Indicative distribution
The areas shown in pink and/purple are the sub-regions where the species or community is known or predicted to occur. They may not occur thoughout the sub-region but may be restricted to certain areas.
(
click here to see geographic restrictions).
The information presented in this map is only indicative and may contain errors and omissions.
Scientific name: Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains of the New South Wales North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner Bioregions
Gazetted date:
17 Dec 2004
Profile last updated:
16 Aug 2024
Description
This swamp community has an open to dense tree layer of eucalypts and paperbarks although some remnants now only have scattered trees as a result of partial clearing. The trees may exceed 25 m in height, but can be considerably shorter in regrowth stands or under conditions of lower site quality where the tree stratum is low and dense. For example, stands dominated by
Melaleuca ericifolia typically do not exceed 8 m in height. The community also includes some areas of fernland and tall reedland or sedgeland, where trees are very sparse or absent.
The most widespread and abundant dominant trees include Eucalyptus robusta (swamp mahogany), Melaleuca quinquenervia (paperbark) and, south from Sydney, Eucalyptus botryoides (bangalay) and Eucalyptus longifolia (woollybutt). Other trees may be scattered throughout at low abundance or may be locally common at few sites, including Callistemon salignus (sweet willow bottlebrush), Casuarina glauca (swamp oak) and Eucalyptus resinifera subsp. hemilampra (red mahogany), Livistona australis (cabbage palm) and Lophostemon suaveolens (swamp turpentine).
A layer of small trees may be present, including Acacia irrorata (green wattle), Acmena smithii (lilly pilly), Elaeocarpus reticulatus (blueberry ash), Glochidion ferdinandi (cheese tree), Melaleuca linariifolia and M. styphelioides (paperbarks).
Shrubs include Acacia longifolia, Dodonaea triquetra, Ficus coronata, Leptospermum polygalifolium subsp. polygalifolium and Melaleuca spp. Occasional vines include Parsonsia straminea, Morinda jasminoides and Stephania japonica var. discolor.
The groundcover is composed of abundant sedges, ferns, forbs, and grasses including Gahnia clarkei, Pteridium esculentum, Hypolepis muelleri, Calochlaena dubia, Dianella caerulea, Viola hederacea, Lomandra longifolia, Entolasia marginata and Imperata cylindrica.
On sites downslope of lithic substrates or with soils of clay-loam texture, species such as Allocasuarina littoralis, Banksia oblongifolia, B. spinulosa, Ptilothrix deusta and Themeda australis, may also be present in the understorey.
Characteristic species are listed in the final determination for this complex (see links at top right).
Distribution
This community is known from parts of the Local Government Areas of Tweed, Byron, Lismore, Ballina, Richmond Valley, Clarence Valley, Coffs Harbour, Bellingen, Nambucca, Kempsey, Hastings, Greater Taree, Great Lakes and Port Stephens, Lake Macquarie, Wyong, Gosford, Hornsby, Pittwater, Warringah, Manly, Liverpool, Rockdale, Botany Bay, Randwick, Sutherland, Wollongong, Shellharbour, Kiama and Shoalhaven but may occur elsewhere in these bioregions. Major examples once occurred on the floodplains of the Tweed, Richmond, Clarence, Macleay, Hastings and Manning Rivers, although smaller floodplains would have also supported considerable areas of this community.
The exact amount of its original extent is unknown but it is much less than 30%. There are less than 350 ha of native vegetation attributable to this community on the Tweed lowlands, less than 2,500 ha on the Clarence floodplain, less than 700 ha on the Macleay floodplain, up to 7,000 ha in the lower Hunter – central coast district, and less than 1,000 ha in the Sydney – South Coast region.
Small areas of Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains are contained within existing conservation reserves, including Bungawalbin, Tuckean and Moonee Beach Nature Reserves, and Hat Head, Crowdy Bay, Wallingat, Myall Lakes and Garigal National Parks. These occurrences are unevenly distributed throughout the range and unlikely to represent the full diversity of the community. In addition, wetlands within protected areas are exposed to hydrological changes that were, and continue to be initiated outside their boundaries. Some areas of Swamp Oak Floodplain Forest are protected by State Environmental Planning Policy 14, although this has not always precluded impacts on wetlands from the development of major infrastructure.
Habitat and ecology
- Associated with humic clay loams and sandy loams, on waterlogged or periodically inundated alluvial flats and drainage lines associated with coastal floodplains.
- Generally occurs below 20 m (though sometimes up to 50 m) elevation.
- The composition of the community is primarily determined by the frequency and duration of waterlogging and the texture, salinity nutrient and moisture content of the soil, and latitude. The composition and structure of the understorey is influenced by grazing and fire history, changes to hydrology and soil salinity and other disturbance, and may have a substantial component of exotic grasses, vines and forbs.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Changes to hydrological regimes. (e.g. increased and decreased periods of inundation and changes to salinity).
