1.1.7.3 Aquatic species and communities


The National Water Initiative looks to improve the efficiency and sustainability of water use and management with Paragraph 25 x focusing on identifying surface and groundwater systems of high conservation value to manage these systems to protect and enhance those values (Department of the Environment, 2004). The Australian National Aquatic Ecosystem Classification Framework (ANAE) was developed to support the classification of aquatic ecosystems and help identify High Ecological Value Aquatic Ecosystems (HEVAE), as well as support mapping aquatic ecosystems (Department of the Environment, 2013b). State management of water in the bioregion falls under Queensland’s Water Act 2000 and the New South Wales Water Management Act 2000. Environmental values and water quality objectives have also been established for riverine, estuarine, coastal waters and groundwater, within the South East Queensland Natural Resource Management area legislated under the Environmental Protection (Water) Policy 2009, and within New South Wales as guidelines in the New South Wales Protection of the Environment Operations Act 1997.

Wetlands

Wetlands are an essential component of natural hydrological cycles, storing and purifying water, catching sediments and nutrient recycling, providing coastal protection against ocean movement and providing habitat and nursery sites for fish communities (The State of Queensland Environmental Protection Agency, 1999). Wetlands have cultural values as well as associated tourism and recreation values and provide ecosystem services. They also provide habitat for a diverse number of plants and wildlife, including waders and shorebirds. Many of these wetlands are listed habitat for bird species connected to international migratory routes and have agreements set up within The Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (e.g. The Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement, China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and the Republic of Korea Australia Migratory Bird Agreement). Over 100 species are listed under these migratory bird agreements.

The Clarence-Moreton bioregion has an extensive system of wetlands (Figure 5). A process for identifying wetlands was developed by the Queensland Department of Environment Protection (DEHP, 2013b) from regional ecosystems data augmented by satellite imagery and topographic maps. Wetlands were categorised into different types. These include:

  1. riverine wetlands – wetland and deepwater habitat within a channel with continuous or periodic moving water
  2. lacustrine wetlands – large and open water–dominated systems (>8 ha), such as lakes
  3. palustrine wetlands – vegetated non-channel habitat (<8 ha) with more than 30% emergent vegetation, such as swamps, bogs, springs and soaks
  4. estuarine wetlands – inundated with seawater but can be diluted by freshwater runoff (DEHP, 2013j; WetlandInfo, 2013).

The riverine, palustrine and lacustrine wetlands are in the process of being assessed for conservation and biodiversity values, in accordance with the HEVAE process, using the Aquatic Biodiversity Assessment Mapping Method (AquaBAMM) (DEHP, 2013a).

The Moreton Basin IBRA subregion has approximately 800 lacustrine/palustrine wetlands (31.7 km2) with 0.8 km2 in estuarine and 142.2 km2 in riverine wetland systems. The aquatic ecosystems in this subregion include floodplain and non-floodplain Melaleuca and Eucalyptus swamps, floodplain lakes and floodplain grass, sedge and herb swamps (DEHP, 2013f). The Scenic Rim IBRA subregion has approximately 24 lacustrine/palustrine wetlands (0.1 km2) and 31.3 km2 of riverine wetland system which all rely on surface water. The aquatic ecosystems in this subregion include floodplain Melaleuca and Eucalyptus swamps, and floodplain grass, sedge and herb swamps (DEHP, 2013h). Threats to wetlands in this bioregion are numerous and include agricultural expansion, and changed drainage patterns from construction of roads, drains and channels, particularly in expanding urban areas.

Two wetlands are listed as important (Environment Australia, 2001) in the Moreton Basin subregion. The Carbrook Wetlands Aggregation covers 3 km2 and is made up of 88.8% palustrine wetlands, 10.8% estuarine wetlands and 0.3% lacustrine wetlands. The wetland complex consists of sub-coastal floodplain lakes, floodplain grass, sedge and herb swamps and sub-coastal tree swamps (DEHP, 2013c). Major floral species include Melaleuca quinquenervia closed/open forest and Eucalyptus signata and E. intermedia open forest/woodland. These wetlands are extensively used by waterbirds, including the threatened black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus), painted snipe (Roastratula benghalensis) and the chestnut teal (Anas castanea). Many of the waders utilising the ephemeral grassy wetland areas are listed under the migratory acts (Department of the Environment, 2010).

