Bundaberg Botanic Gardens have been featured on the YouTube channel of international water features expert Greg Wittstock, The Pond Guy.
Based in the United States, Greg established Aquascape in 1991. The company advocates “an ecosystem approach to water features that relies on the most natural balance of circulation, filtration, plants, fish, and rocks and gravel to ensure sustainability”.
The YouTube channel has more than 89,000 subscribers.
The Bundaberg video also features Patrick Handley from Waterscapes Australia, who undertook a project at the Botanic Gardens in 2017.
Patrick is praised on The Pond Guy video for his “truly amazing” work at Bundaberg.
The challenge of dealing with bird droppings is also discussed in the 10-minute film, which occurred in January at the height of bird-nesting season.
Council's environment and natural resources spokesman, Cr Wayne Honor, said Waterscapes Australia were engaged to help rebuild the Japanese Gardens water feature.
“This was a reconstruction of the old feature due to previous major leaks in the base. They completed this work in March 2017,” Cr Honor said.
“It includes a 6100 litre reservoir and 54 Aquablox wrapped up in a synthetic membrane liner.
“We are very happy with the new feature, and feedback from the public has been very positive.
Ongoing focus to improve water quality
“We continually look at better ways to improve the water quality of the lakes. This includes the dosing system which is producing good results,” Cr Honor said.
“It uses a combination of beneficial bacteria, enzymes and a powerful phosphate binder to maintain optimum water quality.
“We have a long-term management plan for the nesting Cattle Egret and Sacred Ibis, which assists to reduce the impact of droppings.
“Council can’t remove birds without approval. We work closely with the Environment Department to manage their impact on the aquatic environment.”
- Turtle on the march at Bundaberg Botanic Gardens
