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Wetlands

Sydney South Coast Region

Introduction
Wetlands of the Sydney South Coast Region
- Wetlands of International Importance
- Wetlands of National Importance
Water Sharing Plans
Estuaries Management Program

Introduction

The Sydney South Coast Region covers the coastal catchments from the Hawkesbury-Nepean in the north to the eastward flowing catchments of the Snowy Mountains and the New South Wales / Victorian border to the south east. The catchments and communities in this region are among the most diverse in the State (DLWC, 1999).

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

The region contains two Ramsar wetlands and over 20 wetlands that are listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (ANCA, 1996).

Aerial view of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River
Source: DLWC

Wetlands of the Sydney South 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.

Towra Point Nature Reserve ( I. on Map 2)

The Towra Point Nature and Aquatic Reserve is located on the shores of Botany Bay in Sydney. It has an area of 387 ha and was accepted as a Ramsar site on the 21/02/84. It comprises mangroves, seagrass and saltmarsh communities, sand bars, mudflats, beaches and coastal dunes. The adjacent Casuarina woodlands include patches of littoral rainforest and dune grasslands. The extensive areas of undisturbed mangroves represent approximately half of the mangroves left in the Sydney area.

As one of the few remaining areas of estuarine wetlands near Sydney, it is important for the regional survival of many bird species, and is home to a number of endangered native birds including the Little Tern.

Human activities include recreational and commercial fishing, with surrounding areas developed for industrial and recreational use.

Blue Lake (A. on Map 2)

Blue Lake was accepted as a Ramsar site on the 17/03/96. It has an area of 320 ha and is located within the Kosciusko National Park. It is one of only four cirque lakes found on mainland Australia. It is surrounded by alpine herb fields, heaths, fens and bogs and supports various native plants and animals, including rare, vulnerable and endangered species. At least 15 species of rare plants, 2 rare mammals and several invertebrate species that are restricted to the alpine zone are found in the Reserve area.

Human activities include conservation, education, skiing, and ice climbing.

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.

Bega Swamp (No. 62 on Map 2)

Bega Swamp is located approximately 30 km east of Cooma in Wadbilliga National Park. As a peatland, it is relatively undisturbed with a similarly undisturbed catchment, consequently it is of high scientific interest. Because of its relatively natural condition (Hope & Southern 1983), Bega Swamp is considered to be a good example of upland peatland. The Djiringanj people originally occupied the area known as Wadbilliga National Park.

Wingecarribee Swamp (No. 93 on Map 2)

Wingecarribee Swamp is located approximately 13 km east of Moss Vale, within the Sydney Basin. It is the oldest and largest high-altitude peat-forming swamp in Australia, with an average depth of three metres. The peat has taken about 15,000 years to form. The swamp also contains a number of rare flora and fauna species, including the ancient giant dragonfly. The swamp is significant because of its natural, archaeological, cultural, scientific, and aesthetic values. A number of Aboriginal and European cultural sites have been found around the perimeter of the swamp.

Longneck Lagoon (No. 83 on Map 2)

Longneck Lagoon is a freshwater lagoon with channels and pools about 2-3m deep with gently sloping margins. It is located on the Hawkesbury River floodplain, approximately 8km north-east of Windsor. The lagoon was once an ephemeral floodplain wetland, but partial damming of the lagoon during the upgrading of Cattai Road in the 1980s led to higher water levels and the formation of a permanent water body. The lagoon is fed by Longneck and Llewellyn Creeks, surface and ground water runoff from the catchment, and backwater flooding from the Hawkesbury River. Most of the Longneck Creek catchment is contained in Scheyville National Park.

Longneck Lagoon supports emergent reedland communities in zones of permanent water, which are dominated by Tall Spikerush (Eleocharis sphacelata) with minor association of other reeds and rushes including Cumbungi (Typha orientalis). At least 42 water birds have been recorded on or around Longneck Lagoon, some being permanent residents while others are more transient, visiting the wetland area on a seasonal basis.