The Karawatha Forest Park Wetlands consist of two lacustrine/palustrine wetlands (3.8% of area) and provide high connectivity value across remnant forests containing unconnected stream channels, marshes, pools and perennial backwaters. It has a sub-coastal floodplain tree swamp habitat with Melaleuca and Eucalyptus species. The wetland area contains diverse wildlife and a range of habitats which provide refugia to significant species (DEHP, 2013e). There are 13 vegetation communities (Kordas et al., 1993) which represent inland sub-coastal remnants of tall wet and open wet health and wallum. Eight Regional Ecosystems occur within the wetland area (Young and Dillewaard, 1999) of which two are endangered and five are ‘of concern’. The Queensland white stringybark (E. tindalie) with scribbly gum (E. racemosa) open forest and the narrow-leaved red gum (E. seeana), pink bloodwood (Corymbia intermdia) and Angophora leiocarpa woodland are endangered. Within the wetland area, six bird species are listed in international treaties. The wetlands are especially important to 26 frog species while the regent honeyeater (Anthochaera phrygia) is listed as endangered (Table 19).

The Upper Coomera River is classified as an important riverine wetland in the Richmond-Tweed Scenic Rim subregion, as are the Dalrymple and Blackfellow Creeks. The Upper Coomera River varies from warm subtropical notophyll to temperate microphyll rainforest and sclerophyll forest (Churchett, 1982) depending on elevation. Species-rich communities in the wetlands support a diverse range of fauna and uncommon plant communities. A number of vulnerable, rare and threatened species find refuge habitat within this wetland area. Six out of eight Regional Ecosystems are ‘of concern’ however none are endangered. Five endangered fauna species inhabit the wetland area: the cascade tree frog (Litoria pearsoniana), Fleay’s barred frog (Mixophyes fleayi), red goshawk (Erythrotriorchis radiates), eastern bristlebird (Dasyornis brachypterus) and Coxen’s parrot (Cyclopsitta dipthalma coxeni; Table 19). These species are also endangered in the Dalrymple and Blackfellow Creeks wetland area.

Dalrymple and Blackfellow Creeks consist of varied habitats in a montane environment including marsh environments with rainforest and riparian communities and montane creeks. The wetland has scenic and wildlife refuge value but is well known for its natural state and high integrity (Knight et al., 2002). Only lower reaches have been affected by clearing and grazing. Vegetation remnants provide high connectivity and refuge. Of the ten Regional Ecosystems, six are ‘of concern’. Unusual montane and submontane sclerophyllous forest exists and includes the rare Dunn’s white gum (Eucalyptus dunnii) and Bailey’s cypress (Callitris baileyi). Four bird species which frequent the wetlands are listed in international migratory treaties, including the great egret (Ardea ibis). Dalrymple Creek contains the largest assemblage of macroinvertebrate family taxa for a wetland in South East Queensland (Knight et al., 2002).

Estuaries in the Clarence-Moreton bioregion are dominated by mangrove communities (composed of Avicennia marina, Aegiceras coniculatum, Exoecaria agallocha) and saltmarsh species. Freshwater margins are occupied by swamp oak (Casuarina glauca) and paperbark (Melaleuca quinquenervia) while flooded gum (Eucalyptus grandis) grows on alluvial river flats. Banksia and bangalow palms are found in the dunes and heath and paperbark swamps occur behind the dunes and near the lagoons. Rare patches of rainforest species can be found even here where sufficient soil nutrients have accumulated.

Some significant wetlands have been identified in the north coast of New South Wales (National Land and Water Resources Audit, 2002). Clarrie Hall Dam supports several significant species, including the vulnerable comb-crested jacana (Irediparra gallinacea) and the endangered black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus).

The Brunswick River Floodplain supports threatened species including the comb-crested black bittern (Ixobrychus flavicollis), freckled duck (Stictonetta naevosa), mangrove honeyeater (Lichenostomus fasciogularis) and the black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus). Threatened flora on this section of floodplain includes the bakers wattle (Acacia bakeri) and the Randia moorei (National Land and Water Resources Audit, 2002).

Cumbebin Swamp provides habitat for the endangered black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus asiaticus) and Mitchell’s rainforest snail (Thersites mitchellae). Other vulnerable species recorded are the bush hen (Amaurornis olivaceus), great knot (Calidris tenuirostris), grass owl (Tyto capensis) and the little bent-wing bat (Miniopterus australis). Cokora Lagoon supports a diversity of wetland birds including the vulnerable brolga (Grus rubicundus), pied oystercatcher (Haematopus longirostris) and the black-necked stork (Ephippiorhynchus Asiaticus) (National Land and Water Resources Audit, 2002).

