Reserve named after Golden Whistler bird

A reserve in McGlone Rd, Drouin will be known as Golden Whistler Reserve.

Baw Baw Shire has endorsed the name put forward by the Friends of Drouin’s Trees and also supported by council’s Place Names Advisory Committee.

A report to council said the Golden Whistler was one of 31 native bird species found in the reserve.

FODT advocated for the reserve to be renamed Golden Whistler Reserve because of the regular and unexpected sightings of Golden Whistlers so close to the Drouin town.

The public reserve also has been identified as significant in the shire’s significant tree register.

FODT has worked with council to seek funding opportunities to restore parts of te reserve, including planting, weeding, path consolidation and demarcation, protection of fragile flora species, planting of canopy trees and installation of interpretive signage.

Drouin guides, scouts and other community groups would be included in major planting and works at the reserve.

The committee received a $24,626 grant from Gippsland Transport Environmental Projects.

FODT member Peter Ware told council he was a “bird tragic” and the Golden Whistler was a bird worth celebrating.

He said in the rush of urban devel;opment, habitats were fast disappearaing but this one was hanging on.

“If we save the habitat for the Gippsland Whistler, it will be saved for other species. The Golden Whistler is not threatened but because of less habitat, it’s being scared out of other areas because of less eucalyptus canopy,” he said.

Cr Peter Kostos said he hoped the reserve would be maintained so the Golden Whistler and other birds could continue to live in the reserve.

“It will become a good walking place for residents,” he said.

Cr Keith Cook said the Golden Whistler was one of 31 bird species in the reserve. He said the bird was distinctive for its bright yellow plumage and musical song.

“Quite often we hear of meaningless names but this will be an appropriate name,” he said.

Cr Annemarie McCabe acknowledged Friends of Drouin’s Trees who worked tirelessly for the natural environment and advocated for the naming of this reserve.