Pitt Town Lagoon (No. 87 on Map 2)

Pitt Town Lagoon is located on the Hawkesbury River floodplain immediately adjacent to the southern edge of Pitt Town, 4 km north-east of Windsor. The lagoon covers an area of 41 ha, approximately half of which is an ephemeral lagoon. The lagoon occupies a shallow basin where a number of small creeks converge. Pitt Town Lagoon is a seasonal freshwater swamp. A shallow drainage line, which is usually dry, links the lagoon to the Hawkesbury River. The vegetation of the lagoon varies considerably as a result of normal ecological factors and the surrounding land management. A number of birds that are considered endangered or vulnerable at the state level and/or are listed under JAMBA / CAMBA have been recorded within Pitt Town Lagoon. The lagoon has a very important educational role due to the abundance of birdlife. It is also used for the study of fluvial processes and human changes to the environment. The area covered by Pitt Town Nature Reserve was once occupied by the Daruk Aboriginal people.

Newington Wetlands (No. 85 on Map 2)

Parramatta River - view towards the east with Sydney (Port Jackson) in the background, 1998
Source: DLWC

The Newington wetlands are located adjacent to the Parramatta River, 1 km west of Homebush Bay. The site comprises mangrove woodland and saltmarsh communities surrounding four low-lying shallow saline and brackish ponds that are separated by low earth bunds. The site is bounded by the Parramatta River in the north and Casuarina woodland in the south, with grassland areas east and west (CHM Hill 1994). The saltmarsh communities are in good health and display a species composition uncommon in the Sydney region.

The wetland provides feeding grounds for migratory birds and contains saltmarsh species which are biogeographically disjunct and uncommon in eastern Australia. The saltmarshes are dominated by a cover of Samphire (Sarcocornia quinqueflora), Seablite (Suaeda australis), Sand Couch Grass (Sporobolus virginicus), Sea Rush (Juncus kraussii), and the shrub Halosarcia pergranulata ssp. pergranulata. The mangrove woodland consists of the Grey mangrove (Avicennia marina). The marsh includes the largest remaining population of the biogeographically disjunct and uncommon (rare) plant Wilsonia (Wilsonia backhousei). The Newington wetlands are also listed in the Register of the National Estate and with the NSW National Trust (Anon 1982; AHC 1992).

Towra Point Estuarine Wetlands (No. 92 on Map 2)

The Towra Point Estuarine Wetlands comprise the Towra Point Nature Reserve, Towra Point Aquatic Reserve, Taren Point, and estuarine wetlands associated with Woolooware Bay and Quilbray Bay. They are located on the southern shore of Botany Bay. Towra Point Nature Reserve which forms part of this estuarine wetland complex, is listed under the Ramsar Convention because of its value as migratory wader habitat (Australian Littoral Society 1977; National Parks & Wildlife Service 1987).

The muddy sand flats at the eastern end of Towra Point and at the western end of Towra Spit are being damaged by coastal erosion.

The terrestrial parts of the land are fringed by extensive tidal wetlands, including approximately 600 ha of seagrasses; 400 ha of mangroves; and 161 ha of saltmarshes, representing one of the few large remnant systems near Sydney. They represent approximately 50% of the mangrove communities remaining in the Sydney region and 90% of the saltmarsh communities. The terrestrial plant communities comprise a number of recognised associations such as Swamp She-oak (Casuarina glauca) forest, littoral rainforest, littoral strandline and a complex mosaic of dune sclerophyll scrub/forest. Towra Point is an important bird feeding, roosting and nesting site for migratory waders and waterfowl.

Botany Wetlands (No. 73 on Map 2)

Photo of bulk liquid storage facilities on the north side of Botany Bay, 1985
Source: DLWC

The Botany wetlands are located on the northern shore of Botany Bay. They include the Lachlan Swamps, Mill Pond, Mill Stream and Engine Pond. The Botany Wetlands consist of a chain of eleven ponds, the larger of which are open water with fringing vegetation. They are maintained by surface runoff and an underground aquifer. Historically the wetlands were a water supply for Sydney and nearby industrial areas. There are numerous banks and structures in the complex, most of which no longer function.

There are important remnant vegetation communities within the wetlands based on descriptions of wetlands from 1824 and the Eastern Suburbs Banksia scrub remnants described in Benson & Howell (1990). The wetlands have cultural and historical significance as the original third water supply for Sydney.

