Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
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Acid sulphate soils tackled at the Cattai wetlands
The Cattai wetlands near Coopernook are home to an extraordinary array of wildlife and plants, but until recently acid sulphate soil posed a major threat.
In 2003 the Greater Taree City Council was able to purchase the 486-hectare property to secure the wetlands' future.
Funding
The Council received more than $10,000 from the Australian Government to help protect the area. Other support came from the Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (CMA), the then NSW Department of Land and Water Conservation, Environmental Trust and MidCoast Water.
"The wetlands were in pretty good condition but had been cleared in the past, and much of the landscape had been drained for agricultural production," Greater Taree City Council Natural Environment Planner, Brett Currie, said. "An acid sulphate soil problem over much of the area was the main reason we wanted to acquire the land."
Activities
"We took the opportunity to help reduce the problem by rehabilitating the wetlands to improve water quality within the Manning Valley."
Brett said some sites were fenced off to prevent cattle trampling vulnerable plants, but other areas remained accessible for grazing.
Conservation Volunteers Australia and a local Aboriginal Bush Regeneration Team also got to work removing weeds like lantana, blackberry and five-leaved morning glory. The areas were then replanted with more than 600 native trees.
As the project progressed, the environmental and cultural values of the wetlands became increasingly evident.
"The amount of fauna and flora has been phenomenal - every time we go out there we find something new," Brett said.
"We've identified eight endangered ecological communities, including Swamp Oak Forest, Swamp Sclerophyll Forest and Saltmarsh.
"We've found seven threatened animals like the Glossy Black Cockatoo and Square-Tailed Kite, and most recently the threatened Swamp Lindernia plant."
A cultural heritage survey discovered 11 Aboriginal sites and artefacts including stone flakes, a mudstone scraper and a massive flaked river pebble.
"We're now starting to establish walking trails so the public can enjoy the beauty of the wetlands," Brett said.
"And in the long-term we have a vision to develop an environmental education centre, with dormitories and environmental education activities to raise awareness of the wetlands' environmental values."
More information
- Brett Currie, Greater Taree City Council Natural Environment Planner: (02) 6592 5246 or brett.currie@gtcc.nsw.gov.au
- Cattai Wetlands Project website: www.gtcc.nsw.gov.au/webcomm/Page/page.asp?Page_Id=810&h=0
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