World Wetlands Day was celebrated in appropriate style at the Northern Territory’s Town of Jabiru with a monsoonal downpour causing the postponement of the early morning ‘ramble round the Lake’.
“But, with new little wetlands everywhere, by 10 am it was dry enough for determined ramblers to set off,” said Councillor David Norton. The ramblers circumnavigated Lake Jabiru, located at the doorway to one of the world’s most renowned wetlands areas, Kakadu National Park.
February 2 was the anniversary of the signing of the International Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, in Ramsar in 1971. It is of special significance to Jabiru and Australia because Australia was the first signatory to the Ramsar Convention.
“The decision to have special activities to mark the occasion was taken to provide local people with new insight into the unique environment of Kakadu,” David Norton said. “In addition, it serves as a reminder that litter in the township is ultimately carried by stormwater drains into the wetlands system.”
Those who took part in the ‘ramble’ were treated to several hours of rewarding birdwatching with over 30 species identified. Other activities organised for the occasion included a bus trip to Mamukala and a talk, titled ‘A Year in the Life of a Wetland’, presented by Parks Australia Ranger Greg Miles.
At Mamukala, a bird hide overlooks part of the kaleidoscopic South Alligator River floodplain. Participants were treated to views of numerous birds, frogs, fish and flowering lilies before a thunderstorm sent them to shelter at Kakadu Holiday Village. Local Business Kakadu Air provided a bus and driver for the excursion.
Greg Miles’ talk attracted over 60 people, filling the Town’s Council Chambers. With 20 years experience in Kakadu, he described the dramatic changes which occur in this unique environment during annual climatic changes.
David Norton said the response of residents to the activities was very positive and many have expressed interest in being involved in similar events in the future.
For further information contact David Norton, telephone (08) 8979 9774.