Bicentenial Park (No. 71 on Map 2)

Bicentennial Park is located approximately 12 km west of Sydney CBD, in Homebush Bay on the southern edge of the Parramatta River. Other local wetlands include Mason Park and Newington. It comprises 56 ha of wetland within 100 hectare Regional Park.

The Bicentennial Park wetlands are constructed on an area of low lying mangrove swamp deposits and garbage fill areas at the southern end of Homebush Bay. The wetlands consist of estuarine/intertidal flats with mangroves, saltmarsh and artificial shallow ponds. It is a modified environment, with the original Powells Creek straightened in the 1940s and the saltmarsh and waterbird refuge originally created as dredging dumps in 1959/1960. These areas are now valuable habitats.

The wetlands are the largest remaining intertidal wetlands on the Parramatta River and have been ranked sixth in importance for waders in NSW (AHC, 1998). Over 140 species of birds have been recorded at the Park. The site is an important education, research and recreation centre.

Eve Street March (No. 77 on Map 2)

Eve Street Marsh is situated on the low lying coastal floodplain of the Cooks River at Arncliffe, 2 km west of Sydney Airport. This wetland is a remnant of a once extensive brackish marsh extending eastwards from Arncliffe. The site has been rehabilitated from its previously degraded state. The saltmarsh areas are subject to a tidal flush of brackish water twice a day. After storm events freshwater is supplied via runoff to the wetlands.

The wetland has significance as one of the first Australian examples of a rehabilitated tidal marsh that provides habitat for uncommon saltmarsh communities and for migratory wading birds and resident birds.

Blue Mountains Sedge Swamps (No. 72 on Map 2)

The Blue Mountains sedge swamps occur in the plateau valleys of the Blue Mountains. They consist of numerous small wetlands up to 35ha. 78% of the swamps lie within the Blue Mountains National Park. These wetlands are also known as hanging swamps because they frequently occur on steep slopes.

The ecotone between the woodland and the swamps is abrupt and generally follows the claystone. Floral composition of the Blue Mountain sedge swamps depends on permanence of waterlogging. A number of regionally important plants can be found in the swamps.

A range of fauna species have been recorded in the swamps. They include the Crayfish (Eustachys hirsutus), frogs, the White-necked Heron (Ardea pacifica), Nankeen Night Heron (Nycticorax caledonicus), Red Backed Button-quail (Turnix maculosa), Lewin's Rail (Rallus pectoralis), Buff-banded Rail (Gallirallus philippensis), Eastern Spinebill (Acanthorhynchus tenuirostris), Brown Antechinus (Antechinus stuartii), Dusky Antechinus (Antechinus swainsonii), Common Dunnart (Sminthopsis murina), Bush Rat (Rattus fuscipes), Swamp Rat (Rattus lutreolus), Copperhead (Austrelaps superbus), and Oak Skink (Cyclodomorphus casuarinae) (Jelinek, 1978).

Boyd Plateau Swamps (No. 74 on Map 2)

These swamps are located in the shallow headwater valleys of the Boyd Plateau. They include Little Dingo Swamp, Wheengee Whungee Swamps, Freemans Swamp, Hodges Swamp, Mumbedah Swamps, Belarah Swamp, Little Morong Bog, Boyd Hill Swamp, Morong Swamps, Jensens Swamp, Dingo Swamp, and Roly Whalans Swamp. These wetlands are related to the alpine and subalpine bogs of the Southern Tablelands and have similar flora. There is evidence that Aboriginal occupation of the area dates back 20,000 years. Studies suggest that the Kanangra region was inhabited by the Gundangarra language group and possibly the Wiradjuri of the south western slopes (NPWS, 1998e).

O'Hares Creek Catchment (No. 86 on Map 2)

The O'Hares Creek Catchment is located between Appin and Bulli on the Woronora Plateau. It comprises the catchment of O'Hares, Stokes and Four Mile Creeks, downstream to the junction of O'Hares and Stokes Creeks. The wetlands cover an area of approximately 9000 ha.

