Stage 1 of Peach Flat & Community Wetland is complete |
On 18 October 2004 the first stage of the Peach Flat & Community Wetland project was officially opened by Craig Ingram MP (Gippsland East). |
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Peach Flat is 10 kilometers north of Briagolong, on Marathon Road. This is an unusual site for a wetland because most wetlands are found on the plains. This one is in the hills and is surrounded by bush. |
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The idea for a wetland at Briagolong goes back to the land-owners Rod McMillan and Michele Adler. In late 2001, Rod & Michele had been working in the Galapagos Islands (Darwin's famous Pacific Islands) on the interpretation of natural ecosystems. On the way home they visited the impressive London Wetland Centre. What they experienced there gave them a clue to what was possible at Peach Flat. |
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When they returned to Gippsland they discussed their ideas for a wetland project with various local groups. They received enthusiastic support from everyone. In April 2002 they established a consortium of private and public groups to assist in raising funds and in developing the project. |
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The members of the consortium for Stage 1 and the main contact people are: |
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| Maffra & Districts Landcare Network (NDLN): |
Erlina Compton |
| Peach Flat land-holders: |
Rod McMillan, Michele Adler |
| Watermark: |
Duncan Malcolm, Wally Evans |
| Wellington Shire: |
Neil Breeden, Natalie Liddell |
| West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA): |
Wayne Gilmour, Phil Taylor |
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The aim of the Peach Flat & Community Wetland project is to restore, preserve, enhance, monitor, study, enjoy and provide an opportunity for people to understand the value of the natural habitats found at Peach Flat. |
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The public will be able to access the wetland in two ways. First, there will be an interpretation trail that leads from the public car-park to a hide, where people can sit and watch the comings and goings. This trail will be accessible at all times. |
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The second way to access the wetland is by appointment. Schools, natural history groups, cultural groups and other interested parties can make bookings to gain access to the internal trails and the Cultural & Environment Centre. |
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Stage 1 completes the restoration of the wetlands at Peach Flat. Stage 2 will see the design and construction of interpretation trails, hides and the beginning of the Cultural & Environment Centre. Stage 2 is due for completion by the end of 2006.
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