http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/ Ramsar has announced its first ever award to an Australian company for promoting the conservation and wise use of wetlands. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=5&z=1 Vince Castle from Northern NSW and Irene and Kevin Stokes from WA, were this years' recipients of the Landholder Champions Award. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=6&z=1 Over 120 people attended a successful series of Wetland Forums in WA during Spring 2002. In Perth, Bunbury and Pinjarra, the 'Wetland Repair in WA - Incentives and Inspiration' forums brought together researchers, scientists, administrators, landholders and volunteers, to share stories about wetland repair projects and issues in WA. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=7&z=1 A total of $68,300 has been awarded to three new South Australian projects along the River Murray, to be assisted by Wetland Care Australia. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=8&z=1 Transcipt from the ABC's 7.30 Report program "Questions raised over water management of Murray-Darling". Reporter: Mike Sexton http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=9&z=1 Wetland Care Australia is extremely please to welcome three new directors to it’s Board. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=64&z=1 Land holders interested in managing and conserving their land will now be entitled to tax incentives when entering into voluntary conservation agreements with government agencies. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=65&z=1 Wetland Care Australia and the Clarence River Fisherman’s Cooperative have recently kicked-off a new project titled Farms, Fish and Floodgates Extension Program or, more affectionately, Triple-F X. Its focus is to help landholders manage their wetlands by providing technical support, management options and plans, rehabilitated wetland example sites, field days and workshops. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=67&z=1 Wetland Care Australia, today announced a series of Wetland Management Workshops for landholders, local government and community groups concerned with wetland management on the North Coast. The workshops are part of an Environmental Trust funded project and will be held throughout the region between May 1st - 15th. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=68&z=1 Respected Australian wetland ecologist Dr David Mitchell, Charles Sturt University, was awarded the 2003 International Fellow Award from the International Society of Wetland Scientists in May. Dr Mitchell received the award for his lifetime's contribution to the science and management of wetlands, worldwide. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=346&z=1 Wetland Care Australia wants to know what environmental issues are important to you and whether you think our new website provides you with information that is relevant to your issues and needs. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=347&z=1 Wetland Care Australia is taking the inititiative in conducting a comphrehensive review of the communications needs of our wetland community. Iconyx, a respected market research company based in Melbourne, with offices in Byron Bay and Brisbane, will conduct the review for Wetland Care Australia. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=348&z=1 WetlandCare Australia and the Clarence River Fisherman's Cooperative's Farms, Fish and Floodgates Extension Program have compiled an extensive Wetland Information Kit for wetland managers and a wetland resource for schools. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=349&z=1 Environmentalists in northern Queensland are to combine forces to provide better protection to the Great Barrier Reef environment through helping improve local wetlands and their outflows into the sea. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=358&z=1 The "Wetlands to the Reef" Forum was presented by Wetland Care Australia 10 November 2003. The venue was the new Arcadian Surf Life Saving Club on the Strand, Townsville, with wonderful views over the Rockpool to Magnetic Island. The Forum brought together researchers, scientists, administrators, landholders and volunteers to share the latest information on wetlands. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=372&z=1 This last year has seen significant change in natural resource management in Australia, so it’s not unexpected that WetlandCare Australia (WCA) has had to change too. The response of our organisation to the issues of 2002/2003 has resulted in this past year being one of constructive development, strongly positioning WCA as a professional, future oriented organisation with an unmatched track record in Australian wetland repair. This year, WCA undertook a comprehensive review of its operations. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=374&z=1 Environment and Heritage Minister Dr David Kemp has celebrated World Wetlands Day 2004 with the announcement of $350 000 from the Australian Government's Natural Heritage Trust for wetland research and management and the signing of an initiative to manage and protect the important Murray River wetland at Banrock Station in South Australia. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=379&z=1 The guidelines are written for people who actively manage coastal floodplain drainage systems, including local government authorities, landholders, drainage unions, industry groups and community groups. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=380&z=1 WetlandCare Australia and DIPNR are undertaking an intensive study of the wetland complexes in Bungawalbin, Cudgen, Cobaki, Belongil/Cumbebin, Tuckean and Newrybar. