woodlands and wetlands in the national capital · make up a healthy ecosystem. n a place of real...

Woodlands and Wetlandsin the National Capital

Enriching our living environment

A Prospectus

Capital Woodland and WetlandsConservation Trust

Mulligans Flat Woodlands

Jerrabomberra Wetlands

The Trust is administered by the Capital Woodland and Wetlands Conservation

Association Inc

ABN 98 781 662 491


ContaCt detailsPO Box 58 Fyshwick ACT 2609

T: 0428 224 904

cwwct.org.au

June 2013

Civic

Fyshwick

Red Hill

Chifley

Greenway

Richardson

Calwell

Braddon

Lyneham

MitchellKaleen

BruceHawker

Florey

EvattMacgregor

Flynn

Holt

Hall

Palmerston

Nicholls

FordeNgunnawal

Civic

Aranda

Curtin

Yarralumla

Dickson

Campbell

AIRPORT

Jerrabomberra

Parkes

Kambah

Conder

Wanniassa

Tuggeranong

WestonCreek

Belconnen

Gungahlin

North Canberra

Queanbeyan

South Canberra

Kambah

FEDER

AL HWY BARTO

N HW

Y

NO

RTH

BOu

RNE

AvE

TuG

GER

AN

ON

G P

ARK

WAY

ADELAIDE AvE

HINDMARsH DR

CANBERRA AvE

MONARO HWY

MO

NARO

HW

Y

NSW

aCT

Existing Supporters

1Woodlands and Wetlands in the National Capital Enriching our living environment – A Prospectus

Two special placesImagine walking through box-gum grassy woodlands at dusk. It is a clear, warm, spring evening. Through the tops of the trees you can just see the russet-red sun setting over the Brindabella Mountains. The air is still and filled with the aroma of chocolate lilies, damp woodland soil and eucalypt leaves.

Then, suddenly, the silence is broken by a soulful call in the distance. It’s a rare Bush stone Curlew!

The light is fading quickly, and you switch on your torch. There is a rustle in the undergrowth. It’s too small to be a kangaroo or a wallaby. You shine your torch in the direction of the sound. Then, from behind a log, a small bettong hops towards you – oblivious to your presence.

It digs a little by your feet, and then scoots into the undergrowth. As you scan the open, grassy woodland with your torch you realise that you are surrounded! Bettongs are hopping all around, digging the soil, and scratching in the leaf litter. smaller bandicoots run between them, searching for grubs and bugs.

The woodland is teeming with life, and you have just experienced something that no-one has experienced in Canberra for nearly 100 years.

this is Mulligans Flat Woodlands.

Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve is one of the most valuable wetland habitat areas in the ACT and is of national and international significance.

It is a refuge for migrating birds from the northern hemisphere and inland Australia; is part of Canberra Nature Park, and is located on the Molonglo River floodplain only four kilometers from Canberra’s City centre.

Each year, during the warmer months, the reserve hosts several international travellers. These are the migratory birds that fly thousands of kilometres from the northern hemisphere and seek refuge in the wetlands. Over 80 species of waterbird have been recorded there, including 25 successfully breeding. Another 90 species of birds also use these wetlands.

You can take a stroll through the wetlands and discover a unique array of wetland and terrestrial habitats, remnants of the wetland’s agricultural origins, and learn about the ecology of this precious place. The pathways and bird hides will help you discover the delights of wildlife watching.

this is Jerrabomerra Wetlands.

Woodlands and Wetlands in the National Capital Enriching our living environment – A Prospectus2

Mulligans Flat Woodland sanctuary

Jerrabomberra Wetlands

The Capital Woodlands and

Wetlands Conservation Trust has

been established to ensure the

Mulligans Flat Woodlands sanctuary

and Jerrabomberra Wetlands

Nature Reserve are sustainably

managed to provide rich and

diverse environments for current

and future generations.

The vision


The need to protect these spacesThe Mulligans Flat Woodlands sanctuary and the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve together protect over 600 hectares of the Australian Capital Territory’s most significant landscapes. These reserves showcase the importance of environmental assets in our communities.

It is remarkable that, with urban development on their doorsteps, these two areas can support the Territory’s most diverse avifauna habitats, and the region’s largest protected area of Yellow Box/Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland, listed nationally as a critically endangered ecological community.

Their natural and cultural values are recognised as Public Land Nature Reserves under the Territory Plan, and Jerrabomberra Wetlands is also classified as Designated Land under the National Capital Plan.

