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Home > Water Management > Water for the environment > Wetlands > Wetlands

Wetlands

North Coast Region

• Introduction
• The Wetlands of the North Coast Region
  • Wetlands of International Importance
  • Wetlands of National Importance
  • Other North Coast Wetlands
• The Estuaries Management Program

Introduction

The North Coast Region covers the area from the Camden Haven River in the south to the Queensland border, in the north. It stretches up to 160 km inland to the Great Dividing Range (DLWC, 1999).

Source: Simon Mitrovic (DLWC)

The wetlands in this region possess a range of values including waterbird and fisheries habitat, drought refuge, recreation, tourism, groundwater and aboriginal heritage. The greatest threat to the wetlands in this region are the expansion of urban development, impacts from urban stormwater, alteration of hydrologic or tidal regimes, and introduced plant and animal species.

The region contains Ramsar wetlands and over ten wetlands that are listed in the Third Edition of the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia.

The Wetlands of the North Coast Region

Wetlands of International Importance

The following information on Ramsar Wetlands has been adapted from the Ramsar Pages of Environment Australia's Website. More information on these wetlands and the reasons for their inclusion as Ramsar wetlands are available on either Environment Australia's Website or The Ramsar Bureau Website.

Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve (Wetland E on Map 2)

Little Llangothlin Lagoon was accepted as a Ramsar site on the 17/03/96. It has an area of 258 ha and includes a Nature Reserve and Crown Land Wildlife Management Area. It is located on the New England Tablelands. It is one of the few high altitude, freshwater lagoons in New South Wales. It is an unusual system, as lagoons are not usually found in fluvial landscapes at the extreme upper limit of streams. The site is particularly important as a drought refuge for waterbirds such as the Comb-crested Jacana and the Blue-billed Duck. It regularly supports large numbers of waterbirds, some of which breed at the site. Several of the birds, plants and amphibians that occur at the site are considered rare, vulnerable, endangered or endemic. The vegetation of the reserve includes submerged and emergent aquatic plants, sedge-meadows, and terrestrial communities. Archaeological surveys show evidence of Aboriginal activity. Human activities consist of livestock grazing and nature conservation. Public access is restricted to researchers, birdwatchers, and educational institutions. Little Llangothlin Nature Reserve and the area comprising the remainder of Billy Bung Lagoon is listed on the Register of the National Estate. The reserve is also important for educational and research purposes.

Little Llangothlin Lagoon is also listed in the Third Edition of the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia. It is shown on Map 2 as Wetland No. 22.

Wetlands of National Importance

The following wetland summaries have been adapted from the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia, 3^rd Edition. More information on these wetlands and the reasons for their inclusion in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia can be found on Environment Australia's Website.

New England Wetlands (Wetland No. 23 on Map 2)

The New England Wetlands fall partially within the Gwydir Valley and partially within the North Coast Region.

The New England Wetlands encompass Llangothlin Lagoon, Little Llangothlin Lagoon and Billy Bung Lagoons, Mother of Ducks Lagoon, Barleyfields Lagoon, Racecourse Lagoon, Dumaresq Dam, Dangars Lagoon and Little Lagoon, located in the vicinity of Guyra, Armidale, and Uralla on the New England Tablelands.

The lagoons vary in size, depth and catchment area which results in a range of water regimes including near permanent water bodies to small, shallow, ephemeral wetlands; open water lagoons; to swamps dominated by sedges, such as tall spike-rush (Smith, 1998). The lagoons support a range of plants and animals including a number of significant migratory birds.

Round Mountain Swamps (Wetland No. 24 on Map 2)

The Round Mountain swamps are located at Round Mountain, along the Snowy and Macleay Ranges approximately 7km south west of Ebor.

Some swamps drain south to Oaky River and some drain to the east to the Styx River.

The vegetation of the Round Mountain Swamps is highly variable. Many of the outer margins of the swamps tend to be dominated by Heaths (Epacris petrophila and Epacris microphylla), while permanent water courses through the swamps are dominated by Teatrees (Leptospermum spp.).