The catchment consists of a mosaic of valley-bottom and hanging swamps, with heath, sedgeland, and sclerophyll scrub, forest and woodland. Wetland vegetation ranges from sedgeland to wet heath (Young 1982; Keith 1984). A large number of plant species occurring in the wetlands of the Sydney-Bowen Uplands are endemic to that area, and therefore have a restricted distribution. The O'Hares Creek wetlands contain many of these species (Keith 1984).

A number of animals that are considered nationally endangered and/or endangered or vulnerable at a state level have also been recorded within the O'Hares Creek Catchment (NPWS, 1998b).

It is a representative example of the range of wetlands which occur on the Hawkesbury sandstones of the Sydney-Bowen Uplands.

Thirlmere Lakes (No. 91 on Map 2)

Thirlmere Lakes near Picton
Source: Dayle Green (DLWC)

The Thirlmere Lakes are located on the edge of the Southern tablelands approximately 10 km south west of Picton. The Lakes include Gandangarra, Werri-Berri, Couridjah, Baraba and Nerrigorang Lakes. They are a series of five shallow, perennial, elongated freshwater lakes in a horse-shoe bend in a ancient river valley of the Hawkesbury sandstone (Stricker & Wall 1994). Blue Gum Creek drains westward from the lakes into Little River which flows through Nattai National Park (NPWS, 1997h). The maximum depth of the deepest lake is 6m. Three of the lakes are interconnected by artificial canals, and when water levels are high, water flows through the whole system (Timms, et al., 1983).

The lakes have extensive aquatic flora, including the sedge, Lepironia articulata which reaches the southern limit of its range in Thirlmere Lakes.

Thirlmere Lakes are of high conservation value because of their unusual origin and unique biology. The age and geomorphic stability of the lakes have enabled many aquatic organisms to evolve in isolation (NPWS, 1997h).

The Thirlmere Lakes National Park is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

The local area also contains numerous Aboriginal sites including axe-grinding grooves, engravings, cave art, shelter caves and artefacts (NPWS, 1997h).

Long Swamp (No. 82 on Map 2)

Long Swamp is located approximately 20 km west of Moss Vale and approximately 7 km west of Tennyson Park in the catchment which flows into the Wollondilly River and Warragamba Dam.

The swamp is approximately 5 km long. The region is on the south-western margin of the Sydney Basin.

A list of native fauna includes 19 marsupials, including wallabies, kangaroos, wombats and possums, 2 monotremes, 13 reptiles and at least 90 bird species, including ducks and wading birds. No fish, apart from eels, have been recorded in Long Swamp.

The swamp sediment and vegetation help maintain and regulate water flow and quality in the catchment, and therefore maintain catchment stability and water quality. The swamp also has scientific and educational values for potential palaeoenvironmental, ecological and geomorphological studies.

Lake Bathurst (No. 66 on Map 2)

Lake Bathurst is a large, shallow permanent lake occurring in the southern tablelands at the southernmost extremity of the Nepean-Hawkesbury catchment approximately 1km east of the Mulwaree River (Stricker & Wall, 1994). It comprises an area of 1350 ha. which includes the associated wetlands known as the Morass.

Lake Bathurst has different physiography and floristics to Lake George. Lake Bathurst has sandier sediments, relatively clear water and low salinity. It is one of only two large, shallow freshwater lakes in the uplands of NSW (Lake George being the second). The nearest other natural freshwater lake is Lake Cowal, some 300 km away.

This lake provides important refuge habitat for waterbirds during inland droughts. It also provides significant breeding areas when water levels are high and there is sufficient vegetation. A minimum of 64 species of birds have been recorded breeding at the site

Lake Bathurst and the Morass would have been significant sources of food and raw materials for Aboriginal people.

The Clyde River Estuary (No. 59 on Map 2)

Bateman's Bay / Clyde River Estuary - view looking south-east, 1986
Source: DLWC

The Clyde River Estuary consists of the tidal waters and intertidal wetlands of the Clyde River and Cullendulla Creek estuary upstream to Cyne Mallows (Cullendulla Embayment has a separate entry).

It supports areas of mangrove including River Mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum) and Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina) (3200 ha), seagrass (70 ha) and saltmarsh (100 ha) (West et al,. 1985).

