First published 12 November 2013
Updated 7 June 2016
Overview
NEWCASTLE WETLAND CONNECTIONS is a 4-year federally funded project to improve the condition, function, resilience & biodiversity of a highly modified aquatic corridor from the top of Boatman Creek via SEPP 14 freshwater wetlands to the Ramsar-listed Hunter Wetlands Centre.
On-ground works stabilise erosion, remove sediment, control sediment & nutrient inputs, treat weeds & install native vegetation. Strength-based community development builds stakeholder & indigenous participant’s capacity for natural resource management. A Communication, Education, Participation & Action program promotes skills & commitment to sustain results.
The project is led by WetlandCare Australia, a highly effective national NGO in partnership with an established project team of land managers, community groups & education institutions.
At the end of June 2016 we have:
- Planted 46,925 local natives across 5.16 ha to create riparian and wetland buffers
- Treated weeds to restore 30 ha of remnant vegetation along urban waterways.
- Installed 12 erosion control structures to reduce sediment in creeks and wetlands.
- Removed 17.5 m3 of rubbish from the catchment.
- Held 41 community engagement events for 1397 participants.
- Provided training and employment opportunities for 9 indigenous people.
- Engaged 142 Indigenous participants in cultural events.
For project updates, scroll down this page to the Project Archive, or see the green navigation box at right.
An overview of the Project Area is available here
Click here for a summary of the Program Outcomes
Project Manager
Louise Duff
Manager Hunter Region
WetlandCare Australia
P: 02 49612358
M: 0432 688775
E: louiseduff@wetlandcare.com.au
This project is coordinated by WetlandCare Australia, through funding from the Australian Government.
Click here for full list of our Project Partners.
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Project Archive
University of Newcastle Landcare Day
The University of Newcastle (UON) Landcare group, Tom Farrell Institute and Conservation Volunteers Australia are hosting a UON Landcare campus day meeting on Thursday 23rd March 10am-12pm. Community members and volunteers of all ages and experience are invited to attend.
Clean Up Australia Day in North Lambton 2017
Conservation Volunteers are celebrating the annual Clean up Australia day with a clean-up event on Friday 3rd March at Alnwick Road reserve, North Lambton. It is part of a program of events being held for the Newcastle Wetland Connections project.
Community Eco Tour
Conservation Volunteers Australia invites you to an eco tour on Thursday 1st December, 4:30pm-6:30pm at Birubi Surf Club, James Patterson Street, Anna Bay, profiling the great work being done by the Worimi Green Army team. Everyone is welcome to attend, RSVP essential by Monday Nov 28.
Urban Wetlands Walkabout in Newcastle
Conservation Volunteers are hosting an Urban Waterways Walkabout starting from the corner of Acacia Ave and Leonora Parade in Waratah West on Saturday November 12 at 9am. It is part of a program of events being held for the Newcastle Wetland Connections project.
Guided Canoe Tour of Boatman's Creek
Conservation Volunteers are hosting a Canoe tour of Newcastle's wetlands on Saturday October 22, as part of a program of events being held for the Newcastle Wetland Connections project.
Wetland Planting Day
Newcastle Uni Callaghan Landcare, Tom Farrell Institute and WetlandCare Australia are hosting a Wetlands Planting day on Thursday September 15 from 10 am. Join volunteers as we plant 300 native plants to help support the previous Uni Callaghan Landcare works and promote the university's natural bushland campus.
Picnic At The Swamp
Don Morris Walk Habitat Hike: Join us on Sunday 11 September for a guided walk with an ecologist providing interesting and informative commentary about the history of the Don Morris walk and information about the plants, birds and ecology that are present on the trail.
Community Event Archive
Here you can view the flyers and promotions for community events in the Newcastle Wetlands Connections Program.
Newcastle Wetland Connections Completes 3rd Year
WetlandCare Australia’s Newcastle Wetland Connections project is now three years through its four-year program of works. The goal of the project is to improve urban waterways in the upstream catchment of Hunter Wetlands Centre, a Ramsar listed wetland of international significance.
Project Report Archive
Click here to view the project update reports from 2013 to 2015.
Bush Tucker Planting for Green Week
Join us on Tuesday April 19 for a bush tucker planting day at the University of Newcastle Callaghan Campus to celebrate Green Week, as part of our Newcastle Wetland Connections project.
Launch of the National Standards for Ecological Restoration
WetlandCare Australia was one of 12 partner organisations working with SERA to develop the national standards, and welcome the launch of this valuable resource.
