Wetlands woo wildlife

Australian Ecosystems staff carry out planting in wetlands atMarriott Waters estate.
MARRIOTT Waters is the City of Casey’s new housing estate, which is celebrating this month the completion of its second man-made wetland.
More than 100,000 aquatic plants have now been placed in the wetland and are all typically Australian natural species sourced from local areas.
The planting of the aquatic vegetation that has already attracted a wide array of insect species, fish, frogs and birds to the wetlands is expected to purify rain and grey water.
Villawood executive director Tony Johnson said the attraction of the wildlife to the wetlands was a mark of the success of a thriving ecosystem.
“Starting with a bare paddock and seeing it transform into a lush habitat for wildlife, is evidence of an ecosystem set to thrive,” Mr Johnson said.
Another feature of the wetlands has been the inclusion of 15 pelican sculptures made by award winning Tasmanian sculptor Folko Kooper.
The pelican artworks join his three other bird structures that were installed last year.
Marriott Waters estate has also included two kilometres of shared bicycle and pedestrian paths around the wetland as well as a boardwalk to connect residents to the planned sporting ovals, which are set to be developed in a district park by the City of Casey.