They are considered to be a representative example of upland swamps in the New England Uplands.

Bundjalung National Park (Wetland No. 26 on Map 2)

Bundjalung National Park is located on the coastal floodplain south of Evans Head and north of Iluka between the Clarence and Evans Rivers.

Bundjalung National Park consists of a dunal wetland system, with a mosaic of wet heath, sedgeland, dry heath, forested swamp and sclerophyll forest south of Evans Head (Griffith 1983). In the southern area of the National Park swamp sclerophyll forests grade to saltmarsh and mangroves in intertidal areas. The central area is comprised of wet heathland and sedgeland communities (NPWS, 1997b). This large complex of dunal wetlands is in a relatively natural condition, and is considered to be a representative example of coastal dunal wetlands.

Evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the area covered by Bundjalung National Park includes middens, campsites, mythological sites, a fish trap made of rock at Woody Head, stone tool workshops and bora ceremonial grounds. Goanna Headland which lies adjacent to Bundjalung National Park has particular mythological significance to the local Aboriginal community (NPWS, 1997b).

The majority of the swampy areas within Bundjalung National Park are listed as SEPP 14 wetlands. A Plan of Management has been prepared for Bundjalung National Park.

Clarence River Estuary (Wetland No. 27 on Map 2)

Aeriel view of the Clarence River Estuary. The lake to the right of the photo is Wooloweyah Lake
Source: DLWC

The Clarence Estuary lies downstream of Palmers Channel. It includes Micalo Channel, Oyster Channel, Romiaka Channel, Palmers Channel, Dart, Hickey, Rabbit, Freeburn, Sleeper, Thorny, Eureka, Yargai, Narrabarribi, Nilhill, Goodwood, Arris, Bolorobo, Araiel, Whyha, Tomayen, Panibona, Romiaka, Palmers and Esk islands, Crystal Waters, Sandbar, The Peninsula, Saltwater Inlet, Esk River mouth Wooloweyah Lagoon and associated intertidal wetlands. The estuary comprises several large alluvial islands that split the mainstream flow of the river to form north and south arms and large off-stream areas (Williams, 1987; Clancy, 1992). They are important habitats for many species of migratory waders with a number of counts for some species over 1% of the national population. They also form an important habitat for many commercial fish species. The seagrass in the Clarence Estuary serve as important nursery grounds for juvenile prawns and fish species and an important food source for waterfowl.

The Clarence Estuary was utilised by Aborigines for fishing and evidence of this includes oyster shell middens on Micalo Island.

A large proportion of the wetlands within and surrounding the Clarence Estuary are listed as SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands. These include Freeburn, Thorny, Micalo, Dart, Hickey and Rabbit Islands (Clancy, 1992).

Wooloweyah Lagoon (Wetland No. 39 on Map 2)

Wooloweyah Lagoon is a tidal lagoon which is fed and drained via Oyster, Micalo and Palmers Channels which connect the lagoon to the Clarence River. An embankment surrounding the lagoon prevents tidal flooding. The lagoon has an area of 2390 ha and a catchment of 100km².

The lagoon is characterised by large areas of seagrasses, mangroves and saltmarsh (West et al., 1985) which are in healthy condition. It is an important habitat for many species of migratory waders. As with other areas of estuarine wetlands, it is an important habitat for many commercial fish species.

The Clarence Estuary was utilised by Aborigines for fishing and evidence of this includes oyster shell middens that have been recorded on Micalo Island.

The areas immediately surrounding Wooloweyah Lagoon are listed as SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

The Broadwater (Wetland No. 36 on Map 2)

The Broadwater is a large offstream tidal waterbody of the Clarence estuary. It consists of the lower Clarence River and associated marginal wetlands. It is fringed by mangroves, with a heavy silt bottom and variable depths. The Broadwater receives fresh water from Broadwater Creek.

The vegetation of the Broadwater consists predominantly of seagrasses Ruppia sp. with small numbers of fringing mangroves and saltmarsh communities.

It is considered to be a representative example of an estuarine wetland due to its large areas of seagrasses (West et al., 1985) that are in a healthy condition.

