want to write about Albacutya
terminal lake beyond Hindmarsh
both fill from overflowing Wimmera
after flood when river systems flush

many decades ago as children
regularly visit town of Rainbow
swam in both the nearby lakes
boating-people water-ski go

now extraction for irrigation
has put whole catchment under threat
open channels will be piped soon
whether in time to save? hope no regret

special species of river red gum
around this magnificent area grows
scientists are worried whether
sufficient environmental flows

freckled ducks, swans and coots
are most common waterbirds found
freshwater catfish, yabby, redfin
and tree goanna habitat all around

Jakelbalek tribe used to live there
in stories a kangaroo called Purra
ate bitter quandongs while running
away from Wembulin, a spider

government information says
the region is an important site
RAMSAR birds unique and threatened
for their preservation need to fight

Mitchell’s Hopping Mouse
another small creature there
vital to understand biodiversity
protect flora and fauna rare

still information to gather
to properly appreciate lake
too late when animals extinct
must act now, for their sake


Note: see www.land.vic.gov.au