 Kooragang
Wetland Rehabilitation Project:
15 years of ecosystem repair and management in the Hunter River
estuary
SUMMARY AND BRIEF ECOLOGICAL RATIONALE FOR THE WORKS
The remarkable natural productivity of the Hunter estuary at the
time of European settlement is well documented. Also well documented
are the degradation and loss of fisheries and other wildlife habitat
in the estuary due to over 200 years of draining, filling, dredging
and clearing.
The following is an overview of restoration activities, issues
faced and lessons learned during fifteen years of implementing KWRP
- a large, integrated, adaptive wetland restoration project.
Geographic location:
KWRP is located in the Hunter River estuary 5-15km north and north
west of one of the world's largest coal ports in Newcastle on the
east coast of NSW, Australia.
KWRP area presents many opportunities and challenges as it covers
over 1500ha that overlap with a Ramsar wetland of international
significance adjacent to a major industrial complex.
Three sites in the Hunter River estuary are included in KWRP due
to their suitability to be restored as fisheries, shorebird and
other wildlife habitat: Ash Island (780ha), Tomago Wetlands (800ha)
and Stockton Sandspit (10ha). By establishing partnerships and
taking a collaborative approach, KWRP has been able to implement
restoration activities on a landscape basis, working across land
ownership and management boundaries at each of the sites.
ECOSYSTEM AND IMPACTS
Historical context:
Aquatic productivity of the Hunter estuary at European settlement
was legendary. European settlers and naturalists in the 1800s noted
the almost unbelievable banks of oysters lining the Hunter River
estuary, the lushness of the floodplain forests, the abundant water
fowl and the use of these natural resources by Aboriginal
inhabitants. Lt. Col. Paterson told Governor King in 1801 that: The
quantity of oyster shells on the beaches inland (from the mouth of
the Hunter River) is beyond conception: they are in some places for
miles. These are four feet deep (later recorded to be up to 18ft
deep) without either sand or earth. (Turner and Melville 2009)
The floodplain rainforest on the islands of the Hunter estuary
was a source of inspiration to naturalists. Elizabeth Gould visited
Mosquito Island in 1839: …nature appeared in her wild luxuriance.
The Immense parasites twining round the trees taking root some of
them at the tops of the trees and hanging down to the ground, others
surrounding the trees like a crown - heard the bell bird with his
incessant ting ting, the coachwhip bird &c - a heavy shower of
rain accompanied by lightning - soon cleared up - every green thing
looked more beautiful for its sprinkling. Hindwood 1938b:135-6 in
Albrecht G & J 1992)
Impact on the ecosystem:
Records show that, in the Hunter River estuary over the past 200
years, there has been a decrease of over 80% of saltmarsh and
floodplain forest, 13% of open water, 50% of shoreline length and
50% of shorebird numbers. Numbers of deltaic islands in the estuary
have been reduced from 20 to 4. Hydrological regimes have been
significantly altered resulting in reduced tidal flushing reduced
and fragmented habitat.
Causes and duration of impact:
Clearing, draining, filling and dredging have extensively
modified the Hunter estuary. Structures affecting hydrology have
increased from 0 in 1801 to the construction of 112 culverts,
bridges and floodgates, and 77km of drains and levees by 1994
(Williams et al 2000). Red cedar was harvested from the floodplain
rainforest from 1804 to 1822 (Williams et al 2000) with the forest
being cleared in earnest for agriculture from the mid-1800s. The
oyster banks were mined from 1808 to 1822 and dredged from 1935
to1945 for production of cement. Since 1910, the river has been
dredged to create and maintain facilities for the Port of Newcastle.
Between 1954 and 1994, there was a loss of at least 1428ha of
saltmarsh and 344ha of open water and an increase of 400ha of
mangroves, that is a net loss of over 1300ha of fisheries habitat
and over 1400ha of shorebird habitat (Williams et al 2000). The
number of migratory shorebirds has declined by at least half since
the 1970s and fish species dependent on sea grass have dropped out
of the commercial catch (Kingsford and Ferster Levy 1995; Williams
pers. comm.). Estimates of broad scale vegetation change in the
Hunter estuary between 1750-2000 indicate that there has been a loss
of 84% (27km2) of saltmarsh; 21% (6km2) of mangroves and 81%
(275km2) of non-tidal forests.
