Open Day celebrates Cattana Wetland’s transformation

Once covered in sugar cane and now an important nature conservation reserve, thousands of volunteer hours have transformed the Cattana Wetlands from a working farm to a wildlife haven.

Residents can find out more about the history, flora and fauna of the wetlands at an Open Day this Saturday (5 August).

The Cattana Wetlands Open Day, from 8am to noon, doubles as a celebration of 10 years of the Jabirus volunteer group.

Over the past decade the Jabirus, part of Council’s Green Space Our Place volunteer program, have invested 20,000 hours to tackle weeds, plant thousands of trees and shrubs, install nesting boxes for possums and beautify the area.

Mayor Bob Manning said Cattana Wetlands has gone from strength-to-strength since the site was purchased by the former Mulgrave Shire Council in 1993.

“Our predecessor council had the foresight to purchase the Cattana area to preserve 30 hectares of lowland rainforest,” Cr Manning said.

“Through investment by Council, the State Government, Treeforce and the amazing Jabirus, Cattana Wetlands has been rehabilitated to not only protect the Feather Palm Forest but the many birds and native wildlife that have made the site their home.

“With its lakes, shaded boardwalk and interpretative signage, Cattana Wetlands is also the perfect sanctuary for humans wanting to connect with nature, right on their doorstep.”

The Open Day will include:

• Botany For Kids: 8.30am to 9.10am
• Boardwalk tours: 9.30am to 10.10am; and 11am to 11.40am
• Birdspotting from the jetty: 8.30am to 9.10am; and 9.30am to 10.10am
• Possum boxes: 8.30am to 9.10am; and 9.30am to 10.10am
• Plant Doctor: have all your native plant questions answered, all morning.

There will be a cake and baked goods stand thanks to Marlin Coast Meals on Wheels (cash only) and a coffee van.

Please note Cattana Wetlands is a nature conservation reserve. Dogs, except registered assistance animals, are not permitted.

Cattana Wetlands is on Dunne Road, Smithfield.