No. 22

DBCA supports MBS concept and boundaries; MBS & Boundaries to Melville Council's OMC on 20 June, Plantings at Pt Waylen Viewing Platform; Osprey Stories

Hello everyone,

We now have welcome news about our proposed Melville Bird Sanctuary (MBS)!

Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions (DBCA) supports the MBS concept and its boundaries

DBCA’s Conservation Parks Commission (CPC) and Swan River Trust (SRT) have expressed full support for the MBS concept and its Stages 1 and 2 boundaries – see map below.

Establishment of MBS and its boundaries will be considered at the next Ordinary Meeting of Council (OMC) on Tuesday 20 June 2023

Melville Council will consider the establishment of the MBS and its boundaries at its next OMC on Tuesday 20 June 2023.

We’ve spent some 3 ½ years developing and advocating our MBS proposal to State Government members, DBCA, Melville Council and the City of Melville. That, together with comprehensive consultations conducted by external consultants for the Attadale Alfred Cove Foreshore Master Plan and subsequent recommendations, have enabled us to finally get to this significant point! We’re hopeful that Melville Council will give final support and approval to establish the MBS along our proposed boundaries at its OMC on 20 June 2023.

The MBS will be a key project for the City of Melville’s future environmental credentials and not just a symbolic initiative. While the concept of a Bird Sanctuary does not offer further formal protections for the proposed MBS boundaries (beyond the gazetted Alfred Cove ‘A’ Class Nature Reserve), according to DBCA, it is a good way to convey how these combined DBCA areas and City of Melville lands are important for birds and collectively managed as a whole for significant conservation outcomes. Birds and their diversity are primary indicators of environmental health.

Please, if you could show your support by attending the MBS agenda item at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 20 June either in person or via Zoom, that would be great. The OMC will commence at 6.30pm at Council Chambers (2nd Floor) Melville Civic Centre, 10 Almondbury Road, Booragoon.

Plantings at the Pt Waylen Bird Viewing Platform

With the cooler weather and rain, the advanced sedges and melaleucas held at the City of Melville nursery for the Pt Waylen Bird Viewing Platform have now been planted by the City’s Foreshore Team. 200 Tubestock and 100 advanced sedges will also be planted by the Swan Estuary Reserves Action Group (SERAG) on 20 June with assistance from the Foreshore Team. Our thanks to all involved in this wonderful work. If you haven’t yet visited this platform, you’re missing out!

Osprey Stories

Our newsletter wouldn’t be complete without some titbits of info about our Alfred Cove Ospreys. Below is a recent photo of our juvenile Osprey who can be spotted most days fishing(or trying to) at Alfred Cove, and still at times being fed by Mum.

So many of us feel a personal connection with these wonderful birds! During one of our recent Birdwatching Walks, a bright 11-year participant asked for the juvenile Osprey’s name. When asked to suggest one she promptly said “Tony”. Well Tony/Toni (we don’t know its gender as yet) is still at Alfred Cove although our Osprey expert maintains the youngster should’ve long since departed!! Who could blame it for not wanting to leave these wonderful Alfred Cove shores?!

Tony / Toni ?! Photo- Sue Stanley

Finally

The establishment of the MBS will provide significant benefits for our local and wider communities offering a haven of peace and tranquillity as many of our Birdwatchers have already experienced.

Our vision is for the MBS to be world class and appreciated and enjoyed by current and future generations...

We look forward to giving you more good news soon.

MBS for today's children

Kind regards,

Tom Lubin and Jenny Christenson
Friends of Melville Bird Sanctuary