Due to relatively large areas of mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrasses (West et al., 1985), it is considered to be a representative example of estuarine wetland on the south coast. Approximately 95% of the catchment of the Clyde River is uncleared (AHC, 1998). The estuary provides potential habitat for migratory waders. As with all estuarine wetlands, the estuary provides important nursery habitat for commercial fish species.

The area was populated by the Yuin group of Aboriginal tribes who probably set up permanent camps near the river.

The Cullendulla Embayment (No. 60 on Map 2)

The Cullendulla Embayment is located 2km north-east of Batemans Bay at the mouth of the Clyde River Estuary. Most of the area is composed of widely spaced beach ridges overlying a shallow sheet of nearshore or low tidal shelly sands. The embayment is a drowned creek gully that formally flowed into the Clyde River.

A mangrove forest comprising River Mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum) and Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina) covers most of the tidally influenced portion of the basin and the creek margins. Mudflats are bare, apart from scattered depressions in which patches of seagrasses occur.

The beach chenier system is uncommon in NSW (a chenier is a long, low narrow beach ridge roughly parallel to a retreating shoreline seaward of marsh and mud-flat deposits). These well-developed cheniers provide a record of shoreline trends over the Holocene (10 000 BP - present). The embayment provides a good example of low energy deposition of beach ridge and mud flat deposits within an enclosed bay.

Cullendulla Embayment is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

St Georges Basin (No. 90 on Map 2)

Looking north at the entrance to the St Georges Basin (background) via Sussex Inlet (foreground)
Source: DLWC

St Georges Basin consists of the tidal waters and intertidal wetlands that lie south of Nowra including Tullarwalla Lagoon. It is an estuarine inlet south of Jervis Bay.

The Basin supports relatively large area of seagrasses (850 ha) and smaller areas of mangrove (25 ha) and saltmarsh (4 ha) (West et al., 1985). Species which have been recorded within the area that are considered nationally vulnerable (Nv) include Lilly Pilly, Syzygium paniculatum. Due to relatively large area of seagrasses (West et al., 1985), it is considered to be a representative example of estuarine wetland on the south coast. The site contains, at Badgee Lagoon, a complete transition from seagrass to mangroves to saltmarsh to sphagnum marsh.

The basin provides important nursery habitat for commercial fish species.

16 wetlands associated with the basin are protected under SEPP 14 (Coastal Wetlands).

Jervis Bay (No. 78 on Map 2)

Currambene Creek meeting Jervis Bay at the township of Huskisson, 1992
Source: DLWC

Jervis Bay is located 20km south-east of Nowra, in the Shoalhaven catchment.

The Jervis Bay Territory (JBT) and surrounding Jervis Bay Area (JBA) contains diverse wetland areas including tidal, intertidal and estuarine wetlands, freshwater lagoons, swamp, saltmarsh, sedgeland, rocky marine shores and non-tidal freshwater forested wetlands. The area represents a site in the transition zone between warm temperate and the cool temperate biogeographic provinces and supports rich faunal and floral units. The estuarine inlet supports large areas of seagrass (900 ha) and smaller areas of mangrove (125 ha) and saltmarsh (230 ha) (West et al., 1985). Important wetland sites in the JBT include Lake Windermere, Lake McKenzie, Flat Rock Creek, Captains Lagoon, Bowen Island, Murrays Beach and Ryans Swamp. Wetland sites in the JBA are associated with six major creeks entering Jervis Bay but primarily include Currambene Creek, Moona Moona Creek, Wowly Gully and Carama Inlet. The wetland sites provide valuable habitat for waterfowl, indigenous fresh water fauna, and threatened and biogeographically important species.

The uniqueness of the area and its waters provide a popular destination for tourism and recreation. The natural qualities of the area and relatively pristine condition give the area a high conservation value. The site contains evidence of Aboriginal history in the form of middens and camps, and shipwrecks located in the waters of the bay contribute to maritime history.

1552 ha of this land is listed as SEPP No. 14 - coastal wetlands. SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands areas are concentrated around Moona Moona Creek, Currambene Creek, and the neck of land between Hare Bay and Warrain Beach.

The area is listed on the Register of the National Estate and is partly gazetted as Jervis Bay National Park, Booderee National Park and Jervis Bay Marine Park.

