17 years of living with nature

3. INTRODUCTION

PERSONAL HISTORY

My husband Ashley and I have lived on five acres adjoining the Eastern boundary of the land at the end of Younger St for 17 years. When we purchased the land, housing finished near the golf course gates and most of Fairway Crescent was vacant land. Houses now reach our East boundary and one house has been built in a corner of the west boundary of the golf course.

I have put together this report to highlight some of the concerns I have about the proposed use of the land extending from Swinton Street to O’Brien Street. I have keenly observed the area during the time we have lived here. I want to share with you my observations about the rich diversity of wildlife in the area and bring attention to the drawbacks of high density housing. Most importantly I want to suggest we consider preserving the wetlands and developing a world class, eco-friendly tourism development. Many towns have addressed their surrounding natural lands and have turned them into an eco-friendly space, internet links listed below. A brief study of recent holiday choices shows people are increasingly turning to responsible tourism and are seeking out eco-friendly options. Warrnambool is already a popular destination for environmental enthusiasts, with the whales, Tower Hill, Thunder Point, Lake Pertobe, foreshore bird watching and the Botanic Gardens and this could be an important boost to our reputation.

The ‘Merri River Wetlands’ stretches from O’Brien Street at the East through to Swinton street in the West and adjoins wetland further to the West. The eastern portion comprising approx 20 acres has been ear-marked for development by the WCC & Warrnambool Golf Club.

This area of land is a water-locked paradise. When the Merri cutting was put through further inland, perfect conditions for wetlands developed. This land has been privately owned for many years and human impact has been minimal. We are luck that this stretch of land has been seen as an undesirable area to live to date, so left mostly untouched. Birds and animals have been left in comparative isolation to thrive without major human interference.

During summer months the majority of the land is relatively dry, except the original watercourse that forms a series of permanent billabongs. In winter several areas are inundated as the banks of the Merri overflow and water gathers in low-lying wetland areas. This refreshes the wetland ponds and provides the birdlife feeding and breeding grounds.

Since living at Younger Street I have ridden horses and walked over the ‘Wetlands’, some times daily, to Levy’s Point and down to the beach. With my passion for bird watching and nature, I have recorded much of the wildlife and environment of this unique part of our city.

I would like to offer the benefit of my firsthand knowledge and experiences of the area to highlight my concerns about the proposed development and impact of un-managed human intrusion into this unique are and assist in ensuring all facets of the proposal are fully understood and the best outcome achieved.