In spite of these modifications, Kooragang Wetlands form part of
the internationally significant Ramsar-listed Hunter Estuary
Wetlands. These wetlands are considered the most important locality
in NSW for migratory shorebirds whose habitat is protected by
treaties with Japan, China and South Korea. As such, the project
includes a range of elements centred around the rehabilitation and,
in some parts, restoration of saline and freshwater wetlands. The
site contains two endangered ecological communities and 27
threatened species (1 frog, 17 birds, 7 bats and 2 plants). It
provides habitats for 341 plant, 183 bird, 67 fish/decapod
crustacean, 15 frog and 12 mammal species.
RESTORATION GOALS AND PLANNING
The vision for the Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project1 (KWRP)
is for an estuary in which healthy, restored fisheries, shorebird,
threatened species and other wildlife habitat is in balance with a
thriving port, the whole providing opportunities for research,
education and recreation.
Planning, design and consultation:
A landscape plan for all three sites was produced in 1994. The
KWRP Management Plan was approved in 1996 following completion of a
value management study and an economic appraisal. The project was
made a major capital works of State Government in 1997 with a
proposed ten year program of establishment followed by on-going
sustainable management.
Consultation was incorporated into the development of each of the
project's planning documents and on-going community consultation is
a feature of implementing the project. The project's feasibility
study included extensive consultation in its assessment of the aim
to compensate for past losses of fisheries and other wildlife
habitat with creation and restoration of wetlands on the western
part of Kooragang Island while educating the community on the value
of the Hunter estuary as a fishery and biodiversity resource.
Subsequently, the project's landscape plan assessed opportunities
and constraints of the project's three sites through a consultation
process that resulted in landscape designs visually depicting the
project's outcome. A list of actions required to achieve the
landscape plan formed the core of the KWRP Management Plan. Prior to
being finalised, the plan and these proposed actions were reviewed
during a value management workshop attended by key stakeholders.
Project aims and objectives:
KWRP aims are to:
- help redress the loss of fisheries, shorebird, threatened
species and other wildlife habitat in the Hunter Estuary due to
clearing, draining and filling over the past 200 years by
conserving, restoring and continuously improving Kooragang and
Tomago wetlands for nature conservation;
- maintain viability of the estuarine ecosystems including
threatened ecological communities and critical habitat for
migratory waders and threatened species; and
- link applied research to wetland management and develop and
promote complementary opportunities for environmental education,
outdoor recreation and nature-based tourism and demonstrate that
environment conservation and local industry can work together to
their mutual benefit.
KWRP restoration objectives are to:
- protect threatened/protected species and communities along
with other species and communities of conservation
significance;
- enhance habitat for estuarine flora, in particular saltmarsh,
and fauna, in particular migratory shorebirds, fish and
crustaceans;
- increase flushing of tidal creeks which have become stagnant
and restore creek beds, taking into account habitat requirements
for threatened and protected species and maintaining saltmarsh;
- manage floodgates at Tomago Wetlands to reinstate shorebird
roost and feeding habitat;
- enhance riverine corridor vegetation for biodiversity and
riverbank stability;
- manage pest and weed species;
- develop Kooragang City Farm as a demonstration site and
training facility for farming in harmony with wetlands and
management based on holistic decision-making;
- consider the contribution of KWRP to the larger estuarine
wetland complex of the Hunter estuary in the development a
long-term management framework for the Green Corridor and
regional network of protected natural areas;
- assist research initiatives through facilitating collaborative
projects and providing research sites;
- assess rehabilitation/creation success and guide management
actions of this and other rehabilitation projects through
applied research;
- protect Aboriginal and European cultural heritage values;
- contribute to the promotion of the value of the Lower Hunter
estuary wetlands;
- facilitate community involvement and training activities
through an education and extension program that features
Kooragang City Farm;
- encourage use of Kooragang and Tomago wetlands for educational
purposes;
- enhance opportunities for passive outdoor recreation and
nature appreciation;
- promote the Hunter estuary as a centre of excellence in
sustainable wetland management;
- maintain international profile of wetlands of the Hunter River
estuary.
PROJECT IMPLEMENTATION
The planning phase and initial restoration works for KWRP
occurred from 1993 to 1996. Major restoration works were implemented
during the establishment phase from 1997 to 2007. In 2008, KWRP
entered a maintenance, monitoring and improvement phase.
PROGRESS TO DATE
Since the project was launched in 1993, it has protected over
350ha of fisheries habitat including mangroves, saltmarsh and open
water. Some 32ha of ephemeral freshwater/brackish swales have been
rehabilitated, largely by controlling cattle grazing. This has
reduced biomass and increased open water for Latham's Snipe habitat.
Recovery of mangrove and saltmarsh has been initiated along three
creeks which have been opened to tidal flows. Over 8km of riverbank
have been rehabilitated by removing cattle, excluding motor
vehicles, retaining rainwater in wetlands, removing weeds and
re-establishing native riparian vegetation. Floodplain rainforest
and woodland remnants have also been conserved and extended through
planting of more than 150,000 plants of over 80 rainforest and
riparian species native to the Hunter estuary floodplain. Some 30
missing species that historical records show once grew on the island
have been re-introduced. This has helped the recovery of the
endangered rainforest vine, White Cynanchum (Cynanchum elegans) and
establishing over 12ha of new wildlife corridor and over 4km of
revegetated riverbank.
New habitats have also been constructed. For example, over 10ha
of coastal saltmarsh has been created at higher elevations likely to
be viable given expected sea level rise. This is providing habitat
for shorebirds. Stockton Sandspit has also been reinstated as one of
best shorebird roosts in NSW by removing weeds and constructing a
tidal lagoon, island and weir; and removing fringing mangroves.
Planning initiatives have also seen the rezoning of over 500ha of
estuarine wetlands and associated floodplain ecosystems from general
industrial to environmental conservation. We have also provided
planning, designing and monitoring for the opening of floodgates by
Department of Environment and Climate Change at the nearby Tomago
Wetlands to re-establish coastal saltmarsh as shorebird habitat.
Partnerships have been established for on-going management; with a
high level of community involvement and ownership.
The CMA, in partnership with the Awabakal and Worimi LALCs are
embarking on the development of an Aboriginal Cultural Heritage
Management Plan for KWRP, which will further integrate both
traditional and contemporary Aboriginal culture with the project's
objectives.
MONITORING AND RESEARCH LINKS
Research and adaptive management:
The project has been documented and monitored (particularly
through the use of photopoints) and research has been established
into wetlands and the rehabilitation activities to improve
management practices. Research partnerships have been large scale,
long term, integrated and collaborative, resulting in a significant
body of research.
Studies by undergraduate, Honours and PhD students from the
University of Newcastle and other universities provide current
information on biophysical and socioeconomic aspects of the project;
and the project site provides field sites and other support for a
range of research into estuarine ecosystem function. Of particular
interest is a monitoring program being implemented by a community
group and university students for a created intertidal wetland.
Project review:
A diverse and extensive set of stakeholders participated in
reviews of the KWRP management plan and development of the City Farm
business plan in 1999, 2000 and 2001 and research and monitoring
outcomes. In addition, an expert panel was convened to consult with
key stakeholders and provide advice on management needs of a suite
of threatened species and communities. Finally, the project team
undertakes on-going consultation with key community stakeholders in
the planning, design and implementation of on-ground works.