It provides a drought refuge for migratory species. As with other areas of estuarine wetlands, it is an important habitat for many commercial fish species. All wetland areas surrounding the Broadwater are listed as SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

Everlasting Swamp (Wetland No. 30 on Map 2)

Everlasting Swamp is located on the floodplain of the Clarence River, approximately 4 km west of Lawrence. It includes Grasshopper Swamp and the Horseshoe.

Everlasting Swamp consists of a large area of fresh meadow and seasonal fresh swamp with scattered semi-permanent pools. During wetter months in summer and autumn, and after heavy rainfall at other times, the soil is covered with up to 0.5 m of fresh water, but for much of the year there is no standing water. The dominant vegetation communities of Everlasting Swamp include Swamp Oak (Casuarina glauca), Spike-rush (Eleocharis dietrichiana), Water Couch (Paspalum distichum), Common Reed (Phragmites australis) and Spiny Mudgrass (Pseudoraphis spinescens). It is also is one of the largest breeding areas for Black Swan (Cygnus atratus) on the Clarence Floodplain. Everlasting Swamp is a good example of a large coastal wetland.

The majority of Everlasting Swamp is protected by SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

Upper Coldstream (Wetland No. 30 on Map 2)

The Upper Coldstream swamps are located on the Clarence River floodplain and are also drained by and receive water from the Coldstream River. Coldstream River is a tributary of the Clarence River. The wetlands include Morans Swamp, Colletts Swamp, Ellis Swamp, Crowsnest Swamp and Long Hole Lagoon.

Drainage has altered the hydrology and vegetation of the swamps, but areas of valuable habitat still remain (Goodrick 1970; Pressey & Clancy 1980). It has very extensive fresh meadows, seasonal fresh swamps, and reed swamps. It is a good example of large coastal floodplain swamps and is a drought refuge for migratory species.

Significant areas of the swamps are listed as SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

Lake Hiatwatha and Minnie Water (Wetland No. 31 on Map 2)

Lake Hiawatha and Minnie Water are located approximately 30 km east of Grafton and approximately 5km north of Wooli. These two adjoining lakes are dune contact freshwater lakes. That is, they are located in depressions in the country rock but are in contact with a coastal dune. The lakes are 500m apart and in times of extreme flooding they become joined and flow into the Wooli River. Lake Hiawatha is clear and sandy, while Minnie Water is turbid due to a high organic matter content (Australian Heritage Commission, 1998).

The sedge Lepironia articulata is the major emergent shoreline plant of both lakes. These wetlands are the largest dune contact lakes in this biogeographic region. Timms (1982) undertook extensive research in the area and suggested these sites were of regional significance with respect to freshwater invertebrates. Lake Hiawatha and Minnie Water are also the habitat for the Oxyleyan Pigmy Perch (Nonnoperca oxleyana), a nationally vulnerable fish species (National Heritage Commission, 1998).

Aboriginal sites within the park include pippie shell middens along the dune systems (possibly those near the lakes), mythological sites, campsites and stone tool workshops and quarries.

The lakes are reserved as part of Yuraygir National Park. Lake Hiawatha and Minnie Water are listed on the register of the National Estate. Areas to the north of Lake Hiawatha and the majority of the area surrounding Minnie Water are listed as SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

Clybucca Creek Estuary (Wetland No. 28 on Map 2)

Aerial view of the Macleay River / Clybucca Creek Estuary, 1999
Source: DLWC

The Clybucca Creek Estuary is an extensive estuarine wetland system. It comprises Clybucca Creek downstream of Clybucca, Macleay River downstream of Rainbow Reach, Macleay Arm and associated intertidal wetlands. The catchment area predominantly consists of alluvial flats. The wetlands consist of 520 ha of mangroves, 191 ha of seagrasses, and 365 ha of saltmarsh (West et al., 1985).

They are considered to be a good example of estuarine wetlands on the north coast because of large areas of mangroves and saltmarsh that are in healthy condition (West et al., 1985). They are potentially important habitat for many species of migratory waders.

Evidence of Aboriginal occupation of the wetland includes midden sites at Stuarts Point and Shark Island.

