Skip to Content

Riverine ecosystems and wetlands

Riverine ecosystems range from uplands through rocky gorges to lowland floodplains. They are often quite different to neighbouring countryside with distinctive habitats, plants and animals.

Riparian zones provide connectivity for migrating birds, as well as habitat and recreational values.

Wetlands provide environmental (e.g. biodiversity, habitat and ecological functions), social and economic values. ACT wetlands are under threat and continued monitoring and maintenance is required.

Two ACT wetlands have a plan of management – Jerrabombera has one through its status as a nature reserve; Ginini has one through its Ramsar listing. Updated planning expectations for Ramsar sites require ‘ecological characteristics’ to be sought for all sites.

Several wetlands projects have been funded including for rehabilitation works and pig control.

Achievement of this target will ensure long-term protection of internationally and nationally designated wetlands and integrity of ACT riparian ecosystems.

ACT wetlands

The Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (EA 2001, third edition) lists 13 nationally important wetlands in the ACT (including Jerrabomberra). It includes one Ramsar site (Ginini and Cheyenne Flats). Only two are lowland wetlands, 10 are in Namadgi National Park.

The listing excludes the lakes – Burley-Griffin, Tuggeranong and Ginninderra – and associated ponds.

The ACT also has a large number of farm dams, many of which have considerable biodiversity value.

TARGET 11. Riverine ecosystems and wetlands
Intermediate
  • Riparian health of the Molonglo River between Queanbeyan and Lake Burley Griffin enhanced (2015)
    • Long-term
  • The extent, integrity and condition of riverine and wetland ecosystems is maintained and enhanced in accordance with their stated values (2030)
    • ACT Natural Resource Management Council program

    WORKING WATERWAYS

    Creative ways of improving stream health with wetlands, native vegetation and improved management

    Working waterways projects include control of riparian weeds and revegetation along the Molonglo, and a survey of vegetation and habitat in key riparian areas.

    Molonglo Catchment Group, Parks Conservation and Land
    Molonglo River at the head of Lake Burley Griffin.
    Molonglo tour
    Tour of the Molonglo River.
    Molonglo tour
    Photos Sarah Ryan


     



    Molonglo Catchment Group

    Molonglo Catchment Group The Molonglo Catchment Group works largely in NSW and covers the catchments of the Molonglo and Queanbeyan Rivers, Jerrabomberra Creek and the urban areas of inner Canberra and Queanbeyan.

    Ginninderra Catchment Group

    Ginninderra Catchment GroupThe Ginninderra Catchment Group works in the urban areas of Belconnen, West Belconnen, Hall, Gunghalin, and the rural areas and nature reserves of the Ginninderra Creek catchment.

    Southern ACT Catchment Group

    Southern ACT Catchment Group The Southern ACT Catchment Group operates in the southern areas of the ACT covering Woden, Weston Creek, Tuggeranong, Tharwa, Tidbinbilla, the Cotter Road, Namadgi National Park and related rural areas.
    Theme by Dr. Radut.