Protecting saltmarsh in the Hawkesbury estuary

The Hawkesbury River estuary runs the risk of being loved to death.

Sydneysiders and tourists alike have been enthusiastically enjoying all the river and its surrounds has to offer for well over a century.

Today some of the results of this popularity are painfully evident - weeds, decreasing water quality and the loss of native plants and habitats.

The Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Authority (CMA) has targeted the river between Wisemans Ferry and Broken Bay for special attention.

Funding

With the help of $620,000 from the Australian Government and support from the New South Wales Government, the CMA is carrying out an Estuary Program to tackle threats facing one of the largest and most complex estuarine systems in the State.

The CMA is working in partnership with local councils, estuary management committees, landholders, community groups and government agencies to improve the health of a favourite recreation and fishing spot.

Activities

The Program employs a Project Officer, Matt Plunkett, to coordinate activities and work with the community and business in the estuary.

"I'll be helping the community and the CMA to develop projects together," said Matt. "This should keep us on target and maintain enthusiasm."

Protecting and restoring saltmarsh in the estuary is a key focus for action.

"We've lost more than 50 per cent of saltmarsh in the Hawkesbury Nepean region since the 1940's," Matt said. "And it's now an endangered ecological community.

"Saltmarsh provides vital habitat and feeding area for invertebrates, fish, crustaceans, oysters and mussels, as well as for birds like migratory wading birds."

The project aims to conserve existing saltmarsh by fencing and planting buffer zones, and working on re-establishing other areas. As Matt said, "We want to protect the best and restore the rest."

Human interference, especially from unregulated access by four wheel drive-vehicles and trail bikes, is a major problem and an education program will help increase public awareness.

Landholders with saltmarsh on their properties will be eligible to apply for help to protect and restore these critical natural areas.

Matt said the wrecks and noxious weeds that blight the estuary will also be receiving attention.

"Part of this cleanup effort will be linked with the annual Clean Up Australia Day in March. We hope this will help increase public appreciation of the need to protect the estuary."

More information

• Matt Plunkett, Estuary Community Support Officer: (02) 4577 4243

Australian Government NRM Team
GPO Box 787
Canberra ACT 2601 Australia
1800 552 008 (toll-free)

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Caring for our Country is an Australian Government initiative jointly administered by the Australian Government departments of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and the Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts