NSW Wetland Recovery Program Renee Shepherd Program Coordinator

NSW Wetland Recovery Program Renee Shepherd Program Coordinator February 2007

Background • Stressed wetlands created through combination of drought, water extraction, land use practices • Need to restore critical ecological functions • Ensure wetlands are ‘event ready’ for flows • Provide guide for efficient water and landuse practices

Commencement • $13. 4 M announced in June 2005 by NSW Government • Additional $13. 4 M announced in August 2006 through Australian Government Water Fund • National Water Initiative objectives addressed - over-allocation and achieving environmental outcomes

Overview • Four year program • Suite of projects aimed to improve health of wetlands – – Water efficiency Weed removal, research and mapping Water purchase Environmental Management Plans • Projects will provide: – Better knowledge and decision making – Environmental improvements – More water and improved flow for wetlands

Target Wetlands • Macquarie Marshes – Ramsar listed – Terminal wetlands – Nature Reserve and privately owned – 200, 000 hectares flooded – One of largest River Red Gum woodlands and reed beds remaining in Australia

Target Wetlands • Gwydir Wetlands – Ramsar listed – Terminal wetlands – Wholly privately owned – Over 100, 000 hectares flooded – 134 species of nesting and breeding waterbirds

Ecological Characterisation & EMPs • Identify ecological assets requiring protection • Identify water needs of wetlands • Investigate Aboriginal cultural heritage values • Determine appropriate management actions

Weed Management • Lippia (Lippia canescens) – Grazing management – Biological control – Mapping through CMAs • Water Hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) – Integrated control

Project Investigation • Water recovery for environment – Gwydir and Macquarie – Developing agency-identified projects – Community consultation – Framework for analysis • Other projects – Fishways, infrastructure

Infrastructure Improvements • Marebone Choke rehabilitation – Road upgrade – Deliver larger flows without restricting access • Willow removal – 70 kms along Macquarie River • Pipeline projects – Gingham – Gunningbar

Water Purchase • Macquarie Marshes – $3. 75 M • Catchment Management Authorities – Border Rivers-Gwydir - $5 M – Central West - $5 M

Beyond 2009 • Outcomes from Program: – Provide better management – Inform Government policy – Focus future funding programs – Target knowledge gaps