Carbrook Wetlands
Working with Private Landholders
Site Description:
Located in the greater Brisbane area to the south, Carbrook Wetlands Conservation Park 1 and 2 are at the southern extension of the Mt Cotton-Venman Bushland National Park corridor (Directory of Important Wetlands, www.environment.gov.au). The wetlands are internationally and nationally important with Conservation Park 2 being Ramsar listed. The main vegetation is open forest of Melaleuca quinquenervia (paperbark).
Values:
Carbrook Wetlands serve as an important lowland retreat for many species during their seasonal migrations (Directory of Important Wetlands, www.environment.gov.au). It also provides habitat for the vulnerable Crinia tinnula (Wallum froglet), the Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus (Jabiru) and the rare sedge Schoenus scabripes.
Threats:
Land use in the area includes grazing, poultry farms, acreage properties and golf courses. Fragmentation of vegetation from land clearing has impacted on habitat connectivity and green corridors. Impacts on the wetlands from run off from adjacent properties increases the likelihood of the transportation of aquatic weeds (such as Salvinia, Salvinia molesta), nutrients and sediments into the wetlands. Wildfire is also a threat to the wetlands.
Coastal 20 Rehabilitation Actions:
Partnering with SEQ Catchments for delivery, private landholders in the Carbrook Wetlands area neighbouring the Conservation Parks, will be engaged to address threats to the wetlands through property management planning. Actions identified may include aquatic and terrestrial weed control, improved corridor linkages and fire management. Landholders will be able to access incentive funding to assist with the onground works.
Progress/Events:
June 2011 – Community Farm Dam workshops for residents in the Carbrook area
Early 2012 – SEQ Catchments commenced direct engagement with local landholders
February 2012 - Community event for World Wetlands Day at Eaglby Wetlands, partnering with Logan City Council
March 2012 – Landholder Fire Management workshop for Carbrook and Mt Cotton locals
Photo: Melaleuca forest, Carbrook Wetlands (C Bolzenius, WetlandCare Australia)
Photo: Wetlands at Carbrook (C Bolzenius, WetlandCare Australia)
Photo: Enjoying the wetland walk at Eagleby Wetlands, Logan, as part of World Wetlands Day celebrations 2012. (S Haigh, WetlandCare Australia)
