Birdlife Northern Rivers: “Dear Councillors,
Regarding Hastings Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Performance Upgrade Options Peer Review.
Birdwatchers frequent Tweed Shire Wastewater Treatment Plants (Hastings, Banora, Chinderah and Murwillumbah).
Birdwatchers often enjoy visiting wastewater treatment plants because they provide a rich and readily available food source for birds due to the nutrient-rich water, attracting a diverse range of bird species, often including migratory birds, while offering a relatively undisturbed habitat with ample open water and often shoreline areas to forage and roost.
Key reasons why wastewater treatment plants are good for birds and bird watching:
Abundant food supply:
The treated wastewater contains nutrients that support a large population of insects and small aquatic organisms, which serve as a readily accessible food source for birds.
Permanent water source:
Unlike natural wetlands that can dry up seasonally, wastewater treatment plants often provide a consistent water supply throughout the year, crucial for birds relying on water for feeding and drinking.
Variety of habitats:
Many treatment plants have diverse features like lagoons, marshes, and grasslands, creating a variety of habitats that can support a wide range of bird species.
Reduced human disturbance:
While some plants may have public access, many are located in relatively remote areas with less human activity, providing a peaceful environment for bird observation.
Migratory bird stopover:
Due to the readily available food and water, wastewater treatment plants can act as important resting and feeding sites for migrating birds.
A local example of brid life appreciation from a WTP of our neighbouring Byron Shire:
Byron WTP – The wetlands are a great place to watch more than 227 species of water, shore and bush birds. The wetlands form part of the 100 ha Byron Bay Integrated Water Management Reserve. An award-winning example of how good resource management can minimise the impact of the sewage treatment plant on the surrounding ecosystems.
https://www.byron.nsw.gov.au/Recreation-Culture/Sport-Leisure/Byron-Bay-Wetlands#:~:text=The%20wetlands%20are%20a%20great,plant%20on%20the%20surrounding%20ecosystems.
Another example of brid life appreciation from Victoria:
Melbourne WTP – Home to more than 300 species of birds, the Western Treatment Plant is a haven for birdwatching, and recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. The plant’s lagoons, grasslands and coastline provide an ideal and varied habitat for tens of thousands of birds and other significant wildlife due to the permanent water and food supply and little interference from humans. https://letstalk.melbournewater.com.au/wtpbirdwatching#:~:text=You%20must%20have%20a%20permit,updated%20COVID%2D19%20vaccination%20policy.
Birdlife acknowledge the expertise in Council to support birdlife at WTPs. If Birdlife can assist Council in any way on this agenda item please contact us.
Thank you for your consideration on this agenda item.
Sincerely Yours,
Linda Brannian
Convenor
Birdlife Northern Rivers