PARTNERSHIPS
Central to KWRP is the establishment of long term partnerships
with local, state, national and international agencies and
organisations involved in natural resource management. Underpinning
this collaborative approach is the development of a shared vision
amongst the major stakeholders based on extensive and on-going
consultation. The resulting integrated project links wise
recreational use of wetlands with habitat restoration, research and
education. An essential element of effective implementation of
restoration works and maintenance of restored sites is the
engagement of the community - individuals and special interest
groups - and fostering ownership of the restoration process by
showing a willingness to listen, discuss and adapt activities based
on new information.
Partnerships on a local level are with Newcastle City and Port
Stephens councils; over 120 KooraGang Landcare volunteers currently
contribute over 16,000 hours per year; community groups, e.g. Hunter
Bird Observers Club; and industry sponsors.
State natural resource management agencies play a central role in
KWRP. The Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority
provides significant support as well as a financial and
administrative framework. Other state partners are NSW Department of
Environment and Climate Change - Estuary Management Program; Parks
and Wildlife; NSW Department of Primary Industries - Fisheries; and
schools.
Nationally, the Australian Government; University of Newcastle
and other research institutions provide grants for specific
components of the project.
KWRP is linked to the Hunter Estuary Wetlands Ramsar site and is
part of an international sister wetland affiliation with Kushiro
Wetlands, Hokkaido, Japan. International links are based on the
thousands of migratory shorebirds that breed in the northern
hemisphere (especially in the palearctic region) and spend the
summer in the Hunter estuary. Habitat for these shorebirds is
protected with international treaties with Japan, China and South
Korea. The migratory Latham's Snipe provides the biological basis
for the sister wetland affiliation with Kushiro Wetlands.
Funding:
KWRP received a major capital works grant of $4 million from the
NSW Estuary Management Program to underpin a ten year integrated
program of restoration and related works. State funding is matched
with major contributions from Hunter-Central Rivers CMA and
Newcastle City Council, sponsorship and in kind labour from
KooraGang Landcare volunteers. The current value of volunteer labour
is over $480,000 per year. Supplementary funding and in kind support
has come from Hunter Bird Observers Club, Port Stephens Council, NSW
DPI Fisheries, NSW DECC Parks and Wildlife Service, Awabakal and
Worimi Local Area Land Councils (LALC) and the University of
Newcastle.
LESSONS LEARNED
The project has demonstrated that wetland restoration and
rehabilitation are possible, given coordinated and ecologically
informed approaches and has demonstrated to landholders how
properties can be managed for improved agricultural production
whilst protecting and conserving wetlands and forest. This is
largely through managing hydrology in tidal and freshwater/brackish
ephemeral swales and acknowledging the dynamic nature of tidal and
floodplain systems. However, we are aware that wetland
rehabilitation is a long term proposition with at least ten years of
observation being required to begin to recognize the effect of a
wetland's wetting and drying cycles. Reverting kikuyu paddock to
floodplain rainforest and woodland is difficult but not impossible.
If enough canopy is established within five to ten years then shrub,
vine and groundcover layers can be planted.
The project has found that effective communication of the
project's objectives, progress and future is crucial to success.
Links have been developed between the on-ground works and
Kooragang's interpretation program for schools and the broader
community. This has encouraged stakeholders to be involved in
on-ground works and monitoring
TAKE-HOME MESSAGES
The essential first step for KWRP was to develop a shared vision
amongst stakeholders to provide a good foundation for a long term
restoration strategy. For this large area, planning documents
identified high priority actions (such as planting) that could be
implemented immediately as approvals and resources would allow.
KWRP was managed through the Hunter Catchment Management Trust
and subsequently the Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management
Authority. This arrangement provided continuity and flexibility for
the project and assisted in establishing mutually beneficial
partnerships with other organisations and volunteers.
Fostering a sense of ownership and stewardship with members of
the community and community groups assists greatly with maintenance,
continued restoration and communication. Communication to the
general public can help maintain support for on-going restoration
but importantly can help avoid damage of restored areas that would
require precious time and scarce resources to repair.
