Wetlands start to come back to life

WETLANDS are essential for the health of people andthe planet

With 35 per cent of the world’s wetlands having disappeared in the past 50 years, West Gippsland Catchment Management Authority (WGCMA) is proud to be working all year round reflecting this year’s World Wetlands Day theme to ‘revive and restore’ degraded wetlands.

Celebrated annually on February 2, the international day aims to raise global awareness about the vital role of wetlands for people and the planet.

In Gippsland there are many ecologically and recreationally important wetlands, including two Ramsar-listed wetlands -GippslandLakes and

Corner Inlet.

“There is alot to celebrate about the restoration and protectionofwetlandsacross the vast West Gippsland region,” WGCMA chiefexecutiveMartin Fuller said.

“As well as having strong cultural significance, they provide essential habitat for wadingbirds and wildlife. They also protect the environment by capturing and filtering water and acting as a natural sponge to absorb, store and reduce flood levels.

“There aremanyexamples of wetland restoration in keeping with this year’s theme -including mighty storiesofpartnerships to restore and protect wetlands such as Heyfield, Heart Morass and the Lower Latrobe.

“There arealsomanyprivate landholders who have created wetlands on their property, and are actively contributing to ongoing wetland recovery across the region.”

The WGCMA is proud to be part of protecting these wetlandsthat have all been improved through community effort such as tree planting with Landcare and partners, citizensciencemonitoring through programs like Waterwatch, and strong partnerships to secure fundingfor initiatives such as watering infrastructure in the Lower Latrobe. Results from ongoing efforts are encouraging, and the combination of recent high rainfall and ongoing, managed, deliveries of environmental water are seeing wetlands coming back to life along with wildlife, including endangered species such as the Australasian Bittern and Growling Grass Frog, returningtofeed andbreed.

“Wetlands are essential to the health of the West Gippsland catchment and we will continuetowork togetherwith TraditionalOwners, community and partners to help these important ecosystems thrive,” Mr Fuller said.

“Much of the groundwork has been done and we look forward to continuing to redress the impact on these important areas.”