Actions for people and nature the focus on world wetlands day

11 Feb 2022

A call to take action for wetlands was the focus of this years’ World Wetlands Day campaign, highlighting the importance of wetland conservation and sustainable use. It provides us with a timely opportunity to reflect on the importance of working to protect and enhance our diverse wetlands in the South East.

“The events of the last few years, from significant drought, to widespread fires and numerous floods have really emphasised the importance and role of water in our communities and the significance our wetlands” said South East Local Land Services’ Sonia Bazzacco.

“Wetlands are special places, they provide so much to us, particularly here on the coast, so it is essential that we look after them.

Wetlands are used by the whole community, they are important for local agriculture and oyster producers, they are prime spots for recreation and tourism, provide buffers from severe weather events and are vital nurseries for many recreational and commercial fish stocks.

The largest threats to wetlands in the South East include stock accessing and damaging waterways, inappropriate vehicle access, nutrient and pollutant run off from urban and agricultural areas, extreme weather events, and wetland weeds.

“We’re working closely with land managers to protect one of the South East’s most important wetland communities - saltmarsh.

“Saltmarsh play an important role as an environmental filter, trapping sediment and nutrients from our estuaries, providing a buffer to our shorelines from erosion and providing food and habitat to numerous species of fish and migratory birds.” Sonia said.

The protection and enhancement of these wetlands is especially important in reducing the impacts of climate change.

“Saltmarsh absorbs more carbon and at a faster rate than any other vegetation community, even rainforest.

“We’ve been able to work with five land managers over the last year to protect over 30 hectares of saltmarsh in the Shoalhaven River, Towamba River, Wowly Gully and Currambene Creek, protecting these areas from vehicle and stock access and enhancing the saltmarsh’s potential to perform its amazing role in our estuaries. On Ryans Creek on the Shoalhaven floodplain, we have engaged with landholders to exclude stock from over 35 hectare of important connecting coastal wetlands.”

“This project is supported by South East Local Land Services, through funding from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.” Sonia said.

Work to address the impact that the Southern fires had on local wetlands has also been delivered with support through the Australian Government’s Wildlife and Habitat Bushfire Recovery Program.

Post fires and numerous floods many of our larger river systems experienced extensive erosion events effecting water quality and in turn aquatic habitat. Erosion control work, in conjunction with revegetation and fencing to exclude stock has been completed across the Tuross and Clyde River catchments to minimise the risk of future erosive events.

To find out more about ongoing South East Local Land Services wetlands projects please contact Sonia Bazzacco on 0429 998 585.

Fast Facts:

• First celebrated in 1997, World Wetlands Day was initiated with the aim of raising public awareness of wetland values and benefits and promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands.
• Wetlands Action for People and Nature is the theme in 2022 highlighting the importance of actions to ensure the conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for humans and planetary health.
• South East Local Land Services receives funding from a range of sources to help land managers and communities protect natural assets like wetlands and waterways. Contact your nearest office to learn more.