Also see separate entry for Lake Wollumboola.

Lake Wollumboola (No. 94 on Map 2)

Aerial view of Lake Wollumboola, 1984
Source: DLWC

Wollumboolla Lake is a large brackish coastal lake which is intermittently connected to the ocean. It is located 3 km north of Jervis Bay. The northern shore of the lake is adjacent to the township of Culburra. The lake receives freshwater inflow from the local catchment of Coonemia Creek. It is open to the sea on average once every five years. The lake includes 5 SEPP14 coastal wetlands.

The lake supports surrounding wetland areas of Casuarina forest, teatree scrub, saltmarsh and sedgelands. The bed of the lake supports seagrasses. The lake provides drought refuge for waterbirds and supports up to 11 species listed as threatened in NSW (NPWS, 1996).

Lake Wollumboola provides important fisheries habitat. Pollard (1994) recorded 41 fish species from the lake of which 26 were of commercial importance. The lake is also an important estuary for prawns.

Around 200 Aboriginal sites have been recorded in the area including symbolic / sacred sites, art sites, habitation sites and axe grinding grooves (AHC, 1998).

Shoalhaven / Crookhaven Estuary (No. 88 on Map 2)

Aerial view of the Shoalhaven / Crookhaven Estuary
Source: DLWC

The Shoalhaven / Crookhaven Estuary includes the tidal waters and intertidal wetlands of the Crookhaven River upstream to Saltwater Swamp Creek, and of the Shoalhaven River upstream to Broughton Creek. Many of the islands within the estuary are subject to tidal inundation or floods.

The estuary supports a relatively large area of mangroves (350 ha) and saltmarsh (150 ha), with smaller area of seagrasses (100 ha) (West, et al., 1985) and small patches of swamp oak forest. Due to relatively large areas of mangrove, saltmarsh and seagrasses (West et al., 1985), it is considered to be a representative example of estuarine wetland on the south coast.

This estuary is one of five coastal wetlands considered to be the second most important for shorebirds on the NSW coast (Smith, 1991). It is also of scientific importance in the areas of wader conservation and research. The area provides important nursery habitat for commercial fish species.

One Aboriginal midden of significance has been recorded within the estuary and several other sites within the area are of significance to the Aboriginal community (Bell & Edwards, 1980).

Coomonderry Swamp (No. 76 on Map 2)

Coomonderry Swamp is a large semi-permanent freshwater swamp located north-east of Nowra. The swamp was formed by natural infilling behind the sand barrier north of Mount Coolangatta. It is dominated by sedges and aquatic herbs (Goodrick 1970). In particular the eastern margin of the swamp supports an outstanding example of freshwater wetland - woodland - sand dune transition. It is considered to be a good example of relatively undisturbed coastal wetland on south coast (Goodrick 1970).

Coomonderry Swamp is the largest freshwater coastal wetland in the southern region of NSW. It is an outstanding example of a large freshwater swamp which has developed inland of a parallel Quaternary dune system (deJong & Kodela, 1995). The swamp provides refuge habitat during inland droughts.

The Swamp is partly gazetted as part of Seven Mile Beach National Park. Coomonderry Swamp and Seven Mile Beach National Park are listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Much of the swamp is zoned Environment Protection 7(a) (Wetlands). Shoalhaven City Council is currently investigating more zoning protection. Coomonderry Swamp is protected under SEPP 14 for Coastal Wetlands.

Budderoo National Park and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve Heath Swamps (No. 75 on Map 2)

The Budderoo National Park and Barren Grounds Nature Reserve Heath swamps are located approximately 15 km south-west of Robertson. These extensive heath swamps lie at the top of the Kangaroo River catchment. The heath swamps cover an extensive area and form a consolidated area of swamp which is undisturbed by rural or urban landuses. They contain a number of significant plants and animals.

The swamps are conserved in a National Park. Barren Grounds Nature Reserve is listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Minnamurra River Estuary (No. 84 on Map 2)

The Minnamurra River Estuary includes the Minnamurra River and its adjacent wetland areas and is located between the towns of Shellharbour to the north and Kiama to the south. The Minnamurra River drains the escarpment and flows across the coastal plain. The riverine vegetation is dominated by thick stands of Grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina) and River Mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum) with areas of saltmarsh, Casuarina forest and rushes in brackish areas subject to flooding or tidal movements.

