here - Victorian Environmental Assessment Council

- Water
Water quality in the lakes and marshes of the park has been a problem almost since its inception. The
rainfall in 2010 has greatly improved water quality and the flora and fauna is growing rapidly as a result.
However without a natural flushing system, silt, contaminates and nutrients build up and have in the past
led to eutrophication. The Friends are seeking advice on a number of options for capturing further
stormwater runoff from surrounding sites and a discharge mechanism and will commission a water
management plan over coming months to assist in improving the quality of water in the park‟s lakes and
wetlands.
- Introduced species
A major barrier to the survival of some the rare indigenous plants in the park is the presence of a big
population of rabbits. There is no management plan in place to control the rabbit population and until
this is done we can expect to have difficulty with plant regeneration.
Potential
Numerous cities, notably Hong Kong, London, New York and Hanzhou, by restoring wetlands to
provide habitat for waterfowl, migrating waders and attendant coastal and woodland fauna, have created
popular attractions for locals and visitors. Whilst birdwatching, indeed ecotourism, is increasingly
important to tourism, these inner-urban wetlands also attract many mainstream travellers, who
appreciate natural environments as a respite from metropolitan crowds and complexity. With proper
planning, sensitive management and ingenuity, and even an expanded land and shoreline area, Westgate
Park, so accessible from Melbourne‟s CBD, could join the list of Australia‟s international icons,
generate revenue and increase our fabled „liveability‟.
Site Visit
A site visit to Westgate Park would really show first hand what this submission is conveying. We
would welcome such a visit and would be please to show those interested around the park.