These include draining associated with ditching, levees and dykes; infill, altered inundation conditions
- Clearing and habitat degradation from urban, rural, agricultural, and forestry development and/or activities
- Changes in species diversity, soil chemistry, fire frequency, vegetation structure and loss of ecological function caused by weeds. This includes woody weeds (e.g. groundsel bush, lantana, camphor laurel and bitou bush), Exotic vines & scramblers, Invasive grasses & other weeds (including aquatics)
- Altered fire regimes: Low frequency fire can cause canopy closure, which shades out ground layer flora communities and fauna habitat. Too frequent fire can simplify ground layer vegetation through loss of flora species
- Grazing and trampling by feral animals (eg pigs, deer)
- Grazing and trampling by stock
- Activation of acid sulfate soils
- Pollution (including herbicide, pesticides, fertilisers) & sedimentation from runoff.
- Disturbance and degradation of habitat caused by recreational users (such as 4WD vehicles) leading to sedimentation, erosion and the introduction and/or spread of weeds.
- Climate change including sea level rise
- Management of water and tidal flows
Recovery strategies
A targeted strategy for managing this species has been developed under the Saving Our Species program; click
here for details. For more information on the Saving Our Species program click
here
Activities to assist this species
- Instigate pig, deer and goat control programs.
- Ensure that the fire sensitivity of the community is considered when planning hazard reduction and asset management burning.
- Protect habitat by minimising further clearing of the community. This requires recognition of the values of all remnants in the land use planning process.
- Promote regeneration by avoiding prolonged or heavy grazing.
- Undertake restoration including bush regeneration, revegetation and weed control, and promote public involvement in this restoration.
Information sources
- Adam, P. and Stricker, J. (1993) Wetlands of the Sydney Region. (Nature Conservation Council, Sydney)
- Anderson, J., and Asquith, J. (2002) Findings of the coastal lowland forests/swamp mahogany project: final report. Report to the NSW State Wetlands Advisory Committee.
- Bell, S.A.J. (2002) The natural vegetation of the Wyong Local Government Area, Central Coast, New South Wales: Technical Report. Unpublished Final Report to Wyong Shire Council, Eastcoast Flora Survey.
- Bell, S.A.J. (2004) The natural vegetation of the Gosford Local Government Area, Central Coast, New South Wales: Technical Report. Unpublished Final Report to Gosford City Council, Eastcoast Flora Survey 131 pgs
- Bellingen Shire Council (2006) Coastal Vegetation of the Bellingen Local Government Area. A report by Flametree Ecological Consultants for Bellingen Shire Council.
- Benson, D. and Howell, J. (1994) The natural vegetation of the Sydney 1:100000 map sheet. Cunninghamia 3(4): 679-789.
- Benson, D.H. (1986) The vegetation of the Gosford and Lake Macquarie 1:100 000 Vegetation Map Sheet. Cunninghamia 1(4): 467-490.
- Benson, D.H. and Howell, J. (1990) Taken for Granted: The Bushland of Sydney and Its Suburbs. Kangaroo Press, Sydney. 160 pgs + illus bibliog index
- Benson, D.H. and Howell, J. (1993) A strategy for the rehabilitation of the riparian vegetation of the Hawkesbury-Nepean River. (Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney)
- Benson, D.H. and Howell, J. (1994) The natural vegetation of the Sydney 1:100 000 mapsheet. Cunninghamia 3(4): 679-789
- Benson, D.H. and Howell, J. (2000) Sydney’s Bushland — More than Meets the Eye. Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney.
- Boulton, A.J. and Brock, M.A. (1999) Australian freshwater wetlands: processes and management. Gleneagles Publishing, Glen Osmond 300 pgs + illus, tables, bibliog, glossary and index
- Brooker, M. and Kleinig, D. (1990) Field Guide to Eucalypts of South-eastern NSW. Vol 1 and 2. Inkata Press, Melbourne.
- Chafer, C. (1997) Biodiversity in the Illawarra Catchments: an inventory. Illawarra Catchment Management Committee 124 pgs + app
- Department of Environment and Climate Change NSW (2008) Saltwater Wetlands Rehabilitation Manual. (DECC NSW, Sydney)
- Department of Environment and Conservation NSW (2004) North East NSW Field Key to Forest Ecosystems. Natural Resource Management Field Assessment Guidelines. (DEC NSW, North East Branch, Coffs Harbour)
- Fisher, M., Body, M. and Gill, J. (1996) Vegetation Idenification and Classification of the Coffs Harbour City Council LGA. A report to Coffs Harbour City Council by North East Vegetation Surveys.
