Meeniyan Bird Hide now open for all!

Wednesday, May 5th, 2021

Meeniyan’s latest attraction – its very own bird hide – was officially opened on Tuesday 4 May by South Gippsland Water’s General Manager for Infrastructure and Planning, Mark Lynch and community member, Clive Hope. The opening saw community members, South Gippsland Water and the Meeniyan Progress Association gather for morning tea and coffee at the hide catered by Moo’s Meeniyan.

Community member, Clive Hope said that the bird hide is an exciting addition to the rail trail, for all visitors – not just for bird lovers.

“The hide is located on the Great Southern Rail Trail next to the Meeniyan Wastewater Treatment Plant and provides wonderful shelter and views of the lagoons and diverse waterfowl,” he said.

South Gippsland Water’s Mark Lynch said the raised bird hide, just under a metre high and about four metres wide, is perfectly positioned for walkers and cyclists to share the joy of seeing the range of bird species amongst the revegetated habitat.

South Gippsland Water officially opened the $6.2 million treatment plant in 2012. Driven by another local partnership, the Sewer Meeniyan Action Committee, the plant is a series of lagoons that filter waste before returning water for reuse in suitable places nearby such as the racecourse, golf club and recreation reserve.

The bird hide is thanks to a community partnership between the Meeniyan Progress Association and South Gippsland Water, as well as community consultation. It was constructed by Toora construction company Hilder Homes in early 2021. A special thanks also to Chris and Kelly Ogilvy from Ogilvy’s Lawn & Garden Maintenance for weed spraying, DASMA, Koonwarra Transfer Station for supplying mulch free of charge, Lindsay Woodhams and Leo Lacanaria from South Gippsland Water for transporting the mulch, Frank Smolders & Chris Gittin from Smolders Revegetation for supplying and planting plants and spreading the mulch.