The difference between these reserves and all others in the Territory is that they have an extremely focussed and intensive evidence based management system that is unique in Australia.

You can get involved in supporting these nationally significant woodlands and wetlands to make sure they continue to provide habitat for a diverse range of birds

and other animals and remain accessible to the wider community.

Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature ReserveBoard of Management Board of Management

Professor Tony Peacock Dr Warren NichollsDr David shorthouse Ms Christine EllisDr Jennifer Andrew Associate Professor Mark Lintermans Professor David Lindenmayer Mr Chris DaveyMs Jenny Bounds Dr Jane RobertsAssociate Professor Adrian Manning Mr Ian LawrenceDr Barry Richardson Mr stuart JeffressMr Jason Cummings Ms Kathryn KellyMs Kerryn MalloyDr Margartet KitchinMr stuart Jeffress

The reserves have Boards of Managements of highly distinguished scientists and citizens across a range of fields to give high level feedback on management to the Park staff undertaking the work on site and to keep monitoring outcomes.


Scientific research for the whole planetWorking on these two sites are some of the best scientists in Australia. They are doing active intervention based studies in ways rarely done anywhere. They cover a wide range of disciplines from ecology to hydrology. They bring leading international reputations personally, and students, who will be future leaders.

Both these projects have the potential to produce long term results in ways we have never managed to achieve before.

This is active science aimed directly at better conservation management for these sites and in time similar natural areas in Australia.

“In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

The Future With Your Help!n Can you imagine the city of Canberra in 100 years with a population of over half a

million?

n Can you imagine the Gungahlin hills and upstream parts of Lake Burley Griffin with well developed suburbs and high rise around urban centres?

n Can you imagine what having 600 hectares of natural bush land, over half of it similar to the woodlands of south-eastern Australia as they were before settlement?

n Can you imagine ecologically active wetlands of over 250 ha with nearly 200 species of birds using this space throughout the year?

n A secure haven with foxes and cats absent and locally extinct animals returned. Not only the native flora in good health but a rich suite of birds and mammals from pre-settlement, supported of course by the insects, lizards and other species that go to make up a healthy ecosystem.

n A place of real beauty, an important site created by the impounded waters of Lake Burley Griffin, but accessible for recreational uses to residents of Canberra generally and nearby housing, as well as the workers in commercial premises in Fyshwick.

n To have that fully accessible to walkers, bike riders and those with special access needs.

n scientific research of importance for all of Australia.

Well there is now a journey under way to make that possible!

John Muir 1877- published 1918


John Muir 1877- published 1918

As Canberra grows the density of urban development along with the intensity of industrial development, all necessary for our economic well being, puts open space under more pressure.

One hundred years ago the Griffins’ design for Canberra envisaged open spaces as integral to the civic and governmental functions of the National Capital as well as the public, commercial and residential developments.

In the late 19th century John Muir initiated the national park movement in the usA which was taken up within 2 years in Australia. John Muir said “In every walk with Nature one receives far more than he seeks.”

But it took still longer for us to realise that nature should also be an integral part of urban living and if we were clever we could have both.

In the middle of the 20th century sir Peter scott showed us how a derelict industrial site in one of the largest cities on earth could be converted to a diverse natural system. Through good management guided by good science, the London Wetlands was created in the heart of a metropolis.

We can do these things in Canberra and with your support give you, your grandchildren, employees and colleagues great personal rewards into the future.

We need your help and participation in ensuring that part of the best and largest areas of box-gum woodlands in public ownership now left, can become a sanctuary for the diverse animals and plants that make up this beautiful landscape, after more than 93% has been cleared for agriculture and urban development...just a small piece.

We need your help to assist in ensuring that a nationally significant wetland in the heart of Canberra provides refuge for a diverse range of birds and other animals while providing the walkers and cyclists who use it an opportunity to enjoy it.

The Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Conservation Trust are raising funds for a range of projects that are beyond the scope of normal government funding. In this way, Mulligans Flat Woodlands sanctuary and Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve will become outstanding locations for nature conservation, ecological research, innovative management, education and nature-based recreation.


Here are some ways you might help us:n support for events, capital works, operational works or any purpose that benefits the

conservation of Jerrabomberra Wetlands or Mulligans Flat Woodlands

n Cash or in-kind support

n One off donations

n Regular giving

n Workplace giving; and

n Corporate sponsorship

How to donateThe Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Conservation Trust raises funds through the GreaterGood, Canberra’s public charitable foundation. All Funds are managed by the ACT Public Trustee.

