Wetland Restoration Case Studies

Restoration of Tom Thumb Lagoon

A Revive our Wetlands Project by Conservation Volunteers Australia

Contributor: Jen Byrne
Revive our Wetlands Project Officer
Conservation Volunteers Australia
PO BOX 5447
Wollongong NSW 2500
t 02 4228 9246
f 02 4228 9896
m 0407 040 946
e jbyrne@conservationvolunteers.com.au
w “www.conservationvolunteers.com.au”:www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

Tom Thumb Lagoon – Values

Tom Thumb Lagoon¹ is comprised of an estuarine channel, remnant saltmarsh, and tidal mudflats.

The remnant wetland plays a vital role in providing habitat to a range of plant and animal life, including migratory bird species protected under international agreements and the endangered Green and Golden Bell Frog (Litoria aurea).

The influence and range of tidal waters supports a delicate balance of aquatic flora and fauna unique to saltmarsh and mudflat estuaries.

History

The Lagoon originally covered 500 ha, extending from Swan Street Wollongong, south to Five Islands Rd Cringila, forming the drainage basin of the Allens Creek catchment. Although considerable in size, the Outer Harbour of Port Kembla did not provide suitable year-round anchorage. In 1958, work began on an extension of the Port Kembla shipping area to form the Inner Harbour. The area dredged and filled during the creation of the Inner Harbour encompassed almost the entire area of Tom Thumb Lagoon, and thus, only 5 ha of saltmarsh, tidal mudflats, and ponds remain.

Legal Status

Saltmarsh systems within the South East Corner Bioregion are listed as endangered ecological communities under the Threatened Species Conservation Act 1995 (NSW).

The land within Tom Thumb Lagoon is under Wollongong City Council’s jurisdiction, zoned for ‘special uses’ and ‘public recreation’.

Current Threats

There are 4 main pressures on the wetland:

Leachate from the former Wollongong Builders Refuse Tip entering the wetland.
The channelling of tidal flow between Tom Thumb Lagoon Wetland and Port Kembla Harbour through a causeway. The channel inhibits the passage of aquatic fauna into the wetlands, which is a potential breeding site. The channel also traps sediment in the wetland, preventing discharge of sediment into the harbour.
The lagoon receives storm water and other effluent from the nearby steel works and other runoff from its largely urbanized catchment via major drains.
A sewer main runs through the wetland and at times of high rainfall, this discharges sewage into the area.

Priority Management Issues

Works being undertaken at Tom Thumb reflect the aims and objectives of local and regional plans of management, reports and strategies.

Maintenance and weeding of pre existing plantings.
Priority weeding in areas posing a threat to the ecological integrity of remnant vegetation in and around the wetlands, particularly the Coastal Salt Marsh.
Revegetation to expand wetland buffers and create bushland connectivity across the site.
Habitat development and enhancement eg building nesting boxes and creating mid water perches for birds such cormorants.
Seed collection from nearby natural areas eg Coniston woodland to build up an indigenous seed bank to conserve local plant populations.
Rubbish removal within and around the wetlands.
Implementation of a water quality monitoring program.

Management Highlights

Between 2001 to January 2006, Revive our Wetlands volunteers:

Planted 6121 native plants.
Controlled weeds over 21.3 ha.
Collected 661 kg of rubbish.
Coordinated 2072 volunteer person days (mostly local community volunteers).
Have undertaken flora and fauna surveys and monitoring, vegetation mapping, seed collection, mulching, and habitat restoration.

Funding Partners

Tom Thumb Lagoon is currently under a joint management program being implemented by the Friends of Tom Thumb (FoTT), Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) and Wollongong City Council (WCC).

The Friends of Tom Thumb (FoTT), commenced restoration works on the lagoon in 1991. The efforts of the community group attracted corporate and Government sponsors:

In 2000 CVA became aware of FoTT’s efforts and chose to support this important site with funding from the CVA and BHP Billiton’s Revive our Wetlands Program. Since 2001, CVA has been coordinating teams of both international and local volunteers in undertaking restoration of the site through the Revive our Wetlands Program.
The success of the program has lead to further support from the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority (SRCMA) in 2004 with a commitment to funding until 2007 under the Revive Southern Rivers Wetlands Program. The SRCMA is now a significant regional partner. Through the ‘Revive Southern Rivers Wetlands Program’ it provides support to Tom Thumb and Werri Lagoons, Coomonderry Swamp and Lake Conjola, by enhancing the capacity of local community groups.
Wollongong City Council’s Environment Fund, has recently provided financial support for a part time Project Officer for Tom Thumb Lagoon, whose role is to engage the community for on site projects. This funding will also assist with upgrading the current Plan of Management for the Lagoon. Wollongong City Council currently and in the past continues to support Tom Thumb Lagoon with native plants, tools, herbicides and other materials
During August 2005, a Revive our Wetlands Project Officer was appointed through funding from the SRCMA and WCC’s Environmental Fund, which allows for a works program on and around the wetland two days per week, coordinating volunteers.

A successful cross sectoral partnership with the community, local and state government, the corporate sector, and local industry has been formed which is committed to conserving and restoring Tom Thumb Lagoon for at least the next three years.

Community Involvement

Regular community days at the wetland serve as an important training and education ground for the community. An important objective of the project is to raise awareness of the importance of wetlands, in particular saltmarsh and tidal mudflat estuaries, and the impacts of urban and industrial land uses on such environments.

Community days at Tom Thumb attract the support and participation from a wide cross section of the community including industry representatives, university students and lecturers, local organizations, individuals and families.

¹ Tom Thumb Lagoon is located 2km south of the Wollongong Central Business District on the eastern side of Springhill Road, Coniston. Wollongong is located 85km south of Sydney on the south coast of New South Wales.

Further Information:

For further information on, or to be involved with Conservation Volunteers Australia go to: http://www.conservationvolunteers.com.au

For more information on the Revive Our wetlands Projection: http://www.reviveourwetlands.net

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