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=384&z=1 The Belongil Wetlands were the focus of World Wetlands Day 2004 in Byron Bay. World Wetlands Day was chosen to premiere the film: 'Belongil Catchment Rehabilitation Project Glided Tour', presented by Byron Shire Council and Southern Cross University. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=397&z=1 WetlandCare Australia has announced the appointment of Greg Baker, CEO of Rapid Map Global Pty Ltd to its Board. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=425&z=1 This project at a small but very significant site on the Palmers Island flood mitigation drain has been successful in receiving funds from Envirofund. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=426&z=1 "Living on the Riverbank" "Restoring the Balance: Guidelines for Managing Floodgates and Drainage Systems on Coastal Floodplains" "Acid Sulfate Soil Scalds: How They Occur and Best Management Practices for their Revegetation" http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=432&z=1 World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=436&z=1 A new partnership between WetlandCare Australia and the Richmond River Mullet Fishermen will restore vital wetland fish habitat. The agreement reached will see the fishermen donate 10 cents per kilo from the proceeds of the 2004 Mullet Fishing Season to the "Fish Unlimited" project. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=445&z=1 Three key upcoming events on the training calendar not only for those with a professional interest in the environment - of value to landholders and managers/caretakers, council/government staff or NRM practitioners http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=451&z=1 The policy background, role and importance of protected areas for Australian inland aquatic ecosystems. March 2004. Mr. Jon Nevill and Dr. Ngaire Phillips - Editors for the Australian Society for Limnology - Representative Freshwater Reserves Working Group. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=453&z=1 The possible sale of the Grafton Agricultural Research Station could threaten the future of two key environmental assets in the Clarence valley, which happen to be located on the stations property. The dry rainforest remnant and the Bunyip Swamp Wetland. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=454&z=1 The percentage of Australian adults concerned about environmental issues has steadily decreased over the past decade, with only 8 per cent of them having registered their concern in a public way in 2001. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=455&z=1 Wetland Care Australia are planning to hold a Seafood Dinner Fundraising Event at Fins Seafood Restaurant, Byron Bay on October 30th, 2004, to raise more funds for repair works and stewardship payments; and to raise the profile of Wetland Care Australia and the Fish Unlimited Program Partners. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=462&z=1 Abigail Foley (BSc Hons DipEd) has recently joined Wetland Care Australia as the new Fish Unlimited Project Officer. She was previously employed as an Aquatic Ecologist with the Department of Primary Industries, Water and Environment in Tasmania. She takes over from Jo Green who is furthering her studies. Abby has been very busy familiarising herself with the Fish Unlimited project and the local region. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=463&z=1 The NRCMA Wetland Assessment and Prioritisation project is now into its final stages. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=479&z=1 Fins Seafood Restaurant at Byron Bay will host Wetland Care Australia's Fundraising dinner, 7pm on October 30th, to raise funds to support WCA's Fish Unlimited project into 2005. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=480&z=1 The Fish Unlimited project has been underway in the northern rivers region for approximately 10 months. This project aims to protect and repair fish habitat, particularly our wetland 'fish nurseries'. The single biggest factor influencing the number of fish, prawns and crabs in our rivers and coastal zone is the number and quality of nursery habitats available to juveniles. Identifying, protecting and restoring fish habitat on private land is essential if we are to sustain the recreational and commercial fishing values of the Tweed, Brunswick and Richmond regions. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=482&z=1 WetlandCare Australia's Wetland Assessment & Prioritisation project produced a range of products to engage landholders in wetland rehabilitation and guide local government, state agencies & the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) in where to invest in wetland rehabilitation and protection. Priority wetland registers, wetland health mapping and individual site summary reports, produced throughout the project, connect landholders with funding sources provided through community groups, non-government organisations, local government, NRCMA and state agencies. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=494&z=1 WCA's Jim Tait has been conducting grazing & riparian management trials in the Burdekin area of north Queensland, and monitoring is expected to continue for another year. The trials are investigating the impacts of grazing regimes and stock type (cattle, goats, horses), and the inter-relationship with fire regimes, weed control, and to a lesser extent, water quality. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=521&z=1 In 2004, Greater Taree City Council (central coast area, NSW) purchased 460ha of land containing extensive wetlands that were impacted, in part, by acid sulfate soils and agricultural drainage, and which were previously identified as needing restoration. Some high conservation value wetlands also occur on the property, which also has significant aboriginal cultural value. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=522&z=1 Funded under the Federal Government Sustainable Regions Program, the project was designed to improve the health and extent of fish habitat (target 130 ha) in both estuarine and freshwater reaches of the Richmond, Brunswick and Tweed River catchments in northern NSW. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=523&z=1 Funded by the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA), the Wetland Assessment & Prioritisation project used available spatial data to assess the condition (conservation values and impacts) on priority freshwater wetland complexes at Cobaki, Cudgen, Belongil, Newrybar, and Tuckean & Bungawalbin in northern NSW. Wetland condition was also assessed in the field to calibrate the desk-top assessment. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=525&z=1 The Queensland based company, Billabong Bugs, has ventured into this niche area, producing home kits of Triops australiensis, or Australian shield shrimp. T. australiensis is a three-eyed crustacean which is distributed throughout a wide area of inland Australia. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=532&z=1 In response to the steady number of requests from people who wish to volunteer their time and help us out, we now have a Volunteer registration sheet. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=534&z=1 The Great Barrier Reef Coastal Wetlands Protection Programme (GBRCWPP) is a $2 million 2 year project developed in response to concerns about potential damage to the Great Barrier Reef. This is a result of wetland clearing and drainage, which allow increasing levels of sediment, pesticides and nutrients to reach the Reef Lagoon. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=538&z=1 Funded by the Myer Foundation, this project targets mitigation of acid sulphate soils and blackwater events. WCA's Garry Owers was progressing well until late June when heavy rains resulted in flooding which brought a complete stop to the project. Survey areas were under two to three metres of water. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=539&z=1 The three-year project sponsored by the NSW Environmental Trust is now in its last year. Since March 2005 a total of 6km of riparian fencing have been constructed on two properties along Bungawalbin Creek, 35km SE of Lismore. On ground works were assisted by two EnviTE teams and included construction of a solar engergiser pole above flood level. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=540&z=1 The Sustainable Wetlands project is funded by the NHT through the Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority (HCRCMA), in partnership with Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA). http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=542&z=1 This project is funded by the NSW Government's Environmental Trust. The project is developing additional assessment techniques for saltwater & brackish wetland communities, focusing on selected wetlands in the Tweed, Brunswick, Richmond & Clarence catchment. The assessments will be used to prioritise them for on-ground rehabilitation & protection. The project will continue until December 2006. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=543&z=1 Chairman Craig Copeland has recently secured the services of six new directors to WCA's Board. We now have a total of 13 directors and they will all meet together for the first time in Ballina in August for WCA's General Meeting. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=547&z=1 I have been working for WetlandCare Australia for a little over two months, on WetlandCare's Estuarine Assessment and Prioritisation Project. I completed my degree in applied science through Southern Cross University in October this year, whilst already working for WetlandCare. I have recently returned from field-work in the Snowy Mountains where I completed a project looking at the impact of feral animals on native mammals in the alpine environment. Working back in the heat, with flies and mozzies the north coast has been a big change from the freezing blizzards of the snowies. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=559&z=1 Cassie Burns (Senior Project Officer) represented WCA at the Wetlands Centre's Wetland Innovations Forum in Newcastle in October. Cassie presented information on the advantages and limitations of using spatial data and Geographic Information Systems in wetland management and also highlighted the current work WCA is doing in this field. Relevant projects include; NRCMA Wetland Assessment (2004), Sustainable Wetlands Project (2005/2006) and the Estuarine Wetland Assessment Project (2005/2006). http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=560&z=1 Northern NSW wetland projects - We have commenced several new wetland projects, funded by the Northern Rivers CMA, in association with the Natural Heritage Trust; WetlandLink communications project for coastal NSW, funded by the Natural Heritage Trust: to provide relevant management, technical, and case study information to wetland owners and managers; "Exchange" training project funded by Land & Water Australia in conjunction with Greening Australia. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=561&z=1 This project is funded by the NRCMA and involves several components. Firstly the project will result in the restoration of degraded montane wetlands within the NRCMA area - an area from Walcha to Tenterfield along the crest of the Great Dividing Range. Secondly the project will increase knowledge of the importance of these areas and will promote best management practices for these areas with a number of field days across the New England Tablelands. The project is being undertaken in tandem with Granite Borders Landcare Inc and other regional Landcare organisations in the New England. