Black Swamp Wetlands

Environmental significance

• The reserve is a unique area in the urban environment that contains diverse range of plant communities from Open Eucalypt forest to Melaleuca swamp with a fern understorey to wetland. 
• It is also an important urban habitat for the following species: Flying fox, Spoonbills, Egrets and Moorhens turtles, carpet snakes, bandicoots and Swamp wallabies. 
• Additionally, Black Swamp Bushcare group meet once a month to undertake revegetation works. You will find more information about how to join the bushcare group here.

Threats

• Invasive weeds such as Singapore daisy, Camphor laurel, Easter cassia, and Ochna 
• Litter 
• Pollution of water body 
• Urbanisation and Industrialisation

Project site

This image shows the location of the land in relation to the surrounding residences. Marked areas on the map show where the project will be undertaken.

1. Area of project :6000m2 
2. Number of plants to be planted: 0 
3. Weed species to be removed: Ochna, Brazilian pepper, Umbrella tree, Chinese elm, Moraya, Lantana, Loquat, Alexandra palm, Small leaf privet, Cadaghi, Brazillian Cherry, Ardisia, and invasive groundcovers/vines such as Asparagus fern, Singapore daisy, Corky passion vine, Velcro weed and Mile a minute

Aim of project

• The aim of this project is to create a self-sustaining ecosystem that contains a high diversity of native species that will buffer against weed invasion and provide habitat for a range of fauna. This will involve the removal and eradication of weeds within the reserve and continued maintenance of areas worked. 
• Works are part of the Black Swamp Wetlands Integrated Community Management Plan 99 and Pest Management Plan 05.

Past achievements

• Previously sprawling weedy groundcovers dominated these areas but after four years of active management, there is now a diverse range of regenerating native species including grasses, ferns and sedges.

Future maintenance works

• There are still large infestations of invasive weeds such as Singapore daisy and Morning glory, Easter cassia, Umbrella tree and Camphor laurel throughout the reserve. The Council is continuing to removal and treat these invasive weeds. 
• This year’s work will be carried out in area 1 as shown on the map. Once works are complete the maintenance will continue to ensure the sustainability of the rehabilitated area.

More information about the Black Swamp Wetlands