Ramsar Wetlands Preservation In The Hunter Region

Preservation of the Hunter estuary Ramsar site is a focus in the Hunter region. The site comprises Kooragang Nature Reserve (now part of Hunter Wetlands National Park) and the Hunter Wetlands Centre. The Myall Lakes Ramsar site is an additional priority to benefit from this project.

The site is listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention for its significant contribution to the conservation of globally and nationally threatened species such as the Australasian bittern, green and golden bell frog, estuary stingray, eastern curlew and red-necked avocet. The site also supports 112 species of waterbirds and 45 species of migratory birds listed under international agreements, including the great egret, cattle egret, tern, glossy ibis and white-breasted sea-eagle. The wetlands also provide refuge for waterbirds such as ducks and herons during periods of inland drought.

We are working closely with First Nations communities, public and private land managers and species experts to strengthen wetland resilience, connectivity and condition. The work aims to improve the condition of wetland vegetation and habitat by managing impacts from plant and animal species.

Traditional Owners’ ecological knowledge is being incorporated into management of associated local threatened species and ecological communities at the sites.

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust.

More details about the project will be coming soon. To find out the latest news and advice for your region, subscribe to one of our newsletters.

Image by Bob MacDonald