The region’s own “Kakadu” is benefiting from a restoration project on Geelong’s doorstep.
The work on saltmarsh land near Point Wilson would restore “vital habitat” for endangered birds, said Parks Victoria project co-ordinator Toby Stringer.
The site was within an area covered by an international agreement to protect habitat for migratory wading birds, he said.
“This area is recognised as second only to Kakadu for its diversity of bird life.
“Saltmarsh vegetation is critical habitat to a wide range of wildlife, including the critically endangered orange-bellied Parrot and migratory wader birds.”
Parks Victoria and Melbourne Water have joined forces on the project, which focuses on removal of pest animals and plants.
The benefits of the project, on Melbourne Water-owned land east of Lara, would have wider environmental advantages than bird conservation alone, Mr Stringer said.
“Partnerships like these are vital to achieving large-scale conservation across the landscape, particularly in important habitats such as saltmarsh. We are already seeing positive results with native saltmarsh plant species regenerating,” Mr Stringer said.
“Saltmarsh vegetation has also recently been identified as one of the most effective carbon sinks on the planet. Saltmarsh, along with mangroves and seagrass meadows, can bury carbon at 35 to 57 times faster than tropical rainforests and can store this ‘blue carbon’ for thousands of years.
“This makes saltmarsh vegetation ideal targets for carbon offset programs and nature-based climate mitigation initiatives.”
