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Wetland Care Australia - Current Projects

Healthy Wetlands for Healthy Catchments in the Southern Rivers Region

A new mapping project has begun in the Southern Rivers area of NSW which will build on WetlandCare Australia's already extensive mapping database covering the Northern Rivers, the Hunter Central Rivers, the Central West and the Sydney Metro catchments. 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. This region covers Wollongong City Council, Shellharbour Council, Kiama Municipal Council, Wingecarribee Shire Council, Shoalhaven City Council, Palerang Council, Goulburn-Mulwaree Council, Eurobodalla Shire Council, Bega Valley Shire Council, Bombala Council, Snowy River Shire Council and Cooma-Monaro Shire Council.

 

Map Compilation

Using the ArcGIS software program, digital spatial maps will be collected from a number of sources including state government, local councils and environmental organisations. These maps will then be consolidated into one map covering wetlands throughout the entire Southern Rivers CMA. The spatial data layer will be available on completion of the project.

Wetland Classification

Once mapped the wetlands will then be classified according to the latest classification system for Australia. Classifying the wetlands will give them consistency and comparability. Wetlands will also be grouped into 'Wetland Complexes', which are groups of different types of wetland that are connected and form part of a wetland ecosystem.

Wetland Prioritisation

Wetland Complexes will be important in grouping the smaller wetland components into larger more workable management units. The prioritisation process will utilise these more manageable Wetland Complex groupings. Using digital data attributes, which represent either a threat to the wetland or the environmental value of the wetland, the Wetland Complexes will be queried and assessed. Following this, the attributes will be entered into a decision support database which calculates both a 'Wetland Threat' score and a 'Wetland Conservation Value' score, these scores assist in prioritising the wetlands of the Southern Rivers region. The database is also capable of generating a number of different reports and lists which will be used to assist people in prioritising wetlands according to their purpose and area. Maps and the decision support database will be available on an interactive CD.

Map of the Southern Rivers CMA	A wetland of the Southern Rivers, NSW (Photo: Kate Heyward, WetlandCare Australia)

For further information on the 'Healthy Wetlands for Healthy Catchments in the Southern Rivers Region' project click here or contact Amber-moon Kelly, WetlandCare Australia on (02) 66816 169 or ambermoonkelly@wetlandcare.com.au

 

Related Mapping Projects

• Sustainable Wetlands on NSW Coastal Landscapes
• Condition Assessment and Prioritisation of Targeted Wetland Complexes (NRCMB)