Gateway Island

Over the next few months, parklands in consultation with the Wodonga City Council will be giving the Gateway Island walking circuit a major face lift. The main objectives of the works will be to ensure public risk is kept to a minimum and the environmental impacts of various weed species will be removed.

The works to be undertaken will focus on the removal of the current exercise stations placed around the walking circuit.  Other projects include: the removal of various weed species around the Island, especially False Acacia trees near the train bridge swimming site: the update of Koori signs throughout the walk: and the development of a best practice test plot for paspalum control where plantings are to be carried out this year.

The exercise stations unfortunately, no longer comply with Victorian standards.  All but a few stations have had their signage stolen or vandalised, providing costly to maintain.  parklands acknowledges that the fitness trail is still actively used by the community, however action is being taken to prevent unnescessary injuries.

In the future parklands would like to replace some of teh removed stations with modified and compliant fitness stations.

Gateway Island Wetlands

Although actions on ground seem to be dwindling the wetlands are still very much at the height of their development.  A large sign out the front of the parklands office is soon to be installed displaying a map with an enlarged insert highlighting the wetlands project and how to get there from the office.

Small signs, funded by the Rotary Club of Albury North, are being installed along the wetlands walking track, highlighting the wetlands from a frog’s perspective.  Information is currently being developed for installation in the second interpretation shelter located directly beside the wetlands.  The information is to relate directly to pond dipping and will highlight the different macro invertebrates you will find at the site.  Data sheets showing water quality, macro invertebrates found, etc will also be displayed in the shelter.

A preliminary survey of the wetlands has also been conducted by a La Trobe University student who will give a before and after indication of the possible impacts of the internal freeway.  Also carbon tender funding has been secured through the Hume Building Society to plant 700 trees and understorey shrubs.  The site has been slashed and had its first weed treatment in preparation for the planting.