I am writing to express my concern in relation to the installation of the floating “wetland” pontoons at Lake Alford.
I understand that the objective of the pontoons is to remove excess nutrients, improve water quality and create artificial habitat for wildlife.
As a committed bird observer, I am struggling to see how a single line of pontoons surrounding the islands in the middle of Lake Alford will achieve any of the above objectives.
Whilst adult birds may be able to fly over the pontoons, juveniles will effectively be trapped within the confines of the surrounding ring of pontoons which are too high for ducklings, cygnets, juvenile egrets and ibis to get onto and over.
There is also the issue of accessing the islands to remove sick, injured and orphaned birds.
I am aware of the local wildlife rescuer who has spent years caring for the birds at the duck ponds, and who also removes birds that have died from botulism, caused by the poor water quality.
How will anyone be able to continue this valuable work if the ring of pontoons doesn’t provide for boat access to the islands?
Elsewhere in Australia, these floating wetlands have been grouped to form islands within waterbodies, which, in my opinion, would be a far more effective method of trapping nutrients and creating habitat for waterbirds and other species.
On whose advice did the council determine that a “ring of death” was the better way to go?
Graham Parr,
Gympie