FURTHER READING
(These are selected references from a longer list of titles that can
be found on the KWRP website; physical documents are held in the
KWRP library at Kooragang Wetlands (Ash Island.)
Geering, D.J. 1995. Ecology of Migratory Shorebirds in the Hunter
River Estuary. Report prepared by Shortland Wetlands Centre Ltd for
Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project and held at Kooragang
Wetlands (Ash Island) on behalf of Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment
Management Authority, Paterson NSW.
Henderson, R.G. 1995. Kooragang City Farm Management Report.
Prepared for Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project Steering
Committee and held at Kooragang Wetlands (Ash Island) on behalf of
Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Paterson NSW.
Howe, A. 2008. Hydrodynamics, Geomorphology and Vegetation of
Estuarine Wetlands in the Hunter, Australia: Implications for
migratory shorebird high tide roost availability. PhD Thesis,
Discipline of Civil, Surv. & Env. Eng., University of Newcastle,
Callaghan NSW Australia.
Hughes, C.E. 1998. Hydrology of a Disturbed Estuarine Wetland,
Hunter River, Australia: Field investigation, process modelling and
management implications. Ph.D. Thesis, Dept. Civil. Surv. & Env.
Eng., University of Newcastle, Callaghan NSW Australia.
Kingsford, R.T. and R. Ferster Levy. 1995. Rehabilitating
estuarine habitat on Kooragang Island for waterbirds, including
migratory wading birds - Stage 1 of the Kooragang Wetland
Rehabilitation Project (May 1994 - May 1995). Report prepared by
National Parks and Wildlife Service for the Kooragang Wetland
Rehabilitation Project and held at Kooragang Wetlands (Ash Island)
on behalf of Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority,
Paterson NSW.
Kingsford, R.T. and Ferster Levy, R. 1997. Changes to the Hunter
River Estuary, 1801 - 1996, and their Implications for Migratory
Wading Birds and other Waterbirds. Report prepared for Environment
Australia, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Hurstville, NSW.
Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project. 1996. Kooragang Wetland
Rehabilitation Project Management Plan. Prepared for Hunter
Catchment Management Trust.
Laegdsgaard, P. 2002. A guide to monitoring a created wetland at
Kooragang Island. Centre for Natural Resources, NSW Department of
Land and Water Conservation, Parramatta NSW.
Land Systems EBC Pty Ltd. 1994. Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation
Project: Strategic Landscape Plan. Prepared for Kooragang Wetland
Rehabilitation Project Steering Committee and held at Kooragang
Wetlands (Ash Island) on behalf of Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment
Management Authority, Paterson NSW.
Shortland Wetlands Centre Ltd and TUNRA. 1992. Kooragang Island
Wetland Compensation Project Feasibility Study. Prepared for NSW
Fisheries by Shortland Wetlands Centre Ltd. in association with The
University of Newcastle Research Associates.
Spencer, J. and Howe, A. 2008. Estuarine wetland rehabilitation
and ecohydraulics: the links between hydraulics, sediment, benthic
invertebrates, vegetation and migratory shorebird habitat: summary
of major findings and recommendations. Final Report to the Kooragang
Wetland Rehabilitation Project and Energy Australia.
Turner, J and Melville, R. 2009. Draft Manuscript of the History
of Hunter River Islands. Report for Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation
Project held at Kooragang Wetlands (Ash Island) on behalf of
Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority, Paterson NSW.
Williams, R.J., Watford, F.A. and Balashov, V. 2000. Kooragang
Wetland Rehabilitation Project: History of Changes to Estuarine
Wetlands of the Lower Hunter River. NSW Fisheries, Cronulla NSW.
Final Report Series Number 22.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Kooragang Wetland Rehabilitation Project
Hunter-Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority
Private bag 2010 Paterson NSW 2421
Australia
Tel: +61 2 4964 9308 Fax: +61 2 4964 9307
Email: peggy.svoboda@cma.nsw.gov.au
Website: www.hcr.cma.nsw.gov.au/kooragang
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