GET out there and explore the region’s wetlands.
That’s the message from Fraser Coast Mayor George Seymour, as communities across the globe come together to mark World Wetlands Day (02 February, 2021).
Council has planned a jam-packed month of activities to mark the occasion.
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Cr Seymour said the Fraser Coast was fortunate to be the home of the Great Sandy Strait, one of five Ramsar Wetlands in Queensland.
“This places us in an important position of responsibility to preserve its many significant values,” Cr Seymour said.
According to the Department of Agriculture, Water and Environment, Ramsar Wetlands include those that are “representative, rare, or unique wetlands, or are important for conserving biological diversity.”
There are 66 Ramsar Wetlands in Australia and more than 2,300 across the world.
The department said the Ramsar Convention, signed in Iran on February 2, 1971, aims to stop the worldwide loss of wetlands and to conserve those that remain.
To celebrate 50 years of Ramsar and remind communities of the significance of the Great Sandy Strait, Council has partnered with the Queensland Wetland Program, Burnett Mary Regional Group and local conservation groups to organise a range of activities to educate and entertain residents and visitors to the Fraser Coast.
Activities include:
- ‘Find a Frog’ excursions where residents can help photograph or record calls of frogs they encounter.
- Guided walks to learn about mangrove species.
- A turtle workshop in Poona.
- A Great Sandy Strait Boat Cruise.
- Tree planting day.
The celebration will also include a month-long photography competition. Three double passes to go whale watching are up for grabs.
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Residents of all ages can enter taking and submitting a photo of one of the many beautiful wetlands from around the region.
A list of easy to explore wetlands is available on Council’s website. Click here for more details.
“I want to encourage all Fraser Coast residents to get involved and explore our wonderful wetlands in February,” Cr Seymour said.
Check the Council’s website for more information on the different activities. You’ll need to RSVP quickly as numbers are limited.