It is easy to make a tax deductible donation to the Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Conservation Trust.

1 Go to weblink http://www.greatergood.org.au/greatergood-fund

2 Click ’Donate to a GreaterGood Fund’

3 This will take you through to a donation form to enter your details. under step 2, be sure to choose Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Conservation Trust from the drop down menu.

Cheque: posted to Public Trustee PO Box 221 Civic square ACT 2608. Payee Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Conservation Trust.

Electronic Direct Credit to Bank account: 062 920 1003 6944 Public Trustee Common Fund Account. Please identify ‘Woodlands Trust’.

The accounts will be regularly and publicly audited and placed on our web site for public inspection, see: http//www. cwwct.org.au

Contact Max Bourke, President or Jill Faulkner Executive Officer of the Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Conservation Trust to discuss your special interests and how you would like to support us.

Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Conservation Trust

Max Bourke aM Jill FaulknerPresident Executive OfficerE [email protected] E [email protected] 0427 603 541 p 0428 224 904


StakeholdersaCT Government Chief Minister and the Minister for Territory and Municipal services.

Interest groups The People of Canberra, research scientists at The Australian National university, The university of Canberra, Commonwealth scientific and Industrial Research Organisation, Canberra Ornithologists Group, Forde residents, the broader community, Ginninderra and Molonglo Catchment Group, Friends of Mulligans Flat Woodlands and Jerrabomberra Wetlands.

The Capital Woodlands and Wetlands TrustBoard members Background

president Max is a former CEO of the Australian Heritage Commission andMr Max Bourke AM the Australia Council for the Arts, former Chairman Rural Funds

Management Ltd and Director of other not-for-profits organisations.

Vice president and Treasurer Diane is a former Public Trustee for the ACT, Founder andMs Diane Kargas AM Deputy Chairman of the Capital Region Community Foundation

GreaterGood, Chairman of the Canberra Cemetery Authority, Director Fundraising Institute of Australia (Canberra) and Director of other not-for-profit organisations. Diane is passionate about building philanthropy in the Capital Region.

Secretary and public Officer Bill is a former member of the ACT Legislative Assembly and MinisterMr Bill Wood AM for the Environment. He was a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly

from its inception in 1989 until his retirement in 2004.

Member Liz is one of Australia’s leading scientists working in the field of plantDr Elizabeth Dennis genetics. she is not only an elected member of the Academy of

Technology and Engineering and the Academy of science but has also, among many other awards won the Prime Minister’s science Prize. she has a strong personal interest in conservation and ornithology.

Member David has a Master’s Degree in Agribusiness and was the founder, andMr David Bryant and Managing Director, of one of Australia’s leading investment businesses

in agriculture, Rural Funds Management Ltd. As such he has had extensive experience in fund raising and large scale land management and development. He has had a long interest in Australian flora.

Ex officio member Executive Director, Parks and City services and National ArboretumMs Fay steward Canberra. Fay is with the ACT Government Territory and Municipal

services Directorate, and the ACT Government’s representative on the Capital Woodlands and Wetlands Conservation Trust.

Ex officio member Chair of the Mulligans Flat Woodland sanctuary Board of Professor Tony Peacock Management.

Ex officio member Chair of the Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve Board ofDr Warren Nicholls Management.


VisionThe Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary, will provide a safe haven, where a healthy

box-gum woodland can thrive and ‘wildness’ be experienced. It will sustain a representative

diversity of woodland plants and animals and inspire respect for and understanding of the

beauty, richness of species and ecological processes of Australia’s woodlands.

Mulligans Flat Woodlands Sanctuary

ObjectivesRestored ecological processesn To restore within the sanctuary, woodland habitats and self-sustaining ecological processes

present before European settlement.

a pest free sanctuaryn To maintain a sanctuary that is free of exotic pest species and allows the reintroduction of

locally extinct native species that are characteristic of box-gum grassy woodlands.

n To provide founder populations of native species for restoration projects elsewhere.

of national significancen To create a nationally significant, community-led conservation project where research and

learning are integral to restoration actions and conservation management practices.

supporting Research n To support and explain research into ecology of woodlands including the scientific bases for

woodlands recovery and the reintroduction of locally extinct species.

n To develop and promote innovative approaches to environmental education.

a catalyst for changen To inspire, through education, recreation and visitor activities, changed attitudes and values

towards natural environments, especially woodlands.

n To support participation by community groups and individuals in sanctuary actives leading to ‘ownership’ of woodland environments by the wider community.

n To act as a catalyst for conservation and restoration of box-gum grassy woodlands in the landscape of the surrounding regions.


