This is the scene that Mary Patchett of Wynnum encountered.
Press on individual pictures for larger images
these photo were taken the next day
So much for a B.C.C. demonstration on mosquito control. The BCC have certainly left a a trail of "how to degrade public property". The truck/s used to transport their many vehicles to and from the site have left deep tyre groves in the parkland. This will certainly provide mosquitos with a place to breed. Could it be some type of a self employment program by some BCC management?
comment by B Wilson. Webmaster.
Eye witness account by Mary Patchett.
April 19th 1999
Topic
VECTOR SERVICE
(MOSQUITO CONTROL DEPT.)
BRISBANE CITY COUNCIL
Monday morning walking with a friend along the North Wynnum Walk Circuit, past the Mangrove Board Walk, and up to the North Wynnum Park also called the North Lytton Bird Roost, by the "Birdo 's.
Mainly to see the condition of the area, after our "Clean - up Australia Day" on March 7th and to check up on the Maintenance the problems with the Motor Mower man, was an ongoing dilemma.
We were confronted with a "water craft "of some type... not a Hydrofoil or Hover craft, more like the kind seen in those Movies about "the Everglades "with a high volume of noise racing across the water of the wetland (airboat), which is one of the important resting sites of The Wader Birds, our Shore Birds and the home of all descriptions of water birds.
There was people on board, besides the Driver enjoying the "joy- ride", water and mud scattered in all directions , finally up the bank of the wetlands, a great performance! (see photos at top of page)
It was obviously a BCC Demonstration to show the capability of this vehicles, the people (numbered Approx. 40 ) transported by one of those "Limo -Buses", complete with Shade tent and Mobile Loo.
To complete this picture of Environmental Damage there was a number of vehicles called "wetland buggies" with hard tyres driven up and down the contoured land, through grassed areas (Native Birds refuge) and up pathways not meant for vehicles, at full and low speed to demonstrate their capability on Wetland terrain.
I spoke to the person in charge...
Darryl Mc Ginn, Business Manager, Vector Services, the noise was at such a high level it was difficult to hear, asking if he had permission to conduct this type of "Demonstration" on this type of Area. He replied "It was not required, and that this Water craft was in use at the Boondall Wetlands, as was the Buggies, also had been in use here at this Park over the last six months. Spraying for Mosquito Control here was essential as this was a recognised source of Mosquito Breeding."
My comments in return, were unheard because of the noise, but I did attempt to say "the Wader Birds " were still here ! ....
That Craft is obviously not suitable for this fragile Wetland.
Returning home, angry upset about the damage caused to the wetland area.
Contacted BCC Dept. of Natural Environment asking for Dr. Maxine Cooper, my complaint was heard by Kath Stevens, Wetlands Officer.
Especially in regard to our local wildlife. The Wader Birds leave our Shores in March /April, the result of this type of impact on the Birds and the small area of water, plus the damage to the Reclaimed Land (Registered Contaminated Land Site.)
The damage caused by the large delivery vehicles, large ruts created by the watercraft (airboat) and wetland buggy (quad bikes) wheels provide the perfect breeding ground for Mosquitoes. (See photos at top of page)
Vehicle access must be discouraged... Site Remediation ! indeed!
Listing my other questions...
Where was:
The "Adviser in the Environment " at this BCC Demonstration ?
Our local "Mossie Net", in the early stage supported by all Bayside Environment groups?
The Australian Marine Conservation Society Moreton Bay Branch?
Bayside Wildlife Preservation Society?
Bayside Environmental Network?
The Wader Bird Study group?
"Adopted - A - Wetland" project by Coast Care?
Why was the Bayside Regional Park Management, not notified or invited ?
Did anyone ask about possible Environmental impact?
The North Wynnum Conservation Park since 1995. On to the RAMSAR Convention in 1996 through all the changes of status of the land.
1999 ... Why no consideration for our local community groups from Service Clubs, to School Education Programs, the children " adopted " the park, plus Scouts.
We support the Queensland Government Strategy for the Conservation and Management of Queensland's Wetlands.
This Strategy promotes community -based initiatives, and joint Government /community programs.
What has gone so wrong?
A management plan, short term and long term objectives have been offered, requests for assistance with Water reticulation and tree Planting persist, wild life Corridors require consideration Feral animal control "weed busting" and planning for our Wader Habitat consistent with Shore bird Management, with some priority given to improvement of the design of the "bird-hide".
A local joke! Boondall has had built substantial bird hides yet we only have a hole on the ground!
The Lytton Bird Roost/ Park
A meeting was held with Kath Stevens, BCC Wetland Officer , as a follow-up to these complaints on, 23rd April at 9 am. Low tide on site.
Present: Peter Cumming, BCC Councillor, who commented I was "not invited" either, but came due to Complaints of Noise.
Present Rob Mancini (Wader Bird Study Group ) who stated that on Saturday the 17th of April , he was conducting a Bird count, and can verify the numbers of birds ! plus he explained this type of noise created, by such a large water craft at speed and the impact that might occur would be very detrimental on the Birds.
Present: Doreen Drahim, Chairperson, Bayside Regional Park, stated that a "Workshop" could be arranged with the Mosquito Control Dept. BCC, Wetlands Officers, Dept. Environmental Management, The Boondall Wetlands, Committee Coastcare, and Bayside Environment Groups, Rivermouth Action Group Inc. All members of the Moreton Bay Environmental Alliance.
Coast Care Officer, Ian Curtis, present at this meeting, can verify the damage caused on the land, and in the wetlands.
Report written by:
MARY PATCHETT "Moreton Bay Environmental Alliance" 19th April 1999.
Dr Maxine Cooper rang back on 20th April - saying the problem would be looked into!
last update 28 Oct 1999
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