Blue Lake is protected in Yuraygir National Park and provides habitat for the vulnerable brolga, the comb-crested jacana, the endangered black-necked stork and green and golden bell frog (Litoria aurea). The endangered little tern (Sterna albifrons) has also been recorded at the lake. The little tern is protected under both the Japan Australia Migratory Bird Agreement and China Australia Migratory Bird Agreement. Other vulnerable species include the glossy black cockatoo (Calyptorhynchus lathami), masked owl (Tyto novaehollandiae), rose-crowned fruit dove (Ptilinopus regina) and squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) (National Land and Water Resources Audit, 2002).

Much of the coastal wetlands in the major river basins of the bioregion have been significantly reduced, especially in the northern coastal area of New South Wales where an estimated loss of up to 85% of coastal wetlands has occurred (Goodrick, 1970; Pressey and Middleton, 1982). The main pressures currently or historically affecting parts of the rivers and wetlands downstream and estuaries in the bioregion can include:

  • poor ecological health and water quality due to:
    • land clearing (as a result of agriculture and urban development)
    • stormwater runoff
    • sedimentation
    • waste water discharge
    • agricultural runoff
    • impacts associated with dredging and waterway structures
  • bank erosion
  • water regulation
  • acid sulfate soils in some areas (especially along the coastal regions of north-east New South Wales)
  • loss of riparian and intertidal vegetation
  • depleted fish stocks
  • invasive species
  • high levels of human use (Byron Shire Council, 2013; University of NSW and NSW NPWS, 2006).

Clarence Lowlands Wetlands

The extensive Clarence Lowlands wetlands (520,500 ha) are of special conservation interest to state and federal governments (Clarence Lowlands Wetland Conservation Assessment, 2008). The Lowland wetlands cover parts of Richmond River and Clarence river basins and stretch from Ballina to Coutts Crossing, near the southern border of the Clarence-Moreton bioregion (Figure 30). The Clarence Lowlands supports saline basins, swamps and tidal delta flats in the main estuaries and meander plains, and back swamps, levees and terraces along the major drainage lines of the alluvial plain (Table 20). Nine wetlands are listed in A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia. These include Alumy Creek/Bunyip Swamp, The Broadwater, Clarence River Estuary, Bundjalung National Park, Cowans Pond, Everlasting Swamp, Lower Bungawalbin Creek, Tuckean Swamp and Wooloweyah Lagoon (NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, 2008).

There are over 70 threatened plant and animal species. These include the giant waterlily (Nymphaea gigantean), the endangered weeping paperbark (Melaleuca irbyana), Hygrophila angustifolia and the mangrove fern (Acrostichum speciosum). The water plantain (Alisma plantagoaquatica) is at its most northern limit of distribution. Threatened species mainly dependent on wetlands, include the endangered spider orchid (Dendrobium melaleucaphilum), the endangered southern swamp orchid (Phaius australis) and vulnerable Maundia triglochinoides (NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change, 2008). Many animals depend on the wetlands as habitat for breeding, foraging, and shelter, including birds, frogs, fish, reptiles and mammals. Threatened species that depend on these wetlands include the black-necked stork, comb-crested jacana, magpie goose and painted snipe.

The Clarence and Richmond Lowlands contain some acid sulfate soil areas. These are the result of naturally-occurring sediments and soils containing iron sulfides (especially pyrite) and/or their precursors or oxidation products (Clarence Catchment Management Committee, 1998). Acid sulfate soils occur if exposure of the sulfides to oxygen increase as a result of drainage or excavation of ground water that leads to the generation of sulfuric acid. Tulau (1999) identified several priority areas for acid sulfate soil management in the lower Clarence system including Everlasting Swamp, Shark Creek, Alumy Creek and the lower estuary.

The following impacts may be associated with acid sulfate soil runoff: habitat degradation, fish kills, fish disease outbreaks, reduced aquatic food resources, reduced migration potential of fish, reduced fish recruitment, altered water plant communities, weed invasion by acid-tolerant plants, secondary water quality changes, and reduced potability of water (Sammut et al., 1996; Sammut and Lines-Kelly, 1996).

