Great Ramsar Wetlands – enhancement and protection of these internationally recognised wetlands 
A joint project managed by Melbourne Water to support and enhance Victoria’s Western Port and Port Phillip Bay shorelines has benefitted these important ecological wetlands by reducing predatory animals and improving habitat for local wildlife.

With funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program, the Two Great Ramsar Wetlands project has eradicated feral pigs from Quail Island, significantly reduced feral cats from French Island, and reduced the predation of migratory and resident shorebird species like the Eastern curlew, Red-capped Plover, Fairy tern, and a diverse range of waterbird species.

Speakers
N1: Speaker - Andrew Morrison, Senior Asset Planner – Land and Catchments, Melbourne Water

N1: Andrew Morrison

As Melburnians, we're really fortunate to have two internationally-recognised
wetlands within our region.

So in addition to Western Port, the Two Great Ramsar Wetlands project also worked alongside our key partners on the western shoreline of Port Phillip Bay.

We were really focused on protecting the ecological values of the Ramsar sites, primarily the waterbirds and shorebirds that utilise these areas.

Some of the work we've done has been about reinstating natural flows to the system. We delivered broad-scale pest animal control and pest plant programs.

In collaboration with our partners, we also did a lot of social media and a number of community engagement events about raising the awareness of how important these sites are.

And I'm really proud to be able to work with a fantastic group of stakeholders and community groups and representatives to make these places even better.

[Melbourne Water logo]
[This project is funded by the Australian Government.]