Macleod Morass World acclaimed
wetlands.
Forming part of the world renowned Gippsland Lakes are East
Gippsland's Macleod Morass on the outskirts of Bairnsdale These are
listed as significant wetlands in the Ramsar Convention, which was
signed in Ramsar, Iran, in 1971 and is dedicated to conserving
wetlands of environmental significance around the globe.
Protecting Macleod
Morass
Located adjacent to Bairnsdale Wastewater Treatment Plant and
managed by Parks Victoria, the 520 hectare Macleod Morass is a
deep, freshwater marsh providing home to hundreds of species of
birds, fish, insects, mammals, reptiles and frogs including a
number that are endangered.
Native wildlife at Macleod Morass includes the
Swamp Harries and the Green and Golden Grass Frog.
It has been susceptible to salt water intrusion since the Lakes
were opened to the sea in the 19th century. A program to improve
its long-term health commenced in 1994, with the establishment of a
wastewater management working party involving a range of
government, statutory body and community representatives. As a
result, in 2002 East Gippsland Water completed a major construction
project - funded jointly by the water corporation, Victorian
Government and National Heritage Trust- which enables recycled
water from the wastewater treatment plant to be used to help
protect the health of the morass. There are now three wetland
'cells' and associated structures to control water flows and levels
into various sections of the morass to reproduce the natural
wetting and drying cycles. Recycled water from the Bairnsdale plant
enters the 'cells' where it is further filtered to remove bacteria
and certain nutrients, such as phosphorous. It is then distributed
around the wetland as required. Some 95% of all the recycled water
produced by Bairnsdale Wastewater Treatment Plant each year is used
to help sustain the Macleod Morass.
Looking out from Bairnsdale Wastewater Treatment Plant over the
Macloed Morass.
Working closely with Parks Victoria, the priority has been to
ensure the ecological value of the wetland is protected and its
value as a water bird habitat is maintained. Close monitoring shows
that this initiative is paying dividends.
An aerial view of Macleod Morass looking towards
Paynesville.
In addition, as part of its commitment to help maintain
the biodiversity of the morass, East Gippsland Water has taken
action to tackle the resident carp population. Indeed, since 2003
nearly 50 tonnes of these highly destructive fish have been
captured and removed.
The first co-ordinates will take you to a information board
about Macleods Morass, you will need to get some dates off this
board to find GZ co-ordinates.
Final co-ordinates below are a short distance away
S37.50.(A-1665)
E147.37.(B-1676)
Where "A" is the year sewage first started geting pumped into
the Morass.
Where "B" is the year the Morass was officially recognized as a
reserve.
The cache is 200ml sistema container with small assortment of
goodies.