- Gilmour, P. (2006) Vegetation Communities of the Central Coast Region of NSW. In McCauley, A., DeVries, R., Elith, J. and Gilmour, P. Vegetation of Regional Significance on the NSW Central Coast. (HCR CMA and Hunter Councils Inc. NSW)
- Graham, M. (2001) Water habitats of the Clarence, Coffs coastal and Bellinger catchments. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour)
- Graham, M. (2001) Water habitats of the Manning and Port Stephens/Wallis Lake catchments. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour)
- Graham, M. (2001) Water habitats of the Nambucca, Macleay and Hastings catchments. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour)
- Graham, M. (2001) Water habitats of the Tweed, Brunswick and Richmond Catchments. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour)
- Griffith, S.J., Bale C, Adam, P., and Wilson, R. (2003) Wallum and related vegetation on the NSW North Coast: description and phytosociological analysis. Cunninghamia Vol. 8, pp. 202-252.
- Harden, G. (ed) (2002) Flora of NSW. NSW University Press Vol. 1-4
- Hnatuik, R.J., Thackway, R. and Walker, J. (2003) Vegetation - Guidelines for site-based survey. Australian Bureau of Rural Sciences 111pgs
- House, S (2003) Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Biodiversity Conservation Strategy, Technical Report, Digital Aerial Photo Interpretation & Updated Extant Vegetation Community Map. Lower Hunter & Central Coast Regional Environmental Management Strategy, Callaghan, NSW.
- Howell, J., McDougall, L. and Benson, D. (1995) Riverside Plants of the Hawkesbury-Nepean. (Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Trust and Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney)
- James, T. McDougall, L. and Benson, D.H. (1999) Rare Bushland Plants of Western Sydney. Second edition. (Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney)
- Johnston, S.G., Slavich, P.G. and Hirst, P. (2003) Alteration of groundwater and sediment geochemistry in a sulfidic backswamp due to Melaleuca quinquenervia encroachment. Australian Journal of Soil Research Vol. 41, pp. 1343-1367
- Keith, D.A. (1996) Fire-driven mechanisms of extinction in vascular plants: a review of empirical and theoretical evidence in Australian vegetation. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 116: 37-78
- Keith, D.A. (2004) Ocean Shores to Desert Dunes - The native vegetation of NSW and the ACT. Dept. of Environment and Conservation (NSW) 353 pgs
- Keith, D.A. and Bedward, M. (1999) Vegetation of the South East Forests region, Eden, NSW (Eden CRA). Cunninghamia Vol 6, pp 1-218
- Keith, D.A. and Scott, J. (2005) Native Vegetation of Coastal Floodplains - a diagnosis of the major plant communities in New South Wales. Pacific Conservation Biology 11(2): 81-104
- Keith, D.A., Simpson, C., Tozer, M.G. and Rodoreda, S. (2007) Contemporary and Historical Descriptions of the Vegetation of Brundee and Saltwater Swamps on the Lower Shoalhaven River Floodplain, Southeastern Australia. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of New South Wales 128: 123-153
- Kendall and Kendall Ecological Consultants (2003) Nambucca Catchment Vegetation Survey. Report prepared for Nambucca Vegetation Sub-committee.
- Law, B.S., Chidel, M. and Turner, G. (2000) The use by wildlife of paddock trees in farmland. Pacific Conservation Biology Vol 6, pp 130-143
- Leonard, G. (2007) Eucalypts of the Sydney region: a bushwalker's guide. UNSW Press, Sydney 77 pgs
- Lovett, S. and Price, P. (eds) (2007) Principles for riparian lands management. Land and Water Australia, Canberra. 200 pgs
- Manns, M. (2006) Bangalay Sand Forest and Swamp Sclerophyll Forest on Coastal Floodplains - Fragmented in the Shoalhaven LGA. Unpublished Honours Thesis, University of Wollongong.
- McCauley, A., DeVries, R., Elith, J. and Gilmore, P. (2006) Vegetation of Regional Significance on the NSW Central Coast. Hunter Central Rivers Catchment Management Authority and Hunter Councils Inc. NSW. 308 pgs + appendices
- McDonald, R.C., Isbell, R.F., Speight, J.G., Walker, J. and Hopkins, M.S. (1990) Australian soil and land survey. Field handbook. Second edition. Inkata Press, Melbourne. pp. 9-57
- McKinnon, L. (2004) Sydney Coastal Estuarine Swamp Forest Complex. Validation and Field Assessment of this EEC on Community Lands in Wollongong LGA. Unpublished Honours Thesis. University of Wollongong.
- Mills, K. (2003) The natural vegetation in the municipality of Kiama, NSW. A report prepared by Kevin Mills and Associates for Kiama Municipal Council.
