Wetland Restoration Case Studies
Werri Lagoon Off-Creek Stock Watering Demonstration Project
Contributor: Nikki Plunkett, Southern Rivers CMA,
“nikki.plunkett-cole@cma.nsw.gov.au”:mailto:nikki.plunkett-cole@cma.nsw.gov.au
Werri Lagoon is situated at the northern end of Werri Beach, Gerringong, NSW and covers an area of about 1Ha. Approximately 25% of its catchment area is floodplain. Land use within the greater catchment area is predominantly rural, with a large proportion in dairy farming. To reduce impacts from grazing practices, several successful management changes were undertaken by a dairy farmer, including the installation of an off-creek watering system. The wetland is now used as a demonstration site.
The project was initiated to address several common impacts on the wetland.
Primary impacts include:
- nutrient overloading from stock manures and manure-based fertilisers leaching into the catchment;
- clearance of vegetation and unrestrained stock access has led to creek destabilization and the erosion of soils into the catchment; and
- weed invasion, in particular Coral Tree and Madeira Vine infestation.
To address these impacts, on-ground works were undertaken by the farmer with assistance from Illawara Landcare, Conservation Volunteers Australia and Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority.
The works included:
- installation of an off-creek watering system – a concrete water tank, pump and three stock watering troughs;
- fencing of riparian areas;
- control of weeds; and
- collection and propagation of native plant seed.
Cost of the project
The total cost of the project was $20,610. $9,000 was contributed by the Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority from the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program , the Conservation Volunteers Australia added an additional $5,000 and the landholder generously contributed $6,610.
Maintaining the good condition of the wetland
To maintain the improved condition of the wetland, Conservation Volunteers Australia (CVA) coordinate two weeks of volunteer activities to control environmental weeds, collect seed, enable natural bush regeneration and fencing of riparian areas.
Demonstration Site
The dairy farmer is well known in the area and very supportive of natural resource management activities and the use of part of his property as a demonstration site for other farmers. The project site and participants are a great example of how sustainable agriculture integrates with conservation at the farm level.
The demonstration site is close to the Princes Highway, and is therefore is easily accessible.
Local Community
Another aim of this project is to increase the involvement of the local community in Landcare and natural resource management in general.
The project is to be completed by August 2006 and is linked to several other natural resource management projects in the vicinity, including:
- Gerringong-Gerroa Community Engagement Project (supporting local groups and individuals in connecting with each other on current and future projects);
- Landcare Illawarra Pest Animal Management Project (strategically targeting foxes in the Foxground area since 2004);
- Coral Tree Removal (river rehabilitation is a proposed project along 2km of Ooaree Creek, which flows into Werri Lagoon. Much of the proposed site is on the same dairy farm as the Werri Lagoon Off-Creek Stock Watering Demonstration Site).
For more information please contact:
Mike Swanson, Landcare Illawarra or
Nikki Plunkett, Southern Rivers CMA.
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