The Wetland Recovery Programme

What is the NSW Wetland Recovery Program?

The NSW Wetland Recovery Program is a suite of projects that aim to restore the ecological health of the Gwydir Wetlands and the Macquarie Marshes. It targets the urgent needs of two of Australia’s most iconic inland wetlands. The land managers, scientists and engineers who are working on these projects are researching the factors that contribute to the future health of these important wetlands. The areas being investigated in the Gwydir Wetlands are located within private landholdings whereas the Macquarie Marshes are a mix of private and public lands.

The NSW Wetland Recovery Program aims to develop better land and water infrastructure and management practices in consultation with local landholders, key stakeholders and government organisations. By focusing on these two wetlands, which include areas of international importance, the Program will develop a blueprint for recovery procedures for inland wetlands and river systems across Australia.

The NSW and Australian Governments have jointly funded the NSW Wetland Recovery Program. A total of $26.8 million has been committed. In 2005 the NSW Government announced funding of $13.4 million which was matched by a grant from the Australian Government in 2006 through its Water Smart Australia Programme.

Who is managing the NSW Wetland Recovery Program projects?

The NSW Wetland Recovery Program projects are being delivered in partnership by the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, NSW Department of Water and Energy, Department of Primary Industries, the Border Rivers-Gwydir Catchment Management Authority and the Central West Catchment Management Authority.

Following the success of a previous service agreement between the two organisations, Border Rivers-Gwydir CMA has contracted the Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association to administer the implementation of the BR-G CMA’s responsibilities under the NSW Wetland Recovery Program in the Gwydir Wetlands, with funds being made to recruit a Project Officer. The NSW Wetland Recovery Program Project Officer for the Gwydir Wetlands is Melissa Dell of GVIA, 458 Frome Street, Moree. 

Gwydir Valley Irrigators Association Inc.

458 Frome St, PO Box 1451, Moree NSW 2400

Projects

Gwydir bird and fish habitat study

A report on the conducted study has been completed. The information highlights the findings from study of the habitats for fish and bird life within the Gwydir wetlands. Any persons requiring a copy of the study can call Melissa Dell for further information.

Land-use/grazing project

Wetland Grazing Literature Review April 2008

Conversations with the DPI project managers confirm that they will be conducting a field day labelled “PADDOCK PLANTS”. This day will highlight the nutritional value of some of the typical plants observed in the Gwydir Wetlands. More information about the day will be posted on this site and also posted to all landholders in the Gwydir Wetland Region.

Hydrology

Lidar
Lidar studies conducted within the region may not be as useful as we had first envisaged. Due to the relatively flat terrain and the small fluctuations in elevation, the project may have some issues with its predictions and flow scenarios, but work is still in progress.

Mallowa Creek Water Users Association are on track with their Wetland Recovery Program funded hydrology study. Water Research Laboratory consultants from the University of NSW have completed a GPS survey and are formulating a water model and report about the water flows within the Mallowa Wetlands.

UNSW Water Research Senior Consultant Stephen Wyllie and Water Modelling Consultant Conrad 10.09.08 Mallowa Ck

Weed control

Lippia

The National Lippia Working Group has produced a Lippia Management Manual. The manual collates the historical work on Lippia as well as ongoing activities of landholders and the research community. The NLWG believes that there are management options that can be trialled and its aim is to bring together these management opportunities. Books can be obtained via Melissa Dell at GVIA or your local CMA.

Gingham Wetlands Water Hyacinth Control

Water Hyacinth

The Water Hyacinth is in full growing mode during the spring and summer seasons. WRP has paid for drums of approved aquatic weed chemical Affray 300, to assist landholders with controlling the Water Hyacinth in their channels and stock and domestic waterways.

Project Officer and DPI Bio control experts called for a Water Hyacinth Management Meeting. The two day meeting resulted in the formation of the Water Hyacinth Working Group incorporating the State Representative for aquatic weeds, Mr Syd Lisle and Murray Darling Basin Northern Region Manager, Mr Richard Moxham, BR-G CMA Western Division Manager Mr Rod Williams, Moree Plains Shire Council General Manager, Mr David Aber, DECC Environmental Water Officer, Mr Daryl Albertson and landholders Mr Sam Kirkby and Mr Phil Fleming. This group aims to reduce the likelihood of Water Hyacinth reaching the Barwon and Darling River.

The “Tortoise”

WRP has redirected unused funds towards re-building the all terrain vehicle used for spraying the Water Hyacinth within the Gingham. The vehicle, more affectionately known as the “tortoise”, had been operating for over 20 years and retired in late 2007. The new model is currently being constructed by the Moree Plains Shire Council work depot. Modifications were made to the new model. An air conditioned cabin with a chemical filter will ensure that the operators work in comfort, and alterations to specifications ensure that the vehicle complies with environmental standards. Training will be offered to all interested landholders and council members responsible for weed control. The ‘tortoise’ will hopefully be completed before January 2009.

Water Purchase

The Gwydir Wetlands, the Macquarie Marshes and other wetland areas on the Macquarie floodplain require additional water to rescue them from permanent damage. The fastest method of increasing environmental flows is to purchase water access licences from willing sellers.

Further Information

For further information on the Wetland Recovery Programme please contact Melissa Dell on 67521399, 0428 254769 or melissa.dell@gvia.org.au .