Wannon & Nigretta works

Here is a recent media release regarding work plans for the Wannon and Nigretta Falls, thought it was worth posting. I’d be interested to now what peoples thoughts are on the Wannon and Nigretta Falls and how we should approach future works. They are a great tourist attraction, a beautiful place for locals to visit for picnics and they also hold some rare plant species. One thing for sure is that we need some good signage sooner rather than later…

Media Release 22nd December 2010:

Southern Grampians Shire Council welcomes the healthy debate at a recently held meeting about the proposed works plan for the Wannon and Nigretta Falls according to Council’s Director of Shire Futures, Mr Michael McCarthy.

“The fact that more than 40 people attended a discussion about a work plan demonstrates the community interest and the amenity and tourist values of these Reserves. There were a divergent range of views put and I was very impressed how people respected each others differences. These views will be put in the mix and the Works Plan will be presented to Council early in the New Year.

“Council’s commissioned a detailed works plan to identify the costs and resources required to manage the infrastructure and protect the ecological values of the Reserve. There are many plants protected by State and Federal Government legislation that Council as Committee of Management is obliged to protect on this State-owned land.”

Council’s newly appointed Natural Resource Management Officer, Ms Jenny Hurse said, “More than 250 species of wildflowers abound in the Wannon Falls Reserve. This diversity and the splendour of these wildflowers provide a tourist attraction to complement the magnificent falls.

“Only last month there was a conference organised by the Society for Growing Australian Plants where 120 people attended the Wannon Reserve because of this abundance of the wildflowers.

“One of the reasons for this diversity and large number of species is the healthy soil created naturally on the undisturbed forest floor.

“The Reserves are excellent local attractions which provide a special and unique experience for visitors and locals alike. It would be great if we could get a Friends group happening to support the management of the Reserves and engage the community more in understanding the richness and diversity of flora and fauna in the Reserves. A large proportion of those who attended Tuesday night’s meeting put their names on a list to form the basis of such a group,” she concluded.

Mr McCarthy added, “A key component of the Works Plan is to remove woody weeds which in some areas will reduce the fuel load by up to 50% within the Wannon Reserve in particular. The Council brief required that the proposed works would support effective management of fire risks and we will continue to work with the CFA to ensure that this happens. A Risk Assessment has also been undertaken by Council and new signage will be installed very shortly.”

Advertisement