The Minnamurra River estuary contains some of the most extensive areas of mangrove habitat on the central south coast. Despite the encroachment of urban areas, the mangroves still provide a high quality wetland habitat. The estuary is also an important area for commercial oyster farming. It includes a number of SEPP 14 wetlands.

Lake Illawarra (No. 81 on Map 2)

Aerial view of Lake Illawarra, 1992
Source: DLWC

Lake Illawarra is located between Port Kembla in the north and Shellharbour in the south. The lake has an area of 3 227 ha, and a catchment area of 15 000 ha. It is an estuarine lagoon and is situated on the Illawarra coastal plain approximately 8 m south of Wollongong. The shallow waters and saline conditions allow seagrasses such as Zostera sp. and Ruppia sp. to thrive. These seagrasses provide food for waterfowl. Aboriginal sites of archaeological significance occur near the lake including a burial ground, quarry and open middens (Bell & Edwards 1980).

Some areas of the Lake are listed as SEPP 14 Coastal Wetlands.

Merimbula Lake (No. 61 on Map 2)

Aerial view of Merimbula Lake, 1988
Source: DLWC

Merimbula Lake is a tidal lake with some runoff from surrounding areas located near Merimbula on the far south coast. It includes the tidal waters and intertidal wetlands of Merimbula Lake. The lake has an area of 450ha and a catchment area of 5200 ha. It supports relatively large area of seagrasses (2300 ha) and smaller areas of mangrove (40 ha) and saltmarsh (60 ha) (West et al., 1985). Due to the relatively large areas of seagrass, mangrove, and saltmarsh it is considered to be a representative example of estuarine wetland on the south coast. It is the southern limit for the River Mangrove (Aegiceras corniculatum). As with all estuarine wetlands, the lake provides an important nursery habitat for commercial fish species. Two large Aboriginal shell middens have been located at the site (Bell & Edwards, 1980).

Merimbula Lake is protected under SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

Killalea Lagoon (No. 61 on Map 2)

Killalea Lagoon is located 2 km south of Shellharbour and 250 m from the ocean at Killalea Beach. Killalea Lagoon is a shallow freshwater to brackish lagoon located behind Killalea Beach. The entrance of the lagoon to the ocean is usually blocked by a sand barrier (Chafer, 1997). It consists predominantly of open water to a depth of up to 1 m, with a fringe of sedges and aquatic herbs around its margins. It is considered to be a good example of a freshwater coastal lagoon. The Lagoon supports populations of several endangered animals including the Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea).

Killalea Lagoon is protected under SEPP 14 - Coastal Wetlands.

Monaro Lakes (No. 69 on Map 2)

Includes 215 lakes located from 28 km north of Cooma to 15 km south of Bombala. Named lakes include: Taylors, Green, Weddenjerry, High, Black, Jillamatong, Maffra, Burns, Barkers, Island, Boundary Line, Washpool, Beards, Avon, Dukes, Coopers, Buckleys, Coolamatong, Carrolls, Salt, Kiah, Bullenbalong, Hugundara, Wishing, Cootralantra, Killmacoola, Racecourse, Arable, Tinkers, Thurbergal, Long, Rocky, O'Neills, Muddah and Bullanamang. The lakes consist of a series of permanent to ephemeral upland lakes and swamps. The climate of the area leads to frequent drying out of the lakes, and accumulated sediments on the lake beds being blown away in dry times. The largest and deepest of the Monaro lakes dry out only during prolonged periods of drought (Benson & Jacobs, 1994). It is considered to be a representative example of fresh water lakes in southern highlands. The lakes support several vulnerable plants and animals as well as species that are listed under JAMBA / CAMBA.

