Clarkesdale Bird Sanctuary

Interpretation Centre

A Planning Permit has been obtained for the conversion of the existing machinery shed on the Grantiella block to a multifunction Interpretation Centre (IC). The hub of the Interpretation Centre will be a meeting room, about 9m x 9m, able to meet the needs of 25 to 30 people and with wheel chair access. There will be a small kitchen, toilets and showers. Bunkrooms will be able to sleep 8 to 10 people. Powered and un-powered campsites are available near the IC.

Access to the Sanctuary must be approved by the Ranger in order to prevent inappropriate disturbance to the birds and their habitats. For the benefit of visitors who cannot be met by the Ranger an external display board will include: -

1. A brief history of the sanctuary including a profile of Gordon Clarke and his vision.
2. Aerial photo/ sanctuary map and acknowledgements of major sponsors/donors.
Descriptions of different ecosystems within the sanctuary and descriptions of 3 or 4 focal bird species with photographs, habitat requirements etc.
3. Notes on BOCA, TfN, Parks Vic, Clarkesdale Trust (CT), BEN and the Corangamite CMA
4. Accommodation rates, rules and regulations.
5. Pamphlet and map dispenser.
6. A chalk board for visitors to list interesting or unusual sightings etc.
7. Information on other birding locations in the region.
8. Contact phone numbers.

The Interpretation Centre will provide the following benefits and opportunities.

1. A Mecca for bird watchers, and a focal point for promoting biodiversity conservation within the Woady Yaloak and Corangamite catchments.
2. The regular meetings of the Clarkesdale Committee of management (CCOM) will be more conducive to productive discussion and decision making with less dependence on the weather.
3. The Friends of Clarkesdale will have a comfortable home base from which to work.
4. A meeting place for the exchange of ideas and dissemination of information between the partners involved in the CBS.
5. Enable the CBS to play an educational role on the plight of the woodland bird community.
6. Allow expansion of the existing relationship with the University of Ballarat
7. Increase community awareness to ecological management and habitat restoration.
8. School groups, cyclists, walkers and tourists interested in the environment will be able to apply for access to the facility.
9. A place for accredited ecotourism operators to visit.
10. A place where the proprietors of local farm stay accommodation would be able to arrange supervised visits to expose city children and others to natural resource management, biodiversity and catchment issues.
11. The Linton community will be proud of their involvement in the evolution of this inspirational biodiversity project.

Links to other items in Clarkesdale