Supporting community bird monitoring program in Altona wetlands

Mobil’s Melbourne Terminal team has proudly built a strong relationship with local environmental conservation group Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre (HBWC) through support of its programs designed to preserve the various wetland areas in Hobsons Bay.

The team at HBWC consists of volunteers dedicated to protecting wetlands and working to establish a purpose-built centre at the heart of the wetlands by 2025 that will provide opportunities for more community involvement in the area’s unique natural environment. The centre encourages education and learning, conservation and research programs to care for nature and connection with others in the community.

Wetlands monitored by the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre include those at the mouth of the Laverton Creek, the Truganina Wetlands and the Ramsar listed Cheetham Wetlands in Altona Meadows in the municipality of Hobsons Bay. They are connected to other local, regional and international wetlands, forming part of the East Asian Australasian flyway.

The HBWC has been designated the guardian of the Cheetham and Altona Key Biodiversity Area by Birdlife Australia.

 “One of the most important ways that we contribute to the protection of the Key Biodiversity Area wetland complex is by monitoring bird populations and compiling and reporting the data to use in advocacy with agencies responsible for these wetlands,” said Kevin Wood, Deputy Chair at HBWC.

The bird monitoring program consists of regular counts of all birds at all of the main wetlands, stretching from Point Cook to Williamstown. The counts are well co-ordinated between sites to allow for movement of birds within the area.

“Mobil’s support has assisted us to purchase a top of the line Swarovski bird spotting scope. I lead bird monitoring activities and using the new scope has made such a difference to our bird surveying capabilities, allowing us to more clearly identify the small migratory shorebirds.”

Mobil Altona Terminal Manager, Rhys Kelly, said, “We’re thrilled to be working with the Hobsons Bay Wetlands Centre to support such an important wildlife monitoring program.”

“It’s great to see the local community getting involved in wetlands preservation efforts and we’re glad the new bird spotting scope has aided their work.”