Mosaic Map: NRM funded projects
Key
site specific
region wide
Conserving wetlands - a job for everyone
Bundamaba Wetlands
Australia has lost more than half of its wetlands. And those that remain aren't always in great shape - less than 0.1% are being actively rehabilitated.
But just outside the thriving town of Ipswich in southeast Queensland a major success story is playing out.
For the past three years people have put intense effort into regenerating a wetland that's a staging post for migratory birds.
The focus for this activity is Bundamba Wetlands. The project is coordinated by conservation biologist Fiachra Kearney on a property owned by the Sporting Shooters' Association Australia Incorporated.
Funding
The Australian Government has given $105,000 to the project, which involves a partnership between South East Queensland (SEQ) Catchments Ltd, Birds Australia, the Queensland Herbarium and Ipswich City Council. The State Government has also provided support.
While feeling the pressure of urban growth on one side, Bundamba Wetlands is in one of the largest remaining areas of bushland in South East Queensland and is linked to two major conservation reserves, Flinders Peak and White Rock-Spring Mountain.
"Even though the Bundamba Wetlands have been severely degraded as a result of grazing, logging and introduced species, they still have recognised bioregional and international significance," Fiachra said.
"More than 100 bird species have been seen there including 14 internationally protected and two nationally listed birds. The 1200-hectare property is also a habitat for animals like Sugar Gliders, koalas, Flying Fox, wallabies and a variety of frogs."
Activities and achievements
Fiachra has developed a comprehensive 20 year management plan for the 350 hectare wetlands and surrounding Blue Gum woodlands.
The main aims behind this are to:
- rehabilitate and conserve the wetlands for native flora and fauna
- develop them as an educational resource so people can appreciate the importance of wetlands
- demonstrate successful wetland rehabilitation so that others can follow
- demonstrate the conservation potential of private land.
Work on the wetlands has included replanting native species, developing species lists to identify fauna in the region and taking steps to control plant and animal pests. Feral animals like cats are a major problem, and while the Shooters Association does not allow hunting on the property, it makes an exception for feral pests.
"I think one of the most important things about this project is that through the range of people involved in it, we're showing that conservation is not just the preserve of an exclusive few," Fiachra said. "It can involve everyone."
More information
- Fiachra Kearney, Project Coordinator: Bundamba.Wetlands@ssaaqld.org.au
- SEQ Catchments: www.seqcatchments.com.au
See also
Key
Links to another web site
Opens a pop-up window