This project will assess and prioritise best practice options to maintain and improve the condition of priority fringing wetlands along the lower Carran Carran (Thomson), Wirn Wirndook Yeerung (Macalister) and Durt ‘Yowan (Latrobe) river reaches.
Priority wetlands have been identified for this project based on the index of wetland condition assessment through previous monitoring projects. It will continue to build on previous works that have been undertaken to protect priority wetlands in this area. The preservation of these high priority freshwater wetlands with help to mitigate climate change, rising sea levels and salinity in the wetlands closer to the Gippsland Lakes embayments and estuaries.
Planning for, protecting and increasing available freshwater habitat is essential for dependant species to move and seek refuge within the landscape. The fringing wetlands along the lower lower Carran Carran (Thomson), Wirn Wirndook Yeerung (Macalister) and Durt ‘Yowan (Latrobe) river reaches were highlighted as priority areas for waterbird and amphibian habitat (ARI, 2018).
Five freshwater wetlands were restored across the latest Love Our Lakes program – each unique and most located on private land. The team worked towards a vision of restoring freshwater refuges along the rivers that run into the Lakes to provide refuge for wildlife and plants such as the majestic river red gums.
At a private property near Sale the CMA identified an open marsh style site as a priority because it is bordered on three sides by Sale Common and Flooding Creek. The team removed the weeds and put 6,000 indigenous plants into the site ranging from water plants to trees and ground covers.