Ralphs Bay facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Ralphs Bay |
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Ralphs Bay at sunset, 2006
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 Ralphs Bay
Location in Tasmania
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| Coordinates | 42°58′12″S 147°25′48″E / 42.970°S 147.430°E |
| Type | Bay |
| Basin countries | Australia |
| Settlements | Rokeby, Lauderdale, Sandford, South Arm, Opossum Bay |
Ralphs Bay is a beautiful bay located in south-east Tasmania, Australia. It's almost completely surrounded by land. The Tranmere/Rokeby area is on one side. The South Arm peninsula is on the other. Boats can enter the bay from the River Derwent.
This bay is quite shallow and can be windy. It's about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) from Hobart, Tasmania's capital city. Low, grassy hills at Droughty Point protect it from the north-west winds. The land formations of South Arm and Opossum Bay also provide shelter.
Contents
Wildlife and Conservation
Amazing Migratory Birds
Ralphs Bay is a very important place for birds. Every year, tiny birds called red-necked stints fly all the way from Siberia. Many of these amazing travelers choose Ralphs Bay as their home for the season.
Protecting Rare Fish
The bay is also home to the critically endangered spotted handfish. These unique fish are very rare. Because of pollution in the nearby River Derwent, most of them now live in Ralphs Bay. This makes the bay a crucial safe haven for their survival.
Important Bird Area
Ralphs Bay is part of the South Arm Important Bird Area (IBA). BirdLife International has given it this special title. This is because the bay is vital for protecting pied oystercatchers. It also helps many migratory waders, or shorebirds. These birds use the East Asian – Australasian Flyway to travel long distances.
Early European History
Australia's First Whaling Station
Ralphs Bay holds a piece of Australia's early history. The country's first whaling station on land was set up here. It was located at a spot called Trywork(s) Point. This station was working by September 27, 1805. The Rev Knopwood wrote about it in his diary.
He noted that there were many oil barrels. He also mentioned that a ship named King George had caught 100 tons of oil. This whaling station only operated during the winter months. It closed down completely by the year 1818.
Recent Developments and Debates
Plans for Lauderdale Quay
Since 2004, Ralphs Bay has been a topic of local discussion. A company called Walker Corporation wanted to build a large project in the bay. This project was planned near Lauderdale. It was going to be called "Lauderdale Quay."
The plans included digging canals and building a marina. A marina is a special dock for boats.
Community Concerns and Opposition
Many people in the local community strongly opposed this plan. They were worried that the development would harm the native wildlife. They also feared it would reduce public access to the bay's shoreline. People wanted to protect the natural beauty and environment of Ralphs Bay.
Protecting the Bay
On October 22, 2009, a report was released. It pointed out many planning problems with the proposed development. This suggested that the project might not be approved. Then, on June 23, 2010, good news came for the bay. The Ralphs Bay Conservation Area was legally confirmed. This area covers 171 hectares (about 422 acres). This legal protection stopped the proposed canal housing estates from being built. It helped save a vital part of Ralphs Bay.
