<< BACK TO CONTENTS You never heard so many happy frogs! Common froglets, pobblebonks and some clicks from, I think, striped marshfrogs.” Banyule resident Anthea Fleming, also of the Waringal Conservation Society, witnessed this first hand: “You never heard so many happy frogs! “ she reported. “Common froglets, pobblebonks and some clicks from, I think, striped marshfrogs.” Melbourne Water General Manager of Integrated Planning Chris Williams said that under natural conditions the Banyule Billabong would have been flooded annually. However, with our rivers supplying water to drink, grow food and meet industry needs, the billabong is flooded less frequently, and water for the environment is essential to its future. “We delivered water to the site to simulate what should occur naturally, and we were really pleased to see that the frogs responded by returning to the area almost immediately,” Chris said. “The billabong is also a popular recreational area for enjoying nature, walking and cycling along the Yarra trail, so we want to ensure the site is rehabilitated for the benefit and liveability of the community and for future generations. Water delivered from the Yarra River to help this unique environment survive and thrive is crucial to achieving this rehabilitation.” Left to right: A growling grass frog, by East Gippsland CMA; An echidna at Banyule Billabong, by Anthea Fleming, Warringal Conservation Society; Tawny frogmouths at Banyule Billabong after watering, by Anthea Fleming, Warringal Conservation Society. Reflections – Environmental watering in Victoria 2016–17 | 42
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