Mayor's Message - 02 April 2019

Published on 02 April 2019

It was a privilege on Saturday to officially rename the Mary Street Wetlands, in East Devonport, in honour of former Mayor Mary Binks.

Mrs Binks served as Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Alderman of Devonport over a 13-year period from 1989.

She was awarded an OAM in 2005 and was Devonport’s Citizen of the Year in 2008.

During her time as Mayor, Mrs Binks was instrumental in establishing support for the wetlands and it was also pleasing that her husband, Chris, two of her children, Peter and Mary, and their partners were able to attend.

Located between Mary and Caroline Streets, the wetlands are an enriched habitat for a diverse range of flora and fauna on approximately 1.7 hectares of land.

Prior to the formation of the wetlands, the area was used as a landfill site for Council.

Upon its closure in 1999, local interest in re-establishing the wetlands was canvassed by Council and a Working Group involving nearby stakeholders and community members was set up.

Partnerships were established between Council, the Don College, Melaleuca Home for Aged, East Devonport Primary School and local residents.

In 2000, Council successfully gained the services of a Green Corps team to rehabilitate the site. Major earth works were carried out to form an open pond as well as adjacent boardwalk and pathway. Weed control and extensive native plantings were also undertaken.

In 2001, the Friends of Mary Street Wetlands Volunteer Group was formed, involving all above-mentioned stakeholders, with supervision by Council.

The Mary Street Wetlands project won a State Tidy Towns Major Environmental award in 2001. In 2002, the second stage of the walking pathway loop and seating was completed with additional assistance by a local Green Corps team and Work for the Dole team.

It is a fitting tribute that the area is now known as the Mary Binks Wetlands ensuring that Mrs Binks’ legacy and her community passion will be forever remembered.

Cr Annette Rockliff

Mayor