Blue Lake (No. 1 on Map 2)

Source: Dayle Green (DLWC)

Blue Lake is situated south of Mt. Twynam within Kosciuszko National Park, approximately 28km west of Jindabyne and 3.5km north of Charlotte Pass in the Snowy Mountains of south-eastern NSW. It is the largest, deepest and most important of Kosciuszko's five glacial lakes. It is roughly oval in shape, with an approximate depth of 26 m (Dulhunty 1945). Blue Lake is a cirque lake formed by glacial gouging of the granite bedrock at the point where two tributary ice flows met to become the ice flow of the main valley. The lake is dimictic, having thermal stratification break down and the lake completely mixes twice each year, making it the only dimictic lake on the Australian mainland (Timms, 1980). It is also important because of its low nutrient status and limited invertebrate fauna and the fact that it is covered by ice for half of the year.

Blue Lake is part of Kosciuszko National Park. Blue Lake itself is very popular as it is one of the few places in NSW where people can ice climb. Aborigines did not live permanently in the alpine area but probably visited it in summer.

Blue Lake is also listed as a Ramsar site.

Kosciusko Alpine Fens, Bogs and Lakes (No. 2 on Map 2)

The Kosciusko Alpine Fens, Bogs and Lakes are situated approximately 12 km north-west of Nimmitabel within the Kosciuszko National Park. The lakes include Blue Lake (described under a separate entry), Hedley Tarn, Club Lake, Lake Albina and, Lake Cootapatamba. The lakes are surrounded by a mixture of herbfield and sedgeland plant communities with fjeldmark and heath lining the north and west ridge tops. The lakes support several vulnerable plants and animals.

These are the only alpine wetlands within NSW, and are mostly in a healthy condition. This area has been extensively monitored for alpine plant succession following exclusion of cattle grazing from the area since 1958. The lakes have ice-cover for up to five to six months of the year. Each of the lakes has low nutrient status, with limited invertebrate fauna (Cullen & Norris 1989). Examination of disturbance indicators such as charcoal, mineral magnetics and grass and herbaceous pollen should enable the extent and degree of change to be analysed. Similar land use has occurred in adjacent alpine areas. Club Lake is likely to be an indicator of change across the entire alpine region (Sharp 1992).

Rennex Gap (Boggy Plain) (No. 3 on Map 2)

Rennex Gap (sometimes also referred to Boggy Plain) is located west of Jindabyne. It lies just within the subalpine snowgum woodland of Mount Kosciuszko and is one of the more easterly of the open grassed valleys with an inverted timberline. The peats associated with the swamp are mainly humic peats, giving way below 100cm to clayey peats and gravels.

Rennex Gap lies within the Kosciuszko National Park.

Snowgum Flat (No. 4 on Map 2)

Snowgum Flat is located south of Thredbo on the Suggan Buggan Range. between the Ingeegoodbee River and the Pinch River. The area also drains into both these rivers. It is representative of low altitude, subalpine bogs in the southern region of Kosciuszko National Park. Because of its relatively natural condition (Hope & Southern, 1983), and because of its location within Kosciuszko National Park, Snowgum Flat is considered to be a good example of upland peatland.

Jackson's Bog (No. 65 on Map 2)

Jacksons Bog (sometimes referred to as Mila Swamp) is located just north of the NSW - Victoria border, approximately 30 km south-east of Delegate. The bog has developed along the drainage line of Jacksons Bog Creek. Jacksons Bog Creek flows into Boggy Creek and in turn flows into the Snowy River. Jacksons Bog occupies about 7 km of a valley and shows some variation along its length, both stratigraphically and floristically. Peats vary in quality and depth ranging from extremely fresh fen peats with depths up to 3 m in the northern section, through humified and shallow peats in the central area, to shallow (1 m) but fresh peats in the southern end of the valley.

Because of its relatively natural condition (Hope & Southern 1983), Jacksons Bog is considered to be a good example of upland peatland. It is possibly the most extensive and best preserved peat deposit (examined by Kershaw et al., 1979). Aborigines used the area in prehistoric times, possibly camping on the flat to slightly sloping ground above the swamp. Evidence of occupation includes edge-ground axes, flakes of siliceous rocks, hammer / anvil stones (NPWS, 1981).

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 Sydney-South Coast Region under the Estuaries Management Program. Information on the Estuaries Management Program and related wetland projects can be found on the "Estuaries of NSW" pages of this Website.