Goya Dmytryshchak
Three Hobsons Bay environmental sites will be nominated for inclusion on the list of wetlands of international importance developed under the Ramsar convention.
Mayor Colleen Gates said expanding Hobsons Bay’s list of Ramsar sites beyond the Cheetham Wetlands would raise further awareness of of their significance.
The three sites nominated by the council are a section of Altona Coastal Park, a section of Paisley-Challis Wetlands at Williamstown and the Laverton Creek estuary.
“It could see these sites, which are under council management, recognised for their significant wetlands across the globe,” Cr Gates said.
“Ramsar recognition is a great opportunity to protect and showcase the significant environmental wetlands and waterways in Hobsons Bay.
“These areas are known for their distinct biodiversity, including as resting grounds for unique species of migratory birds.”
The nominations form part of a review by the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning of the Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site.
The site is listed as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, named after the small Iranian town of Ramsar where the signing took place in 1971.
A council report states Ramsar listing could “limit recreational uses that have the potential to affect ecological character such as some water sports and dog off- and on-lead areas”.
“These uses would be restricted as they would disturb nesting shorebirds and impact intertidal vegetation and habitat,” the report states.
