World's wetlands need protection

WORLD Wetlands Day is celebrated around the globe every February to raise awareness about the importance of wetlands with many of us still unaware of what we can do in our own backyards to help.

One way SEQ Catchments, Powerlink GreenWorks and local landholders were already taking action was to save a wetland unique to south-east Queensland - Swamp Tea-tree Forest.

Biodiversity conservation manager for SEQ Catchments Liz Gould said local landholders are currently benefiting from advice, training and financial assistance as part of a Powerlink GreenWorks Project to help conserve Swamp Tea-tree Forest, with only 8% of the critically endangered community remaining.

"It's particularly timely to acknowledge the role Swamp Tea-tree Forest plays in our community with heavy rain recorded over south-east Queensland over recent weeks," Ms Gould said.

"The vegetation community traps and holds water, reducing flow to other areas, a valuable function in times of heavy or prolonged rain.

"When water recedes, the small pools and soaks left when provide habitat for frogs and many other native wildlife, these are important in dry times.

"These are only some of the many reasons why they are so important to our community and our environment."

A recent planting at Lockyer Waters Park supported by Lockyer Valley Regional Council is helping to restore 0.5ha of Swamp Tea-tree Forest.

The site directly adjoins Seven Mile Lagoon, one of the largest remaining freshwater wetlands in the region, providing habitat for thousands of waterbirds and irrigation water for local farmers.

"Being able to connect important ecosystems such Swamp Tea-tree Forest to other wetland areas has undeniable benefits for restoring fragile habitats. We can also help minimise the impact of flooding as these areas naturally store water," Ms Gould said.

"We encourage anyone who might think they have Swamp Tea-tree on their property to contact us so together we can help protect our local wetlands."

For more information on Swamp Tea-tree Forest, other SEQ wetlands and SEQ Catchments' initiatives, visit the wetlands page on our website at www.seqcatchments.com.au/programs/ biodiversity-wetlands or contact Liz on 3816 9723 or 0400 748 157

Powerlink GreenWorks is a $1.6 million environmental initiative delivered through a partnership between Powerlink Queensland, local government and communities.

The program aims to identify and deliver projects that provide lasting environmental outcomes and improved visual amenity in areas where future electricity transmission lines are to be located.

For more information, visit the website www.powerlinkgreenworks.com.au.