Hurstville City Council has rehabilitated two wetlands in the local government area which were had been heavily degraded in the past due to urban development and increased stormwater pollution. These are the Riverwood Wetland at Riverwood Park and the Lime Kiln Bay Wetland, near Waterfall Road and Bay Road, Oatley. Council has also constructed a wetland at Edith Bay, in Edith Bay Reserve, Lugarno.
Wetlands are defined as land that is inundated with water on a temporary or permanent basis. They include billabongs, marshes, swamps, lakes, mud flats, mangrove forests and other fresh, brackish or saline areas. Unfortunately, over the years, many wetlands in urban areas have been damaged or lost through clearing, land filling and development.
Wetlands are very important because they provide:
Plant and animal habitat - for a large variety of plants, birds, fish, mammal invertebrates, amphibians and reptiles. Many plants and animals only survive in wetlands, or depend on them, for part of their life-cycle
Breeding and nursery areas - breeding and nursery areas for a large range of animals including birds, fish and invertebrates. Estuarine wetlands (mangroves and salt marshes) have a well recognised link with the productivity of fisheries. Many commercial fisheries depend upon wetlands for their existence
Water quality and nutrient recycling - improve water quality by acting like ‘kidneys’, trapping sediment and nutrients. When stormwater runoff passes through the wetland it slows down, allowing sediments to settle and nutrients such as phosphates, and nitrogen are captured by wetland plants and undergo nutrient recycling
Flood regulation and erosion control - wetlands store large quantities of water in times of high flow and release it slowly during times of low flow. In this way, they can reduce peak flood flows, reducing erosion and flood damage
Recreational value - recreational opportunities including walking, bird watching, canoeing, picnicking and other forms of recreational activities
Education and scientific research opportunities
How you can help conserve local wetlands
- joine Council’s Bushcare Volunteer Program which works to conserve wetlands and bushland
- make sure your domestic pets do not wander through the wetlands
- don't dump garden waste or other rubbish in wetland areas
- when visiting, avoid disturbing birds, particularly during breeding season
- reduce litter and pollution.