participants had not visited Fivebough before and were amazed at the birdlife.
Stormboy movie
There were approximately 70 attendees and the movie was an excellent trigger to stimulate conversation on the importance of taking care of the environment. Many participants expressed interest in joining the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists group.
Key facts
- World Wetlands Day is an opportunity to promote the role of these natural resources.
- Despite Leeton's proximity to two Ramsar-listed wetlands, a small number from the community have visited.
- Feedback was very positive with many participants expressing interest in joining the Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists.