It’s a bleak and windy day when we meet Craig Morley at a location close to his heart, a 500-hectare parcel of land and wetlands known as Sparrovale, located at Charlemont only eight kilometres from central Geelong.
Craig, a retired teacher of science, biology and chemistry, is a regular at Sparrovale where he enjoys observing the many species that rely on the wetlands for their survival.
A life member of the Geelong Field Naturalists Club, Craig was approached by the City’s Environmental Project Officer, Donna Smithyman, to participate, along with other club members, in surveying the site for a monitoring program which will gather data on birds, fish, frogs and water to show fluctuation over time and guide the City’s management of the area.
Sparrovale, which joins the Barwon River and the Lake Connewarre State Game Reserve, was acquired by the City in 2019 in order to protect the internationally significant wetlands and to provide treatment and stormwater storage for the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area.
In what was a significant milestone for Craig and other members of the Geelong Field Naturalists Club, the Sparrovale-Nubitj yoorree Wetlands Master Plan was adopted at a Council Meeting in Geelong following significant community consultation and input on its development.
Craig describes the area as a significant piece of the environmental jigsaw, nestled next to Ramsar-protected Lake Connewarre and providing essential habitat for migratory shorebirds who make the annual flight from as far away as Siberia before returning each year to breed.
With large numbers of people settling in the Armstrong Creek Urban Growth Area, Craig says it is vital that this significant pocket is preserved in order to protect the extensive native fauna and vegetation. The master plan will also ensure that Sparrovale provides an attractive area for residents and visitors to connect to nature.
“If it’s done carefully and well it will provide wonderful opportunities for people in terms of passive recreation. Picnic areas will be provided in some areas whilst I really hope other areas can remain as secluded and as undisturbed as possible for the protection and conservation of significant species such as Brolga and the migratory shorebirds which will feed in the area to build up condition for their marathon flights to the Arctic,” said Craig.
With a raised walkway and observation area, the retired teacher sees opportunities for education with school group visits to the area to see the birds he has been fond of from a very young age.
Project Officer Donna Smithyman says that the location has a long history as a place of value. Wadawarrung Traditional Owners have told Donna that the area has been valued for the significant reeds for weaving, as well as the fish, eels, birds and the connection to the river.
Donna hopes that Wadawurrung Traditional Owners will play a role in the future with education on the site.
More recently, in 1849 the first racecourse was built here and was the first home of the Geelong Racing Club. Facilities included a timber grandstand and its own railway branch to bring racegoers to the course. Archer raced prior to winning the Melbourne Cup. When the racecourse relocated to its current address, the land was taken over by the Geelong Harbour Trust and was turned into a model farm. General Sir John Monash, known for his military service, was also an engineer and designed the silos which use to stand on location at Sparrovale.
“The more you dig the more you find out,” says Donna.
Sparrovale is a testament to agencies working collaboratively with the City working closely with the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Parks Victoria to manage the area.
The survey work being done by Craig and others has led to new discoveries in the area including the nationally listed Yarra Pygmy Perch and the Growling Grass Frog – both new discoveries in this area and very significant. The area is also home to large numbers of wild deer which present a threat to the natural values of the site.
With the area teeming with bird life, the data collection is important to ensure the continued health of birds and other animal and vegetation populations on the site and adjoining wetlands. A strategic partnership with Deakin University has meant that the university is involved in monitoring the water quality and flow.
Craig and Donna are excited that Geelong residents will get the opportunity to discover the nature reserve which for most is currently off their radar.
Craig mentions that the boardwalks and an observation deck will provide access for people of all abilities to view the natural habitat on our doorstep and Donna mentions the opportunity for residents to get involved in citizen science and observation.
Visit over, we pause a moment to enjoy the recently returned Fairy Martins with their white rumps and beautiful burnt orange crowns disappearing under culverts where they will no doubt build their bottle-shaped mud nests in weeks to come. We head off out of the wind with plans to warm up after what has been a chilly but exhilarating adventure in a very special place.
The theme for this year’s Geelong Nature Forum, Where the Rivers Run, will provide the perfect springboard to talk about the animal and plant life of the region’s rivers, creek sand wetlands. Donna Smithyman will be presenting on Sparrovale and Craig Morley will be presenting on wetlands birds of the Geelong region, more broadly.
The forum will be held on 26 September and is an initiative organised by the City, Geelong Field Naturalists Club, Friends of the Barwon and the Department of Land Water and Planning with sponsorship from the Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Barwon Water.
The forum also includes an exhibition at the National Wool Museum showcasing the wildlife that lives along our waterways. Bookings for the Geelong Nature Forum are now open at www.eventbrite.com.au/o/geelong-nature-forum
