Busselton's wetlands to become the next eco-tourism hot spot
Busselton's internationally significant wetlands will be made more accessible to nature lovers with planning well advanced for a new eco-tourism experience.
The Busselton Bird Observatory and Wetlands Experience will include an interpretive centre, walk trails, boardwalks, viewing platforms and bird hides.
But as well as developing infrastructure to better view the area, the project will also include conservation activities to manage weeds and feral animals.
It will also be about the protection and enhancement of flora and fauna and will aim to promote awareness and a better understanding of the area's conservation value.
A project team, led by the Busselton Shire Council, together with government and the community, has been formed to drive the project. The South West Development Commission has been active in contributing to the team.
These wetlands are believed to be home to 90 species of birds - 35,000 in total. They are internationally significant and this initiative will allow better access and a greater appreciation of this unique natural environment.
As partner in the project, the South West Development Commission contributed $22,000 to the Shire of Busselton to help fund a concept/business plan. The council committed $25,000 to the project.
Three sites have been identified for the bird observatory and observation tower, and a final site will be selected within the next few months.
The Busselton wetlands include the Vasse-Wonnerup Estuaries and are recognised as internationally significant under the Ramsar Convention. They are noted as one of Australia's 15 national biodiversity hotspots.
The complete system is 1.5 kilometres wide and extends 25 kilometres behind the coastal dunes of Geographe Bay.