WASTELAND OR WETLANDS?
This was the topic of discussion, led by Mick Atzeni, guest speaker at tonight's branch meeting of the Wildlife Preservation Society of Qld - Toowoomba, held at Amaroo Environmental Education Centre at Kleinton.
Mick spoke about all of the aspects of how the "Wyreema Wetlands" came to be and about the current situation facing the unique birding habitat, as the waste water ponds are due to be decommissioned shortly. Currently the Wyreema site is the only drought refuge of it's type in the Toowoomba Region, and is a refuge to birdlife not commonly observed in the Toowoomba region, including the Australian Spotted Crake and Pink-eared Duck to name a few.
The potentials for the future of this unique bio-diverse site are endless, but only if water input is maintained at the site to ensure the longevity of this diverse birding habitat.
The presentation by Mick Atzeni was well received by members of WPSQ Toowoomba and members of the public who attended the event, and everyone was in agreement, that such a location deserves saving and maintaining for the future of these bird species, and for the many options the location offers for local eco-tourism options in the future.
J.G.
