One of the more disturbing aspects revealed in the debate preceding Council's decision to allow fishing in the Ploughmans Wetlands, was a failure from some Councillors to understand and recognise the major role that the Wetlands play in harvesting stormwater, in water quality management and for wildlife habitat.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Their belief was that the wetlands' main role was to cater for community recreation, and specifically fishing.
While recreation activities for children, families and people with disabilities are an inherent value of the wetlands, and are supported by the infrastructure of pathways, boardwalks, seats and a picnic shelter, they must not impact on the water quality and wildlife objectives.
Councillors also failed to understand that the damage being done to the Wetland vegetation was being caused by adults and teenagers who were fishing without regard to their impact on the sensitive vegetation and wildlife, and not just by off-leash dogs.
The very small number of children fishing in the wetlands has had minimal impacts.
A proposal to install a small deck and fishing platform, that would not only benefit fishing but provide access to all users, and support educational activities, in a less ecologically sensitive zone, was unfortunately rejected by a majority of Councillors.
One can only hope that in the future, all users of the wetlands will show greater respect for the important vegetation and wildlife habitat in this unique and widely recognised and applauded wetland, which unless protected, will have difficulty in recovering from damaging human impacts.
Neil Jones
HAVE YOUR SAY
- Send us a letter to the editor using the form below ...