Wetlands Australia 32: Protecting forested wetlands of coastal NSW and south-east QLD

Author: Louise Armstrong, Australian Government Department of the Environment and Energy

Healthy ecosystem functioning of forested wetlands depends on maintaining natural hydrology and the interactions between the wide range of flora, fauna and fungi that can be found there.

“Forested wetlands” occur mostly at low relief on unconsolidated sediments along river systems and floodplains. They are dominated by sclerophyllous trees, such as eucalypts, tea-trees, paper barks and she-oaks, and are distinguished by the presence of hydrophytes (aquatic plants) in the understorey. Coastal Swamp Oak Forest ecological community is one type of nationally protected forested wetland found near estuaries, coastal lagoons, tidal flats and dunes swales from the NSW south-coast to south-east Queensland.

Forested wetland at Dora Creek, Morriset, Central Coast NSW. Photo: Louise Armstrong © Department of the Environment and Energy

The main canopy tree is swamp oak, but a number of emerging eucalypts, and a wide range of smaller sub-canopy trees, such as lilly pilly (Acmena smithii) and weeping bottlebrush (Callistemon saligna), as well as climbers like common silkpod (Parsonsia straminea) contribute to the biodiversity of the ecological community. Some eucalypts, such as the forest red gum/Queensland blue gum (Eucalyptus tereticornis), are important food trees for culturally significant and nationally threatened species. One of these is the koala (Phascolarctus cinereus), which is found in this and adjacent floodplain eucalypt and melaleuca swamp forests, which are also under assessment for national listing. There is also an array of ferns (including epiphytic species), rushes, reeds, sedges, grasses and other flowering herbs. This vegetation diversity provides valuable habitat for many birds, mammals, reptiles, as well invertebrates, including butterflies and native stingless bees. The forests also support critical aquatic habitat for frogs, turtles and fish.

The IUCN and NSW listed (endangered) Black Grass-dart Butterfly (Ocybadistes knightorum) living in coastal swamp oak forest near Sawtell, NSW. Photo: Matt White © Department of the Environment and Energy

Plants and animals found within forested wetlands are culturally significant to at least 14 coastal Traditional Owner groups. For instance, the reeds and vines would be used to make nets to hunt waterfowl, kangaroo and goannas.

Approximately 32,000 hectares of remaining Coastal Swamp Oak Forest was listed in 2018 as an endangered ecological community under the EPBC Act. Other wetland ecosystems which are being assessed include East Coast Subtropical and Temperate Floodplain Eucalypt Forests, Coastal Swamp Sclerophyll Forest of NSW and South East Queensland and the Karst Springs and Fens of South East South Australia. Listing is expected to contribute to .

The forests are excellent areas for all levels of government to work with landholders and groups who want to restore coastal forests and wetlands and hence improve ecosystem resilience. This will contribute to meeting Australia’s obligations under the Ramsar Convention to conserve, use wisely, restore and recognise and value the benefits provided by these important and beautiful places into the future. Ramsar listed wetlands with this ecological community include the Great Sandy Strait, Moreton Bay, Myall Lakes, Hunter Estuary and Towra Point Nature Reserve.

Coastal swamp oak forest ecological community along Dora Creek, NSW. Photo: Louise Armstrong © Department of the Environment and Energy

Further information

Website: Threatened ecological communities