Real Environmentalists Doing Real Work
The Victorian Minister for the Environment has been asked to recognise the on-going and extensive environmental work being done by Field and Game Australia volunteers at Lake Connewarre.
Unlike Extinction Rebellion members selfishly clogging city streets, or banner-waving inner city Greens demanding more of others, Field and Game volunteers do real work for the environment.
Nest boxes and hen houses have been built for populations of rainbow lorikeets, red rumpled parrots, eastern rosellas and other bird species at the Lake Connewarre Wildlife Reserve.
The lake is on the Barwon River southeast of Geelong.
Member for Western Victoria Bev McArthur said the work is extraordinary.
“They work with Deakin University on modelling avian population dynamics and migration strategies and developing conservation techniques,” Mrs McArthur told the Victorian Parliament.
“The breeding ground supports 230 bird species, only 7 of those are listed for hunting.”
She said it is poorly understood that the Field and Game organisation is heavily involved in nature conservation and environmental projects.
“They rarely get recognised for this work,” she said.
“These are people who genuinely love being part of nature, they care for it, they nurture it.
“Unfortunately, they often only get talked about in pejorative ways because they enjoy hunting.
“They support and care for wildlife and birds and actively contribute to the science and understanding of these species.”
These environmental enthusiasts also provide educational experiences for school children, often unfamiliar with wetland bird and insect life.
Mrs McArthur wants the Environment Minister, Lily D’Ambrosio, to recognise the conservation work being at the Reserve.
She said it was disappointing no other Western Victorian MPs attended the recent launch of the Berretta Observation Trail at the Reserve, including the Animal Justice Party.
Mrs McArthur said she was very impressed with the newly developed Observation Trail - all built with volunteer labour and said she greatly appreciated the presentation by Field & Game Australia, Chairman, Peter Hawker outlining the history and work of these dedicated volunteer conservationists.
22 March 2021