Wetlands
Wetlands
There is thought to be over 2500 wetlands in Victoria's Southwest. Many of these are located in the Apsley area. This area has been referred to as "Kakadu without the crocodiles."
Wetlands come in many sizes and forms. Some contain permanent water are very large and deep and referred to as Lakes or deep freshwater marshes. Others are small and shallow and contain water for short periods. These are often referred to as Freshwater meadows.
Apsley's lifestyle has been based around its wetlands. The township of Apsley is near Lake Boikerbert. Wetlands are areas of natural beauty where people can enjoy yabbying, camping, canoeing, duck-shooting, bird watching, fishing and skiing.
Wetlands have a high habitat value. They are home to frogs, water-bugs, reptiles, fish, waterbirds and many plant species. Apsley area is one home to Growling Grass Frogs, Brolgas and Freckled Duck which rely on wetlands for their survival.
As Apsley's groundwater levels are affected by rainfall, the local wetlands are thought to be an integral link with our groundwater system. Runaway holes (eg the one at Newlands Lake) and soaks are evident in the Apsley area. Wetlands are known to be natural cleanser and purifier hence Apsley's groundwater is of exceptional quality.
Apsley Wetlands are also the upper catchment of the Mosquito Creek which feeds into the Ramsar Sites of Bool Lagoon and Hacks Lagoon in South Australia via 3 waterways. Koijak, Thompson and Yalla Creeks.
Although rainfall has been sparse over the past few years and dried up the wetlands, they still remain a key element of Apsley persona.
Reference:
Wetlands the Heart of the South-west Wimmera Department of Natural Resources and Environment 2000