A Management Plan for the Australian White Ibis is soon to be the centre of Bankstown City Council’s strategy to better manage Bankstown’s Ibis Population, following a recent Council decision for the Draft Management Plan to go on public exhibition.

The Draft Plan is an update of the original Management Plan for Ibis adopted by Council in 2004, and outlines Council’s plan in managing the current Ibis population in Bankstown.

“In response to community concerns and complaints regarding the Ibis, Council has reviewed the existing plan and developed an extensive draft management plan to deal with the Ibis issues in our local government area,” said the Mayor of Bankstown Clr Khal Asfour.

“Bankstown was the first NSW Council to adopt a Management Plan for Australian White Ibis in 2004, and since this time has worked with NSW National Parks and Wildlife examining options and defining a strategic direction for the management of the Ibis’ in Bankstown.

“I encourage all residents to read the Ibis Management Plan and get an understanding of the current Ibis situation in Bankstown, and have their say on the future works planned by Council to improve Lake Gillawarna,” Mayor Asfour said.

All written comments and submissions on the Draft Management Plan for Australian White Ibis in the Bankstown LGA 2012 need to be in by Close of Business 8 May 2012.

Residents can view the Draft Plan document by visiting Council’s customer service centre or Council’s website www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au

Submissions can also be posted to the General Manager, Bankstown City Council, PO Box 8, Bankstown 1885 or email to council@bankstown.nsw.gov.au noting REF: Exhibition of Draft Management Plan for Australian White Ibis in the Bankstown LGA.

To find out more about the Draft Management Plan for the Australian White Ibis go to www.bankstown.nsw.gov.au or contact Helene Forsythe on (02) 9707 9440.