Changing landscape

A group of volunteers dedicated to gathering monthly information about water quality in the Wimmera River’s lower catchment has celebrated the 22nd anniversary of its efforts.

Jeparit Waterwatch Group volunteers, aged in their 30s to 80s, meet on the second Wednesday of each month on the river bank at Jeparit.

Volunteers test water quality and note changes in the river environment and wildlife.

Salinity in the river is of particular concern in the lower catchment but volunteers have noted major improvements since the return of rain last winter and spring.

The group’s data shows the rain halted rising autumn levels of salt in 2016 and conditions have since remained environmentally favourable. Of particular note was a return of water in Lake Hindmarsh and with it, wildlife.

Waterwatch member David Livingston said the return of water had brought with it a variety of fish, while fellow member Frank Pitt noted a return of several birds, including the whistling tree duck, a species missing from the environment for many years.

“This medium-sized duck settles in trees rather than on the water and chirps rather than quacks,” he said.

“There have also been large flocks of pelicans on the lake.”

Nhill Pilot Andrew Kube, who flies tourists and aviation enthusiasts on A. Kube Aviation tours across the Australian inland, including Lake Hindmarsh, backed up Jeparit Waterwatch Group’s observations.

“Flying over Lake Hindmarsh during the past few weeks I have noticed thousands of water birds there,” he said.

“Pelicans in the hundreds are swimming about and feeding, swans are paired up in the shallows and there are wood ducks, egrets and silver gulls skimming the surface.

“You only really notice this vast example of bird life when you fly over the lake or if you are willing to get your feet wet.

“A lot of the inland lakes, holding various levels of water, are providing refuge for large populations of birds.

“This is in turn providing spectacular viewing for people who are coming up with me.”