- Nature Conservation Council of NSW (1999) Towards an Illawarra Regional Vegetation Management Plan. (NCC NSW, Sydney)
- NPWS (1999) Forest Ecosystem Classification and mapping for upper and lower north east CRA regions. CRA Unit, Northern Zone, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Coffs Harbour. 36 pgs + appendices
- NPWS (2000) Forest ecosystem classification and mapping for the Hunter Sub-Region in the Lower North East Comprehensive Regional Assessment. CRA Unit, Sydney Zone, National Parks and Wildlife Service.
- NPWS (2002) Native vegetation of the Illawarra Escarpment and Coastal Plain. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney 242 pgs
- NSW Scientific Committee (2004) Swamp sclerophyll forest on coastal floodplains of the NSW North Coast, Sydney Basin and South East Corner bioregions - Endangered ecological community determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
- Pressey, R.L. and Griffith, S.J. (1987) Coastal wetlands and associated communities in Tweed Shire, Northern NSW. NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Sydney 22 pgs + maps and appendices
- Pressey, R.L. and Griffith, S.J. (1992) Vegetation of the coastal lowlands of Tweed shire, northern New South Wales, species and conservation. Proceedings of the Linnean Society of NSW Vol. 113, pp. 203-243.
- Robinson, L (2003) Field guide to native plants of Sydney revised 3rd edition. Kangaroo Press 448 pgs
- Smith, P. and Smith, J. (1990) Hornsby Shire bushland survey. Report and maps prepared for Hornsby Shire Council. P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland.
- Smith, P. and Smith, J. (2006) Native vegetation communities of Hornsby Shire. Report and maps prepared for Hornsby Shire Council. P & J Smith Ecological Consultants, Blaxland. 46 pgs
- Speight, J.G. (1990) Landform. In: 'Australian soil and land survey. Field handbook' Second edition (Eds. RC McDonald, RF Isbell, JG Speight, J, Walker, MS Hopkins). Inkata Press, Melbourne. pp 9-57
- Telfor, D. and Kendall, P. (2006) Native Vegetation Mapping and Endangered Ecological Community Mapping, Kempsey LGA east. Report to Kempsey Shire Council.
- Thackway, R., Creswell, I.D. (eds) (1995) An interim biogeographic regionalisation of Australia: a framework for establishing the national system of reserves. Australian Nature Conservation Agency: Canberra.
- Thackway, R., Neldner, J. and Bolton, M.
(2003) Chapter 7. Vegetation - Guidelines for Conducting Surveys. Australian Bureau of Rural Sciences 35 pgs
- Thomas, V., Gellie, N., and Harrison, T. (2000) Forest Ecosystem Classification and Mapping for the Southern Comprehensive Regional Assessment. (NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, Queanbeyan)
- Tindall, D., Pennay, C., Tozer, M.G., Turner, K. and Keith, D.A. (2004) Native vegetation map report series No. 4. Araluen, Batemans Bay, Braidwood, Burragorang, Goulburn, Jervis Bay, Katoomba, Kiama, Moss Vale, Penrith, Port Hacking, Sydney, Taralga, Ulladulla, Wollongong (Priority 5 Mapping Area - P5MA). (NSW Dept. of Environment and Climate Change and NSW Dept. of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Sydney)
- Tozer, M.G., Turner, K., Simpson, C., Keith, D.A., Beukers, P., MacKenzie, B., Tindall, D. and Pennay, C. (2006) Native vegetation of south east NSW: a revised classification and map for the coast and eastern tablelands. V1.0. (NSW Dept. of Environment and Climate Change and NSW Dept. of Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources, Sydney)
- Troedson, A., Hashimoto, T.R., Jaworksa, J., Malloch, K., Cain, L. (2004) New South Wales Coastal Quaternary Geology. In: NSW Coastal Quaternary Geology Data Package (on CD-Rom), Troesdson, A., Hashimoto, T.R. (eds). NSW Dept. of Primary Industries, Mineral Resources, Geological Survey of NSW, Maitland. 108 pgs
- Underwood, A.J. and Chapman, M.G. (1995) Coastal Marine Ecology of Temperate Australia. (UNSW Press, Sydney)
- WetlandCare Australia (2006) Sustainable Wetlands on NSW Coastal Landscapes. Hunter Central Rivers, Catchment Management Authority region. CD-rom (WetlandCare Australia, Ballina, NSW)
- WetlandCare Australia (2006) Sustainable Wetlands on NSW Coastal Landscapes. Northern Rivers, Catchment Management Authority region. CD-rom (WetlandCare Australia, Ballina, NSW)
|
IBRA Bioregion
|
IBRA Subregion
|
Known or predicted
|
Geographic restrictions region
|
|---|