ENVIRONMENTAL authorities are urging users of the new section of the Bay Trail to respect the surrounding wetlands habitat.

The Port Philip Bay and Westernport Catchment Management Authority has stressed the need for greater community awareness of the need to protect the internationally significant bird haven.

Biodiversity coordinator Mark Smith said residents had a role in preserving the Cheetham Wetlands, which he said was an "astounding" natural asset on Melbourne's doorstep.

"Every year thousands of birds fly from around the world to seek haven at Cheetham, which literally comes alive from September to March every year."

Parks Victoria

ranger Bernie McCarrick said signage along the trail would provide valuable information. "We've put a sign up at the entrance in the Altona reserve where the bridge starts, explaining what some of the unique birds species are that inhabit the wetlands. We plan to put more interpretation signage on the lookouts to tell people something about the importance of wetlands and what they're looking at. We want to make people aware of what we're protecting, and that we're bound by the RAMSAR treaty to ensure residents view the wetlands in a responsible way."

Residents and visitors to the area who want to help protect the wetlands can do so by:

■Not walking or riding in the wetland itself.

■Making sure their dogs or cats do not roam into the wetlands and disturb the birds.

■Talking to friends and neighbours about the wonderful migratory birds and importance of the wetlands.

■Joining or forming a friends group to help Parks Victoria with the conservation of the wetlands.