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=562&z=1 Wetland Health Project, Riparian Restoration Project and Black-necked Stork & Jacana Project. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=565&z=1 In late November 2005, the project's Independent Reference Group recommended to DEH (Canberra), approval of another 10 wetland project proposals, bringing the total to 15 sites to be funded under the $2 million Coastal Wetland Pilot Program. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=566&z=1 During September the Sustainable Wetlands project team completed a series of workshops to 'tap-into' local wetland knowledge in the project area. Topics of discussion during the workshops included the maps, wetland classes and the prioritisation process. Also, WetlandCare Australia's Sustainable Wetlands on NSW Coastal Landscapes Toolkit team have compiled information on useful wetland management tools. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=568&z=1 The new WetlandLink will be a tool landholders can use to get in touch with incentive programs run through CMAs in coastal NSW. It will also contain practical information to assist landholders to participate effectively in those programs. As always, WetlandLink will provide valuable wetland management information to all who wish to read it. Other topics currently covered are Wetland Science and Research, Wetland Management Techniques And Tools, Wetland Restoration Case Studies, how community involvement is having an impact on wetland conservation and restoration and legislation and guidelines relating to wetland conservation and the environment. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=573&z=1 WetlandCare Australia is seeking a suitable site to improve estuarine fish habitat in the Richmond River. The Richmond River Mullet Fishermen have donated $5000 to local fish habitat repair. If you have a site or know of any site of coastal lake, saltmarsh, mangrove or seagrass that might be suitable please fill out the site nomination form (link below) or contact Cassie Burns at WetlandCare Australia's Ballina office on 02 6681 6169 or cassieburns@wetlandcare.com.au as soon as possible. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=597&z=1 WetlandCare has now been established in Australia for 15 years!. From humble beginnings in South Australia as an offshoot of Ducks Unlimited - Canada, WetlandCare has grown into an organisation with over 15 staff and successful projects in three states. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=599&z=1 The Sustainable Wetlands project aims to identify, classify, prioritise and protect or improve wetlands along the coastal strip from Gosford to Tweed Heads (NSW). The project will deliver outcomes from both the HCRCMA and NRCMA catchment blueprints and is strongly supported by key State and Federal Government Agencies. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=604&z=1 The CWPP Pilot Programme, focuses on the conservation of coastal wetlands to protect the water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef. There is a need for improved protection and management of wetlands in achieving this goal. Biodiversity values, including ecosystem connectivity with the GBR, are another important factor underpinning the wetland protection and management objectives of the CWPP. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=605&z=1 WetlandCare Australia's Chairman's Report 2006 http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=607&z=1 The WetlandCare Australia Annual Report is available for online and offline viewing and printing. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=608&z=1 WetlandCare Australia hosted a 1-day seminar in Townsville on Friday 11th May 2007 with the theme... "sharing with project participants the lessons learnt during the Great Barrier Reef Coastal Wetlands Protection Programme - Pilot Programme 2005-2007 conducted at 21 wetland sites between Bundaberg and Port Douglas" http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=614&z=1 WetlandCare Australia has recently kicked-off our wetland mapping and classification project in the Central West. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=623&z=1 WetlandCare Australia produced 'Wetland Rehabilitation Guidelines for Queensland's GBR Catchments' on behalf of the Queensland Wetlands Programme. These Guidelines give practical guidance on wetland rehabilitation for farmers, community groups, local councils, Queensland Government agencies, natural resources management bodies and the community. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=630&z=1 Threatened Species Week, running from 2nd to 8th September, is a great chance to learn about how to help protect many of our native frogs. Australia is home to over 200 different kinds of frogs however a drastic decline in frog numbers over recent years is cause for considerable concern. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=632&z=1 Recently WetlandCare Australia's Projects Coordinator, Cassie Burns, held two in-field workshops on wetland assessment with students from Tin Can Bay High School and Rainbow Beach Primary School. Cassie had assistance from Cooloola CoastCare's Maree Prior and funding support from the Burnett Mary Regional Group and Greening Australia and Land & Water Australia's Exchange Program. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=633&z=1 Local and regional stakeholders joined WetlandCare Australia in celebrating the recent completion of wetland rehabilitation works, funded by Banrock Station, near Oyster Channel on the outskirts of Yamba. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=634&z=1 WetlandCare Australia is in the process of establishing an online shop, through which we plan to sell product lines such as: tee shirts, hats, cards, prints, posters, fridge magnets, bookmarks, toys, gifts, and lots of other items. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=641&z=1 Tropical wetland works continue! WetlandCare Australia has been contracted to develop and implement Rehabilitation Action Plans for 5 - 10 priority wetlands identified in the Burdekin River floodplain around Ayr, North Queensland http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=654&z=1 The Expression of Interest application stage for the Torrington stewardship project has now closed http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=655&z=1 The Priority Wetlands Project continues! If you own land in the following areas: Goolawah, Tuckean, Cudgen, Limeburners Creek, Maria River, Arakoon, Wooli River, WetlandCare Australia wants to speak to you. You have the opportunity to gain funding for rehabilitation and conservation work for your wetland now! http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=658&z=1 WetlandCare Australia is teaming up with Jack Johnson on his 2008 World Tour (starting 13 March 2008) and All At Once, a new social action network connecting non-profits with people who want to become active in their local and world community. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=660&z=1 Various wetlands were visited last week in the Baffle catchment as part of a wetland inventory and prioritisation project run by WetlandCare Australia. The project has been jointly funded by the Burnett Mary Regional Group and the Federal Government’s Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts, with the support of Queensland’s Environmental Protection Agency. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=664&z=1 The winning artworks from the WetlandCare National Art Competition 2008 are currently on display in various locations in central NSW, at exhibitions arranged by the Central West CMA. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=665&z=1 The world is putting too much emphasis on planting trees to reduce the effects of climate change, according to WetlandCare Australia. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=667&z=1 The NSW Department of Environment & Climate Change (DECC) are hosting the exhibition of winning entries from the WetlandCare Art Competition during the month of June at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=670&z=1 Welcome to WetlandLink - for all the latest news in wetlands http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=673&z=1 Canegrowers Australia in conjunction with BSES, have launched a series of Best Management Practice guidelines for sugar cane farmers, including ‘Riparian and Wetland areas on Cane Farms’ written by Bob Smith of WetlandCare Australia. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=681&z=1 In a two day “Wetlands Forum” NGO members of the Australian Wetland Alliance met with representatives from the Department of the Environment, Heritage and the Arts and the NSW, Qld and South Australian Governments in Sydney. The Forum aimed to facilitate communication between NGOs and Government toward integrated action in wetland protection, management and rehabilitation. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=684&z=1 Minister for Lands, Tony Kelly, met with Projects Coordinator Adam Gosling to discuss the appointment of WetlandCare Australia (WCA) as trust managers of two high conservation value estuarine wetlands on the north coast of NSW. These valuable wetland areas are located on North Creek at East Ballina. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=685&z=1 WetlandCare Australia, with the aid of funding from the New South Wales Environmental Trust, conducted Wetland Health Assessment workshops at Belmont, Port Macquarie and Nowra. Wetland Health Assessment workshops are aimed at all Land Managers. Workshops for 2008 are now completed... http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=686&z=1 Cassie Price, supported by WetlandCare Australia, is representing the Australian Wetland Alliance at the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands, held in Changwan, Republic of Korea. Read about her experiences at this international wetland conference... http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=688&z=1 With funding from the NSW Environmental Trust, WetlandCare Australia has trained 65 people along the NSW coast this month in a wetland health assessment technique designed for land managers and community groups. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=691&z=1 WetlandCare Australia has launched its contemporary, new-look website. Our high-volume website is already full of useful information and we hope the new layout will make navigation even easier. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=693&z=1 WetlandCare Australia has partnered with the Burnett Mary Regional Group for Natural Resource Management Inc (BMRG) to provide expert wetland advice and assistance for the Burnett Mary region through appointment of a full-time WetlandCare Australia Project Coordinator to BMRG’s Bundaberg Office. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=695&z=1 Monday the 2nd February is World Wetlands Day, and WetlandCare Australia launched their second National Art Competition to commemorate and promote the importance of wetlands in the environment. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=701&z=1 See how the South West Rocks and surrounding community celebrated World Wetlands Day in 2009, at Boyters Lane Wetlands. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=702&z=1 The Bligh government launched a suite of products to celebrate World Wetlands Day 2009 and protect the future of the State's wetlands. Sustainability, Climate Change and Innovation Minister, Andrew McNamara, said the products-maps along with a guide to rehabilitating wetlands (prepared on behalf of the Queensland Wetlands Program by WetlandCare Australia) are among the best in Australia. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=703&z=1 A snapshot report into the management of Australia's Ramsar wetlands up to the end of 2007 paints a damning picture of poor administration and inaction under the previous government, Environment Minister Peter Garrett said today. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=713&z=1 WetlandCare Australia would like to announce the availability of the 'Wetland Rehabilitation Guidelines for Queensland's GBR Catchments', produced by WetlandCare Australia on behalf of the Queensland Wetlands Programme. These Guidelines give practical guidance on wetland rehabilitation for farmers, community groups, local councils, Queensland Government agencies, natural resources management bodies and the community. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=719&z=1 The winning works from the WetlandCare National Art Competition 2009 can now be viewed in our on-line gallery. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=720&z=1 In Australia today we are faced with increased bush fire hazards from a combination of changed vegetation management practices since colonisation, increasing population and global warming. Good fire management needs to address the complexites of the environment, society and the economy. WetlandCare Australia recognises the pain, suffering, and destruction caused of the Victorian fires and has donated $250 to the appeal to assist Wildlife Victoria. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=721&z=1 WetlandCare Australia was recently given the privilege of producing several catchment fact sheets for the Department of Education and Training’s "Murder Under the Microscope - Crisis on the Coast" program, an interactive environmental investigation game for school students. It will run for approximately 10 weeks in term 2, (April-July) 2009 for years 5 to 10. Find out more... http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=726&z=1 A new mapping project has begun in the Southern Rivers area of NSW which will build on WetlandCare Australia’s already extensive mapping database. This project is supported by the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority, through funding from the Australian Government's Caring for our Country. WetlandCare Australia will map, classify and prioritise wetlands found in the Southern Rivers catchment management area. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=733&z=1 http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=735&z=1 WetlandCare Australia, with funding from the NSW Environmental Trust, would like to announce a new environmental education project, “Starting in your Backyard”. Stage one of this project is focusing on the residents living in the subcatchment surrounding the East Ballina North Creek wetland. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=738&z=1 In an effort to monitor Bribie Island wetlands for future protection, WetlandCare Australia is facilitating the “Bribie Island Wetland Protection and Monitoring” project for the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA). http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=739&z=1 You can now donate to WetlandCare Australia online with the launch of a new online donations facility. The new 24 hour-a-day, seven day-a-week service ensures people can donate to WetlandCare Australia anytime, with this secure and easy to use service. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=740&z=1 Cassie Price, Senior Projects Coordinator recently delivered four wetland workshops during April 2009 on the South Coast of NSW at Moss Vale, Shoalhaven, Kiama-Shellharbour and Wollongong. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=743&z=1 WetlandCare Australia was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet the Federal Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry Tony Burke on the NSW mid north coast recently. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=747&z=1 Wetland works continue! WetlandCare Australia in partnership with North Queensland Dry Tropics and many other significant stakeholders in the Burdekin have been successful in securing funds for the regions wetlands through the Australian Government Open Grants round. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=748&z=1 WetlandCare Australia and WWF-Australia are working together to protect critical Giant Barred Frog habitat in the Numinbah Valley, south-east Queensland. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=749&z=1 Over three consecutive years WetlandCare Australia and the Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) have provided funds directly to landholders for wetland rehabilitation and conservation in priority wetland areas. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=750&z=1 http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=753&z=1 WetlandCare Australia hosted South African visitors; Stefan Kruger and Don Cater of Eastern Wetland Rehabilitation this week. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=757&z=1 WetlandCare Australia has entered into an exciting new partnership with Vonmac Pty Ltd who have proudly become a corporate sponsor of WetlandCare Australia. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=767&z=1 WetlandCare Australia, in partnership with the Burnett Mary Regional Group, are working to improve water quality entering the Great Barrier Reef. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=769&z=1 http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=776&z=1 This page is dedicated to residents living nearby East Ballina North Creek Reserve Wetland, however the information may be relevant and useful for anyone living nearby a wetland. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=779&z=1 Over six hundred and fifty creative Australians celebrated World Wetlands Day on 2 February, in the International Year of Biodiversity, 2010 by expressing their passion and concern for Australia’s magnificent wetlands through art. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=782&z=1 To mark International World Wetlands Day, Federal Member for Page is lodging a private members motion in Parliament today recognising the important wetlands protection work of organisations in her electorate. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=783&z=1 View the on line gallery of the winning works from the WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Competition 2010 http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=785&z=1 The Hon. Janelle Saffin, Federal Member for Page electorate in northern NSW, has expressed support for the work of WetlandCare Australia in a private members bill before Federal parliament. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=790&z=1 WetlandCare Australia (WCA) would like to introduce and welcome Scott Fry to our Great Barrier Reef Catchments Program Team. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=791&z=1 The winning art and photography from the WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Competition 2010 is now on display at the Dorrigo Rainforest Centre, in the beautiful Dorrigo National Park. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=792&z=1 New conservation works are currently being undertaken on over 30 hectares of bush land approximately 15km south west of Ballina, located in Bundjalung Country. The land is owned by the Jali Local Aboriginal Land Council (LALC) and is representative of some of the most pristine and biodiverse ecosystems of the entire NSW coast. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=793&z=1 WetlandCare Australia (WCA) is pleased to introduce Kirralee Donovan who will be starting as Project Officer (Mid North Coast) this week. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=794&z=1 Pictures from the opening exhibition and award ceremony for the 3rd annual WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Competition are now postyed on the Ramsar Convention website http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=795&z=1 WeltandCare Australia is proud to announce that the Bribie community wallum froglet and wetland protection and monitoring project has been selected as a finalist in the Brisbane Airport - Community Award category of the 2010 Healthy Waterways Awards. WetlandCare Australia would like to congratulate the Bribie Island Environmental Protection Association (BIEPA) and the many project partners for their dedication and outstanding achievements. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=796&z=1 WetlandCare Australia has recently discovered around 80 monster Prickly Pear weeds at a site on Micalo Island near Yamba which they are in the process of eradicating with the help of Clarence Valley Council. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=798&z=1 Last Wednesday 30 people discovered why saltmarsh is vitally important and how it can be protected, at a field day led by Alan Cibilic. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=799&z=1 Ocean Shores Public School has a School Environmental Management Plan (SEMP) which identifies the revival of the schools nature trail as a priority. WetlandCare Australia will be delivering a Northern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (NRCMA) project during 2010 to coordinate and assist the school in realising this goal. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=800&z=1 The Bellinger and Nambucca Sustainable Floodplain Program is back on track after the prolonged wet season and severe floods of 2009 put a dampener on WetlandCare Australia’s progress in implementing the project. Workshops and property visits as part of the floodplain management program are now well underway. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=802&z=1 Monday the 30th August 2010, Kyogle Memorial Hall http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=809&z=1 September is biodiversity month and you are invited to come and celebrate the unique biodiversity of the Clunes and Coopers Creek region. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=810&z=1 Monitoring and evaluating is a fundamental part of the continual improvement cycle and essential for understanding the overall condition of our natural resources, including wetlands. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=811&z=1 Local communities will benefit from the announcement that was made on Friday by Environment Protection Minister Peter Garrett (and local member for Page Janelle Saffin). http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=814&z=1 One of our sponsors, Vonmac, has just completed the installation of two environmental regulators in Kings Billabong for the Mallee Catchment Management Authority, near Mildura, Victoria. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=816&z=1 The NSW CMA's have united for the first time to put their support behind the WetlandCare Australia National Art and Photography Competition, sponsoring the Open Art category as a Platinum Sponsor http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=817&z=1 WetlandCare Australia and Ocean Shores Public School would like to invite local community members and all Ocean Shores Public school parents & students to a fun tree planting and information day on Saturday 18th September 2010 at the school grounds on Shara Boulevard, North Ocean Shores , from 8am. http://www.wetlandcare.com.au/Content/anmviewer.asp?a=818&z=1