Unacceptable birdwatching conduct at WTP

We have received multiple reports of birdwatchers acting inappropriately within the birdwatching route, specifically around 270 South Borrow Pit where the American Golden Plover has been observed.

We understand that the presence of this rare species at the site provides birdwatchers with an exciting opportunity to view this bird in the wild. However, birdwatchers must ensure to abide by the access conditions to protect both themselves and native species/the habitats they occupy.

The observed unacceptable conduct includes:

• Entering lagoons in gumboots/waders
• Walking into native vegetation
• Walking dogs on leads around the lagoons

Expected birdwatching conduct at WTP

Please familiarise yourself with the Western Treatment Plant 'Birdwatching Access Conditions and Hazards' document. This document outlines the conduct birdwatchers must comply with when on site. Melbourne Water reserves the right to immediately close the birdwatching route to the public and/or cancel the permit of anyone not complying with these conditions.

To ensure the safety and health of these species is maintained please:

• Remain behind the line of native shrubbery when viewing the American Golden Plover
• Do not enter the vegetation to view the bird. This lagoon contains sensitive saltmarsh species which are easily damaged when trampled on
• Do not enter the water in any capacity. The water in this lagoon comes directly from the sewerage lagoons and is a major bio-hazard to human health.
• No dogs allowed on site
• No not use any form of 'call-back' to attract the interest of birds

Orange-bellied Parrots

The critically endangered Orange-bellied Parrot has once again been observed at WTP. To ensure the protection of this species please familiarise yourself with both the Birdwatching Access Map and the 'Birdwatching Access Conditions and Hazards' document These documents outline the route and conduct birdwatchers must comply with when on site.

To ensure the safety and health of the Orange-bellied Parrot please:

• Abide by the prescribed speed limit of 30km/hr or as per designated signage
• Give the birds space to enact their wild behaviours
• Follow the instructions on all signage, including the ‘ROAD CLOSED’ signs
• DO NOT ENTER areas you are not permitted to enter, especially native vegetation
• Do not provide food to any wildlife on site
• Do not use any form of ‘call-back’ to attract the interest of birds

Please report any sightings of Orange-bellied Parrots with time, location and any leg-band details to [email protected]

Additional surveillance

Extra surveillance of the known locations of both species, and birdwatcher conduct, will occur over the coming weeks.

Contact us

Please continue to report any incidents or hazards to the Customer Service Centre on 131 722 or [email protected]