Achievements to daten Mulligans Flat is part of major research partnership into innovative management and

restoration of woodlands (commenced 2004)

n Construction by the ACT Government of the predator proof fence (2009)

n Removal of introduced predators (foxes and cats) (2009)

n sanctuary Centre the focus for information about sanctuary programs and progress (opened 2009)

n Formation of Friends of Mulligans Flat community group (2011)

n Re-introduction of Eastern Bettong (2012)

n Woodlands walking trails leaflet (2012)

n sanctuary’s first ecologist and outreach officer (commenced April 2013)

n Re-introduction of New Holland Mouse (expected 2013)

Projects for fundingWoodlands learning CentreThe development of a state-of-the-art eco-building that will become the gateway to Australia’s unique woodlands and the focal point for the community, land managers and scientists to work together to learn about and restore local woodlands, and inspire similar projects elsewhere.

Contributions may include:

n developing business and design concepts for the Centre

n building all or part of the Centre

n supporting visitor, research or community programs at the Centre.

spreading the word Developing community engagement with the sanctuary through volunteering, citizen science, education and extension programs, by supporting:

n learning opportunities for primary, secondary and tertiary students

n enriching visitor experiences through exploring and discovering programs

n after-dark guided walks and interpretative programs

n developing educational and interpretive materials e.g. leaflets, live-cam, web-site.

n building a wetlands trail, boardwalk and bird viewing hides.

Bringing them backRestoring the missing elements of our woodlands, including locally extinct or rare animal and plant species, by supporting:

n collecting, breeding and releasing animals/plants lost from local woodlands.

n learning about conservation, management and biology of rare and threatened species.

n web-based monitoring and display of nocturnal wildlife in the sanctuary.


VisionThe Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve is a species-rich urban wetland that

provides an important refuge for migrating and other birds and is a place where

people can enjoy and learn about the special characteristics of wetlands and the

birdlife within them.

Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

ObjectivesBiodiversity n The diversity of wetland and other habitats is conserved.

n Habitats suitable for migratory bird species protected under international agreements are conserved.

n The reserve supports diverse water bird populations, including migratory species.

landscape n Distinctive features of the landscape are conserved, in particular, the rural and floodplain

character and geomorphological features.

n Management of the reserve takes account of the national capital significance of the area and its role as a significant part of the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore.

Recreationn The reserve is used for recreation activities that are compatible with the conservation values

and objectives of the area, and facilities are provided for this purpose.

education and Research n The reserve is used for education about wetlands ecosystems, their management and

enhancement, and facilities are provided for this purpose.

n Wetlands research is facilitated and supported.

Cultural Heritage n Cultural heritage values of the reserve are identified and conserved.


Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve

Achievements thus farThe Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve has already been the focus of a great deal of activity involving a number of community members and interested organisations.

These activities include:

n Ongoing removal of invasive plant species, re-establishment of native species, and upgrading of facilities, including existing bird hides and walkways.

n Compiling inventories and systems descriptions of the geomorphological, flora and fauna resources of the Reserve.

n Fencing of riparian zones and riverbanks to exclude stock, in association with the provision of stock watering points.

n Building partnerships with conservation groups, community volunteers and academic research groups, in the assessment and management of the Reserve.

n Allocation of a permanent Ranger to work at the Reserve. This is the first time a dedicated Ranger has been working at the Reserve and was achieved as a result of lobbying by the Board.

Projects for fundingFootbridge over Jerrabomberra CreekTo ensure that visitors to the Reserve can walk safely and visit the areas that connects the eastern and western sections of the Reserve. This area is currently only accessible across a bridge shared by walkers and cyclists. Cyclists are welcome to the Reserve but we recognise that many visitors want to amble and really take in the views and flora and fauna that the Reserve has to offer.


n developing design concepts

n building of the bridge.

Photographic Hide support for the construction of a purpose built photographic hide. You can be involved in the design of the hide including catering for the special needs of photographers and their use of sound equipment.

