Over the years many factors have combined to degrade the Ramsar site and adjoining lands. Activities including inappropriate stock grazing, rubbish dumping, drainage, and infestation by pest plants and animals such as boxthorn or rabbits have all taken their toll on the region's vegetation communities.

Parks Victoria Ramsar ranger, Steve Tuohy, said works are being undertaken across the landscape to support programs on both public and private land where there is a direct benefit to the Ramsar values.

“Current works include major fox control programs at Lake Connewarre and along the Swan Bay shoreline, Spartina eradication in Lake Connewarre, Spiny Rush control in the Swan Bay catchment and pest plant removal from Mud Islands,” he said.

Parks Victoria has worked closely with project partners the Department of Sustainability and Environment, City of Greater Geelong, Bellarine Land Care Group, Bellarine Catchment Network, Corangamite Catchment Management Authority and Barwon Coast Committee of Management to coordinate these projects.

The Ramsar project is committed to protecting the values of the Bellarine Peninsula's Ramsar wetlands through effective control programs.

“Integrated programs which include private landholders and other agencies achieve greater levels of success,” Mr Tuohy said.

‘”Pest plants and animals have the ability to adapt quickly to Australian conditions, creating new environmental issues in the process. If not treated, weed species such as spartina have the ability to colonise an area, out-competing native vegetation,” he said.

The target sites for restorative works and enhancement have been nominated by land managers with the funding for on-ground activities being provided by Channel Deepening Offsets through Department of Sustainability and Environment.

For more information, contact the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963 or visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au.