Sydney Freshwater Wetland is a wetland vegetative community restricted to freshwater swamps in coastal areas around the Sydney Bioregion. It is comprised of a variety of sedges, rushes, heath and aquatic plants surrounded by a small number of woody species.

The characteristic species of Sydney Freshwater Wetlands can be downloaded below. The species composition of SFW will change over time with the effects from fluctuating water levels and seasonal conditions. At any one time, above-ground individuals of some species may be absent, but the species may be represented below ground in the soil seed banks or as dormant structures such as rhizomes and rootstocks.

• Plant species of Sydney Freshwater Wetlands (PDF 27KB)

Where do you find them?

Sydney Freshwater Wetlands (SFW) occur on sand dunes and low-nutrient sandplains along coastal areas in the Sydney Basin bioregion. In Pittwater there are only a small number of sites where SFW can be found. The largest of these is Warriewood Wetlands, one of the last remnants of sandplain within the Sydney region. Other sites include Mona Vale Golf Course, Warriewood Square, Boondah Depot, Rat Park Sports Centre.

Why is it threatened?

There are a number of factors which have significantly reduced the distribution of Sydney Freshwater Wetlands within Pittwater and the surrounding regions. They include

• Clearing and In-filling for development, including roads, residential, industrial, recreational, waste disposal and agricultural purposes.
• Altered hydrology - construction of artificial channels and flood mitigation works (drains, levees and floodgates)
• Altered nutrient levels resulting in eutrophication and promotion of weeds
• Weed invasion including Ludwigia, Kikuyu, Alligatorweed and Salvinia molesta
• Off-road vehicles
• Dumping of rubbish and pollution
• Sand extraction

What is special about it?

Sydney Freshwater Wetlands are rare. There occur at only a few remaining sites within Pittwater. A number of threatened plant species also grow in SFW.

SFW are also important habitat for a number of important fauna species. Warriewood Wetlands are home to the threatened Black Bittern - Ixobrychus flavicollis. It is also a known stopover for several migrantory birds species covered under international treaties (CAMBA and JAMBA). Several frog and reptile species have also been recorded at Warriewood making the wetland one of the last refuges in the area for this type of fauna.

SFW are also important because they fulfil a number of vital roles in coastal  ecosystems. These include erosion protection, water quality improvement and habitat provision. The wetlands at Warriewood for example, help to protect the water quality of Narrabeen Lagoon by functioning as a filter and sink for sediments and nutrients.

What plants/animals live there?

Sydney Freshwater Wetlands are important habitat for a diverse range of fauna. They include crabs, molluscs, insects, spiders and birds.

What is Pittwater Council doing to protect Sydney Freshwater Wetlands?

Council is undertaking a range of projects aimed at conserving and improving the chances of survival of Sydney Freshwater Wetlands. They include

• Weed control programs within and around wetland areas
• Management of stormwater
• Construction of walkways, boardwalks and viewing platforms wetland areas that aim to reduce damage while allowing residents to fully appreciate these important areas.
• Removal of dumped material including garden vegetation and cars
• Assisting regeneration of the riparian edge bordering wetland areas
• Education campaign to inform residents of the importance of Sydney Freshwater Wetlands including the field days with experts from the field, erection of educational signage and pamphlet drops to provide further information
• Council has contracted professional bush regenerators maintain and improve existing wetland areas through weed suppression, planting and general maintenance.
• The Council It is also supporting volunteer bushcare groups with the provision of tools, removal of weeds, on-site supervision by a trained bush regenerator and employment of a professional Bushcare Program Coordinator.

What can you do to help

• Composting your tree and lawn clippings and not dumping them on any surrounding wetlands
• Control weed invasion on your property including Lantana, Morning Glory, Asparagus Fern and other weeds
• Minimise Human disturbance by staying on constructed access pathway and boardwalks and not walking on the wetland areas
• Join you local Bushcare group and help conserve and protect the remaining Sydney Freshwater Wetlands within Pittwater. If you want further information or to join please contact the Council's Bushcare Officer on 9970 1367.

Updated: 06 Dec 2011