If you have a passion for photography or you provide equipment for those who are passionate about photography, this is an opportunity for you.


History of Jerrabomberra Wetlands The Jerrabomberra Wetlands and surrounding areas are rich with cultural (European and Aboriginal) and natural history. This includes the old dairy and Cargill’s cottage highlighting an often forgotten part of Canberra’s history.

The publication will feature all of the common birds seen in the Reserve, along with stories on the Aboriginal history and the early European history. The significant natural features of the Reserve will also be described and presented in photographs and diagrams.



n collection and collation of indigenous, early European and contemporary history of the Reserve

n writing content

n printing of the publication.

Wetlands walkways and visitor seating The Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve invites people of all ages to wander through the Reserve and enjoy the animal and plant life that abounds and the ability to walk between and among some of the most beautiful areas.

Walking paths that connect these areas will ultimately encircle the entire Reserve area.

They will link with those pathways already in place such as a well-formed section joining hides at Kelly’s Swamp and the existing road to service electrical infrastructure at the northern and western end of the Reserve.

Seating will be located along the pathways within the Reserve and situated to provide maximum comfort and opportunities to sit and quietly observe the different landscapes within the Reserve and enjoy those contemplative moments.



n building of the path and seating.

n Front cover

Creamy Candles at Mulligans Flat: Lois Padgham

Jerrabomberra Wetlands: TaMS

n page 1

Chocolate Lilies at Mulligans Flat: Steve Taylor

Tasmanian Bettong and her Joey: Dave Watts

swamphen: Geoffrey Dabb

Kelly’s swamp Jerrabomberra Wetlands: Michael Maconachie

n page 3

Mulligans Flat Frosty Morning: Peter Mills

Everlasting Daisies: Peter Mills

Intermediate Egret: Geoffrey Dabb

Regeneration at Jerrabomberra Wetlands: Michael Maconachie

n page 4

Fence profile Mulligans Flat: Peter Mills

Mulligans Flat Grassy Woodland Trail: Peter Mills

Eastern swamphen Nest: Esther Beaton

Bird watcher at Jerrabomberra Wetlands: TaMS

n page 5

Bearded Dragon sunbaking on sanctuary fence at Mulligans Flat: Peter Mills

Ranger inspects signage at Mulligans Flat: Jill Faulkner

Wattle at Jerrabomberra Wetlands: Michael Maconachie

Brown Tree Creepers being released at Mulligans Flat sanctuary: TaMS

Pelican and bird hide Jerrabomberra Wetlands: Michael Maconachie

Ranunculus at Mulligans Flat: Peter Mills

Cyclists enjoying Mulligans Flat: TaMS

swamp Wallaby at Mulligans Flat: Peter Mills


Pobblebonk (or Banjo) Frog, Limnodynastes dumerilii Jerrabomberra Wetlands: TaMS

Ranger guided activity at Mulligans Flat Woodland sanctuary: TaMS

n page 6

Mulligans Flat Woolshed: Peter Mills

Baillon’s Crake: Geoffrey Dabb


n page 7

Jerrabomberra Wetlands: Margaret Leggae

n page 8

Creamy Candles at Mulligans Flat: Lois Padgham

n page 9

Blowfly: Peter Mills

Mulligans Flat Woolshed: Peter Mills

Northern Corroborree Frog: TaMS

n page 10

Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve: TaMS

n page 11

Eastern–Water Dragon: Esther Beaton

Bird Hides Jerrabomberra Wetlands: Esther Beaton

Regeneration at Jerrabomberra Wetlands: Michael Maconachie

Jerrabomberra Wetlands in Flood: TaMS

Long Neck Tortoise: TaMS

Cormorant Group at Jerrabomberra Wetlands: Esther Beaton

n page 12

White Face Heron: Geoffrey Dabb

Little Pied Cormorant: Geoffrey Dabb

Black–Fronted Dotterel: Geoffrey Dabb

Grey Teal: Geoffrey Dabb

Latham’s snipe: Geoffrey Dabb

Royal spoonbill: Geoffrey Dabb

n Back cover

Chocolate Lilies at Mulligans Flat: Steve Taylor

White-faced Heron and a pair of Pacific Black Ducks at Jerrabomberra Wetlands: TaMS

Photo credits

cwwct.org.au


Woodlands and Wetlandsin the National Capital

Enriching our living environment

woodlands and wetlands in the national capital · make up a healthy ecosystem. n a place of real...

Documents