The Healthy Rivers Commission (1998) and NSW DPI (2013b) noted that flood mitigation and drainage works have had significant detrimental impacts on the health of the Richmond and Clarence River. These include a reduction in the number and area of back swamp freshwater wetland areas, reduced areas of supratidal and intertidal saltwater wetlands, reduced areas of habitat for fish and other estuarine species, fish diseases and death due to acid discharge, and the alienation of agricultural land due to scalding. Floodgates have changed mangrove-fringed tributaries into drainage channels, and destroyed large areas of estuarine fish nursery and habitat (Pollard and Williams, 1997).

Acid discharges and reduction in fish habitat (Pollard and Hannan, 1994) have had a significant impact on the fishing and prawning industries in the Clarence Lowlands (Clarence Catchment Management Committee, 1998). Water quality requirements and tolerances for prawn species are outlined in Lancaster (1990). However, fish kills do not appear to be a common occurrence in the lower Clarence and its tributaries, possibly due to the generally high flushing of the Clarence River, although the effects of chronic exposure to poor quality water, such as red-spot disease, are common. New South Wales Fisheries has reported instances of fish kills and poor water quality flowing from Everlasting Swamp and tributaries that are blocked by floodgates, such as Sportsmans Creek, which also had a relatively low dissolved oxygen (Tulau, 1999).

Figure 30

Figure 30 Key wetlands of the Clarence Lowland IBRA subregion

Table 20 Wetland clusters of Clarence Lowlands


Wetland cluster

Wetland type (TEC)

Threatened species

DIWA listed

Clarence river basin

Alumy Creek / Bunyip Creek

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Flora: 3

Fauna: 19

Migratory: 3

Yes

Chaffin Swamp

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Flora: 2

Fauna:11

Migratory: 3

No

Clarence Estuary

Coastal Saltmarsh

Swamp Oak Forest

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Mangrove

Flora: 3

Fauna: 44

Migratory: 6

Yes

Coldstream

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Flora: 2

Fauna: 26

Migratory: 3

Yes

Coutts Crossing / Orara

River

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Flora: 3

Fauna: 32

Migratory: 8

No

Everlasting Swamp

Freshwater Wetland

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Swamp Oak Forest

Flora:

Fauna: 26

Migratory: 7

Yes

Halfway Creek

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Flora: 2

Fauna: 26

Migratory: 2

No

Mangrove Creek*

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Mangrove

Flora: 1

Fauna: 13

Migratory: 2

No

Shark Creek*

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Swamp Oak Forest

Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Flora: 1

Fauna: 21

Migratory: 2

No

South Clarence

Freshwater Wetland

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Flora:

Fauna: 20

Migratory: 7

Yes

Tabbimoble

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Subtropical Coastal Floodplain Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Flora: 5

Fauna: 32

Migratory: 3

No

The Broadwater

Swamp Oak Forest

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Mangrove

Saltmarsh

Flora: 2

Fauna: 20

Migratory: 11

Yes

Richmond river basin

Bungawalbin

Swamp Oak Forest

Paperbark Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Swamp Box and Mahogany Forest

Flora: 13

Fauna: 39

Migratory: 2

Yes

Casino

Freshwater wetland

Flora: 4

Fauna: 20

Migratory: 9

No

Evans River/Rocky mouth

Creek

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Swamp Oak Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Saltmarsh

Flora: 8

Fauna: 23

Migratory: 3

No

Newrybar

Dry Sclerophyll Forest

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Wallum sedgelands

Wet Heath

Flora: 11

Fauna: 22

Migratory: 2

No

Richmond Estuary

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Saltmarsh

Swamp Oak Forest

Mangrove

Flora: 13

Fauna: 38

Migratory: 7

No

Tuckean

Paperbark Forest

Freshwater Wetland

Flora: 16

Fauna: 26

Migratory: 3

Yes

Wardell

Swamp Sclerophyll Forest

Riparian Rainforest

Wallum sedgelands

Flora: 3

Fauna: 27

Migratory: 2

No

Source data: Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (2008)

Conservation assessment of wetlands in the Clarence Lowlands IBRA subregion. p.6, Appendix 3.

TEC = Threatened Ecological Community; DIWA = Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia; Migratory = listed in international migratory agreements; * = not surveyed extensively

Last updated:
8 January 2018
Thumbnail images of the Clarence-Moreton bioregion

Product Finalisation date

2014