Rangers protecting internationally significant wetlands

THE Awabakal Winjirra ranger team, from the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council, has successfully completed weed control works at Kooragang Island within the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site.

The Securing the Sanctuaries of Ramsar and Priority Wetlands for Migratory and Marine Species project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Hunter Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

The project is designed to improve the recovery and resilience of internationally significant wetlands in the Hunter and Myall Lakes regions.

These wetlands support a rich diversity of species, including migratory shorebirds such as the critically endangered eastern curlew.

Weed control works by the Awabakal team targeted invasive species including juncus acutus, groundsel bush and pampas grass.

Follow-up monitoring surveys showed a strong reduction in weed cover, improving the quality of saltmarsh habitat that shorebirds rely on for feeding and roosting.

Louise Williams, Senior Land Services Officer with the NSW Government’s Hunter Local Land Services said, “The Hunter Estuary wetlands are recognised as the most important site for threatened shorebirds in NSW.

“This project highlights how collaboration with First Nations ranger teams combines technical expertise with cultural knowledge to safeguard these values.”

Federal Member for Newcastle Sharon Claydon said, “The Hunter Estuary Wetlands is a treasure of global significance, right here in our own backyard.

“From the critically endangered eastern curlew to the green and golden bell frog, these wetlands are home to some of our most precious and vulnerable species.

“By investing in the recovery and long-term resilience of these vital ecosystems, we’re securing critical habitat for threatened species and safeguarding biodiversity for future generations.”