The Allan Labor Government is shining a spotlight on spectacular wetlands in Melbourne and the Bellarine - celebrating their natural beauty, biodiversity and helping them become must-visit eco-tourism destinations.
Minister for Water Gayle Tierney announced four new wetland areas have been nominated to the Commonwealth for recognition as Ramsar sites. These new sites will extend the existing boundary of the Port Philip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar Site.
The nominations follow extensive public consultation and will expand the existing Ramsar site by roughly 1,361 hectares - strengthening Victoria's status as an internationally significant destination for nature lovers and eco-tourists.
The inclusion of Lake Connewarre Complex Conservation Reserve is a coastal saltmarsh and will include Reedy Lake and Hospital Swamp, conserving the threatened spicy peppercress plant found along the Armstrong Creek.
Edwards Point Swan Bay Wildlife Reserve and Coastal Reserve is made up of coastal saltmarsh and intertidal flats and is home to endangered waterbirds like the curlew sandpiper, far eastern curlew, and red knot.
Moolap Wetlands is a temperate coastal saltmarsh and is an important habitat for waterbirds, including six international migrant shorebirds that regularly use the area.
Point Cook Cheetham Coastal Park and Marine Sanctuary is coastal saltmarsh and seagrass. It also provides an opportunity to include the entire Cheetham Wetlands which would add several additional values.
Listing will not result in changes to permitted recreational activities at these locations.
Ramsar sites are of international significance and attract tourists from all over the world to come and experience the unique biodiversity and landscape of our wetlands which are ideal for nature walks, birdwatching, photography, and eco-tourism.
The Commonwealth Government will make the final decision regarding the extension of the boundary of the existing PPB Ramsar site.
As stated by Minister for Water Gayle Tierney
"All of the wetlands put forward were given extensive consideration, these nominations will support the protection their unique ecosystems without impacting local recreation activities."
"Ramsar listing puts our wetlands on the global map and attract birdwatchers and nature lovers keen to experience these internationally recognised landscapes."
As stated by Member for Bellarine Alison Marchant
"This is great news for the preservation of our local environment and ensures the future of these precious wetland sites."
