Wetlands Australia National Wetlands Update September 2012
Issue No. 21, September 2012
ISSN 1446-4843
Rehabilitation brings swamp wallaby back to Marmong Wetlands
Maree Edwards, Lake Macquarie Landcare
Swamp wallaby at Marmong Wetlands. (Jeannine
O'Riley)
Swamp wallabies have returned to Marmong Wetlands at Lake Macquarie in New South Wales after their habitat has been restored by the efforts of dedicated volunteers.
The swamp wallaby (Wallabia bicolor) also commonly known as the black wallaby is a small macropod marsupial. Swamp wallabies are active day and night, although they generally prefer to shelter until grazing at dusk. This little creature (pictured) was not shy in coming forward to say thank you to local Landcare volunteers for rehabilitating the wetland site for their species and other delightful native creatures.
Marmong Point Landcare Group (MPLG) formed in April 2010 when Bob Jones decided to clear the wetland area of lantana with Jeannine O'Riley. Together they continue to spend approximately ten hours work each week rehabilitating the site. Jeannine and Bob's commitment to rehabilitating Marmong Wetland, together with the assistance provided by the Lake Macquarie Landcare Bush Regeneration and Green Teams, has transformed this previously highly degraded wetland site. Residents, hikers, and school students are now able to enjoy this beautiful environment and experience the native flora and fauna that are thriving in the transformed habitat.
MPLG coordinates their Landcare activities with neighbouring Marmong Creek Landcare group who work further up the catchment rehabilitating the riparian zones of Marmong Creek. With guidance from Lake Macquarie Landcare Resource Centre, both groups aim to work towards a 'whole catchment' rehabilitation outcome.
The work is supported through an Australian Government Caring for Our Country Community Action Grant, augmented with wetland restoration funding provided by Lake Macquarie City Council. The funding has enabled the Lake Macquarie Landcare Bush Regeneration team to work through the site targeting transformer weeds such as blackberry, camphor laurel, cassia, castor oil plant, giant reed, lantana, madeira vine, Norfolk Island hibiscus, ochna, Turkey rhubarb, and wild tobacco.
As the wetland edge adjoins the suburban interface, the management of both the buffer zone and the wetland's environmental assets are priorities. Planting will establish an edge to the mown zone and mosaic planting under mature trees will restore native flora and fauna values to this part of the reserve.
Most importantly, the ongoing work of the Landcare group is to maintain and extend the professionally funded works to benefit the environmental integrity of the site. Who knows how many more native species will be seen here in a further two years time.
For further information visit A case study of Quigley Wetland Rehabilitation & Community Education Program Marmong Wetlands .
