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: Sydney Freshwater Wetlands in the Sydney Basin Bioregion
Gazetted date:
22 Dec 2000
Profile last updated:
04 Mar 2024
Description
A complex of vegetation types largely restricted to freshwater swamps in coastal areas. These also vary considerably due to fluctuating water levels and seasonal conditions. Characteristic species include sedges and aquatic plants such as Baumea species, Eleocharis sphacelata, Gahnia species, Ludwigia peploides subsp. montevidensis and Persicaria species. Areas of open water may occur where drainage conditions have been altered and there may also be patches of emergent trees and shrubs. Characteristic species are listed in the final determination - see links box.
Distribution
Occurs on sand dunes and low-nutrient sandplains along coastal areas in the Sydney Basin bioregion. It is known from the Lake Macquarie, Wyong, Gosford, Pittwater, Warringah, Woollahra, Waverley, Botany, Rockdale, Randwick, Sutherland and Wollongong local government areas, but is likely to occur elsewhere within the bioregion. Has been extensively cleared and filled and remnants are often small and disturbed.
Habitat and ecology
- Largely restricted to freshwater swamps in swales and depressions on sand dunes and low nutrient sandplains such as those of the Warriewood and Tuggerah soil landscapes. Swampy areas on alluvium with a saline influence do not fall within this community.
Regional distribution and habitat
Click on a region below to view detailed distribution, habitat and vegetation information.
Threats
- Invasion and establishment of weeds, particularly Ludwigia, Pampas Grass, Lantana, Alligator Weed, Water Hyacinth and Salvinia
- Siltation, eutrophication
- Invasion and establishment of pioneering native species, particularly Typha as well as Casuarina glauca, and Banksia integrifolia. As well as large build up sediment in wetland base.
- Altered hydrological regime from urbanisation adjacent and/or upstream leading to changes in surface water flow, increased velocity from hard surfaces, changes in the wet and dry cycle either being too dry or too wet, as well as changes in the water table from long wall mining.
- Climate change changing water regime including increasing dry periods
- Inappropriate fire regime from wild fires and arson resulting in too frequent fires in some areas, whilst in other areas the lack of fire is preventing natural regeneration.
- Damage caused by human disturbance: motorbikes, bicycles, 4WD vehicles, arson, rubbish dumping, trampling, erosion.
- Impacts from surrounding development including runoff bringing pollution, nutrients, and weed propagules as well as causing siltation and erosion
- Lack of knowledge on the distribution of the TEC
- Habitat loss, fragmentation and narrowing of corridors due to clearing and filling associated with urban development.
- invasion of gambusia, carp, red eared slider in freshwater wetlands
- Trampling by deer at some sites
- Myrtle rust
- Spread of Chytrid fungus in amphibians in freshwater wetlands
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
- Install stormwater control mechanisms to prevent off-site impacts from adjacent development.
- Control access to remnants by installing fencing and signage and rationalising informal tracks through the community.
- Undertake weed control as required using removal methods that will not damage the community.
- Protect and actively manage SFW remnants through conservation mechanisms such as covenanting and the preparation/implementation of site-specific vegetation management plans.
- Improve vegetative connectivity within and between remnants through revegetation/regeneration programs and provide vegetative buffers around these remnants.
- Restore natural drainage conditions.
Information sources
- Benson, D. and Howell, J. (1994) The natural vegetation of the Sydney 1:100000 map sheet. Cunninghamia 3(4): 679-789.
- NSW Scientific Committee (2000) Sydney Freshwater Wetlands in the Sydney Basin Bioregion - Endangered ecological community determination - final. DEC (NSW), Sydney.
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