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Clarkesdale Bird Sanctuary
Proposed Interpretation Centre
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A Planning Permit has been obtained for the
conversion of the existing machinery shed on the Grantiella block to a
multifunction Interpretation Centre (IC). The hub of the IC will be a meeting
room, about 9m x 9m, able to meet the needs of 25 to 30 people and with wheel
chair access. There will be a small kitchen, toilets and showers. Bunkrooms
will be able to sleep 8 to 10 people. Powered and un-powered campsites are
available near the IC.
Access to the Sanctuary must be approved by
the Ranger in order to prevent inappropriate disturbance to the birds and their
habitats. For the benefit of visitors who cannot be met by the Ranger an
external display board will include: -
- A brief history of the sanctuary
including a profile of Gordon Clarke and his vision.
- Aerial photo/ sanctuary map and
acknowledgements of major sponsors/donors.
Descriptions of different ecosystems
within the sanctuary and descriptions of 3 or 4 focal bird species with
photographs, habitat requirements etc.
- Notes on BOCA, TfN, Parks Vic,
Clarkesdale Trust (CT), BEN and the Corangamite CMA
- Accommodation rates, rules and
regulations.
- Pamphlet and map dispenser.
- A chalk board for visitors to list
interesting or unusual sightings etc.
- Information on other birding locations
in the region.
- Contact phone numbers.
The
Interpretation Centre will provide the following benefits and opportunities.
- A Mecca for bird watchers, and a focal
point for promoting biodiversity conservation within the Woady Yaloak and Corangamite catchments.
- The regular meetings of the
Clarkesdale Committee of management (CCOM) will be more conducive to productive
discussion and decision making with less dependence on the weather.
- The
Friends of Clarkesdale will have a
comfortable home base from which to work.
- A meeting place for the exchange of
ideas and dissemination of information between the partners involved in the
CBS.
- Enable the CBS to play an educational
role on the plight of the woodland bird community.
- Allow expansion of the existing
relationship with the University of Ballarat
- Increase community awareness to
ecological management and habitat restoration.
- School groups, cyclists, walkers and
tourists interested in the environment will be able to apply for access to the
facility.
- A place for accredited ecotourism
operators to visit.
- A place where the proprietors of local
farm stay accommodation would be able to arrange supervised visits to expose
city children and others to natural resource management, biodiversity and
catchment issues.
- The Linton community will be proud of
their involvement in the evolution of this inspirational biodiversity project.
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