The wetlands of the Clybucca Creek Estuary are included under SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

Crowdy Bay National Park (Wetland No. 29 on Map 2)

The Crowdy Bay National Park is located approximately 20 km north-east of Taree. It contains extensive freshwater wetlands including Harrington Lagoon, Crowdy Lagoon, Great Swamp, Blackfellows Bog and Dirty Corner Swamp and associated wetlands. Watson Taylor Lake also occurs within the National Park and is a shallow (1.0-1.3m deep) estuarine lake (NPWS, 1987a). Freshwater flows to the lake are primarily from the Camden Haven River and Stewarts River.

This dunal wetland system, consists of a mosaic of wet heath, sedgeland, dry heath, forested swamp and sclerophyll forest. Until the late nineteenth century the Ngamba and Birripai tribes of Aborigines occupied the area. Crowdy Bay National Park is a large complex of dunal wetlands that remain in a relatively natural condition and are considered to be a good example of this wetland type.

Crowdy Bay National Park is listed on the Register of the National Estate. A Plan of management has been prepared for the Park and the majority of the swamps in the area are listed as SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve (Wetland No. 32 on Map 2)

Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve is located 3km north of Port Macquarie between the Hastings River and Racecourse Head. The Nature Reserve is drained by Limeburners Creek, which is subject to the tidal influence of the Hastings River and in turn affects the salinity and water levels of the wetlands (NPWS, 1998f). After heavy rain, the system becomes fresh for extended periods.

Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve is a large complex of dunal wetlands remaining in a relatively natural condition, and is therefore considered to be a good example of coastal dunal wetlands.

Aboriginal occupation of the area dates back 5-6,000 years. Limeburners Creek Nature Reserve is registered on the National Estate. Approximately 70 % of nature reserve area is listed as SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

Swan Pool / Belmore Swamp (Wetland No. 35 on Map 2)

The Swan Pool, Belmore Swamp and Verges Swamp are floodplain wetlands of the lower Macleay River. The area includes the wetlands of the Belmore River and Kinchela Creek floodplains, including Swan Pool, Belmore Swamp, and Verges Swamp, located north of Crescent Head on the Macleay floodplain. Drainage has altered the hydrology and vegetation of the former swamps, but areas of valuable habitat still remain (Goodrick, 1970).

The swamps contain very extensive fresh meadows, seasonal fresh swamps, and reed swamps, characterised by a zonation from fresh meadow to seasonal fresh swamp and reed swamp with increasing depth and permanence of inundation. They are a good example of a large area of coastal floodplain swamp.

The Macleay coastal area is part of the area of the Thunghutti (Dhunghutti) group of Aboriginal people. Aboriginal sites recorded within the local area include bora rings, shell middens, campsites, and burial sites (NPWS, 1997e).

Swan Pool is partially identified under SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands. Part of the swamps are within Hat Head National Park. This National Park is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Other North Coast Wetlands

The Yarrahapinni Wetlands

The Yarrahapinni Wetlands (formally known as the Yarrahapinni Broadwater) is located south of Stuarts Point in the Lower Macleay estuary on the mid north coast of NSW. It covers an area of at approximately 600ha. Flood mitigation works in the 1970s changed the area from a highly productive estuarine wetland to a degraded freshwater wetland. Prior to these works the wetland had significant values.

The Yarrahapinni Wetlands Reserve Trust was set up in 1996 to manage the Yarrahapinni Wetlands Reserve and coordinate the Yarrahapinni Wetlands Rehabilitation Project. This project was initiated by NSW Fisheries but is also heavily supported by the Department. More information on the Yarrahapinni Wetlands Rehabilitation Project is provided below.

Bungawalbin Swamp

Water Sharing Plans

The water sharing plans will contribute to the protection of wetlands and estuaries by ensuring that a proportion of the flow is maintained for the environment.

The Estuaries Management Program

A number of wetland projects are being carried out in the North Coast Region under the Estuaries Management Program. Further details on the Estuaries Management Program and related wetland projects can be found on the "Estuaries of NSW" pages of this Website.