Central Swamp Restoration

CAIRNS CENTRAL SWAMP - A NATURAL ASSET

Background
The Cairns Central Swamp is an important conservation resource within the central Cairns area. It is an 80 -hectare discontinuous ecosystem of urban bushland and wetlands that stretch in pockets from Edge Hill to Parramatta Park. It comprises the last remaining examples of the original coastal plain landscape and ecology, of the Cairns City area. The Swamp has a range of important values including fish breeding habitat (the Swamp is linked with Trinity Inlet, a major fisheries source); recreation; conservation; aesthetic and education. It is a valuable natural asset to our city.

Since 1999, CAFNEC has been proactive in securing project funding for the Swamp. This has allowed ongoing involvement and commitment to this ecologically significant wetland area and created greater awareness of its importance. Project activities have included:

• 1000's of native trees planted
• design and installation of 12 educational signs
• walks and talks for local swamp neighbours and schools
• removal of acid sulphate soils and rubbish
• propagation of Swamp species for future revegetation work
• creation of a "Swamp News" newsletter
• production of a Teacher's Resource Kit
• weed control and maintenance

Our projects have engaged considerable community involvement in the rehabilitation of the many sites including areas along English Street, Fearnley Street drain between Charles and Wilkinson Streets and the block behind Edge Hill State School in Russell Street.

Current Project Activity
CAFNEC has been successful in securing further funding for the Cairns Central Swamp from the Australian Government Envirofund. The latest project, designed by long time Swamp Coordinator Sue Taylor, sees $24137.00 of funds approved. Work will be focussed on the site south of Saltwater Creek behind Pease St, Manunda, referred to as Block F.

Block F has the highest conservation values of all blocks within the Swamp. It includes a large area of an "Endangered – dominant" vegetation type and also has large areas of “Of concern – dominant” vegetation, as described by the Vegetation Management Act 1999.

The project - Cairns Central Swamp Protection and Restoration” will revegetate and rehabilitate degraded sites within block F of the Swamp by planting 1200 native trees. GPS mapping of all weeds on the site will be carried out, drainage lines will be improved by removing weeds and weed control will be carried out around the block edges. A further 3 issues of "Swamp Newsletter" will be produced, continuing on from the editions of 2002 and 2003. These measures will enhance the values of the block including the biodiversity; natural and ecologic values; fisheries, recreation, educational and aesthetic values.

Once again we will be looking to the local community to become involved and we welcome any volunteers. Please give the CAFNEC office a call on 07 -40321746, if you are interested in being part of the "Swamp" team.

Educational Signs
In 2002, a series of educational signs were unveiled in the Russell Street Block of the Cairns Central Swamp, behind Edge Hill State School. In this unique project conducted by CAFNEC in conjunction with Trinity Anglican School, year 7 students spent six months researching and designing these signs. The twelve beautifully illustrated signs describe the different plant communities such as rainforest, mangroves, woodlands and paperbark wetlands; and the wildlife within these vegetation types. Information on the site's revegetation and ways in which we can protect this area for future generations is also depicted. They are a wonderful educational resource available to the whole community – so please take the time to check them out!

Cafnec will continue to work in partnership with the local Council, schools, students, disadvantaged groups and the general community to secure the environmental integrity and protection of the Cairns Central Swamp for future generations.