Clean Up Australia Day 2016 in Braye Park
Join us on Sunday March 6 2016 for Clean Up Australia Day in Braye Park, Newcastle. Morning tea provided.
Shorebird Seminar
Join us for a Shorebird Seminar at Hunter Wetlands Centre on World Wetland Day, Tuesday February 2. It will be a great chance to brush up your knowledge of Shorebird ecology and ID for anyone with an interest in estuary management and shorebird conservation, from the NSW Central Coast to Taree.
Newcastle Wetland Connections 2015 Progress Report
Newcastle Wetland Connections is a 4-year program led by WetlandCare Australia and funded by the Australian Government through the Caring for Our Country program. The total budget is $1.7 million, with a further $1.7 million of in-kind contributions from our partners. We are currently half way through Year 3.
Indigenous Land Management Workshop
Indigenous land management teams, government and community agencies will attend a workshop at the Worimi Local Aboriginal Land Council’s Murrook Cultural Centre at Williamtown on Thursday 10 December 2015 from 9am to 4pm.
Heaton Creek In Good Hands
WetlandCare Australia recently worked with students and teachers at Heaton Public School to help protect their local creek. Students were taken on a tour of Heaton Creek, which flows right through the school grounds, then shared their experience with the local community.
Habitat Hike at Braye Park
Join us for a Habitat Hike at Braye Park on Sunday 20 September, starting from the Lookout at 9am. It is part of a program of walks being held for the Newcastle Wetland Connections project. The walk will be guided by an ecologist and feature interesting and informative commentary about the plants, birds and ecology in the park.
Newcastle Wetland Connections Reaches Half-Way Mark
WetlandCare Australia’s Newcastle Wetland Connections project is now two years through its four-year term. The goal of the project is to improve urban waterways in the upstream catchment of Hunter Wetlands Centre, a Ramsar listed wetland of international significance.
Community Gets on Board for Newcastle Wetland Connections
WetlandCare Australia has been tapping into the goodwill of community volunteers to restore urban waterways flowing into the Hunter Wetlands Centre Ramsar Site.
Wetland Walk and Planting Day
Join us on Thursday and Friday this week (7th and 8th of May) for wetland events in Newcastle.
Community Planting Day to restore Boatman Creek
WetlandCare Australia is hosting a Community Planting Day from 9 am – 11 am on Sunday 3rd May at the back of Allowah Reserve Oval, Waratah West in Newcastle.
Hunter Estuary Volunteers Star Online
Volunteers play a vital role in protecting and rehabilitating the Hunter estuary. WetlandCare Australia, with sponsorship from Hunter Local Land Services, has posted a video on YouTube showcasing the activity of volunteers in the estuary and calling on new people to step up and get involved.
World Wetlands Day Plants Workshop
If you are a land management professional, consultant, plant enthusiast or Landcare volunteer and want to learn more about wetland vegetation, please join us for a World Wetland Day Plants Workshop on Tuesday 3 February at the Hunter Wetlands Centre.
Indigenous Trainees Make The Grade
WetlandCare Australia is celebrating the graduation of two Indigenous trainees from a 6-month work program which will see them qualify with a Certificate 2 in Conservation and Land Management.
Habitat Hikes in September
Would you like to meet like-minded neighbours, explore and learn about your local bushland and hear first-hand about the restoration of Ironbark Creek Catchment? WetlandCare Australia invites you to join free habitat hikes and activities in the Ironbark Creek Catchment.
Kids Caring For Creeks
WetlandCare Australia is presenting an education and outreach program with primary students in Newcastle. Students will learn about the values of urban creeks that border their own schools, threats faced by native plants and animals and how to care for creeks. Students will undertake a habitat hike and write a letter to their neighbours, which will outline what the wider community can do to care for their creeks.
Restoring the upstream catchment of a Ramsar listed wetland
Think of the city of Newcastle in New South Wales and chances are coal will immediately spring to mind. Think again. Newcastle’s wetlands have been identified as the most significant migratory shorebird habitat in New South Wales, and an important drought refuge for waterbirds. The assemblage of wetlands on the city’s doorstep includes the nationally listed Hexham Swamp, and the Hunter Wetlands National Park.
Celebrate World Wetlands Day
WetlandCare Australia is holding a World Wetlands Day celebration and special project launch on
Friday the 7th of February 2014 at the Wetlands Environmental Education Centre in Shortland from 4-5pm.
Aboriginal Trainees Commence Work
Three Aboriginal people will commence a 6-month program restoring bushland in the Waratah West area on Monday 7 April. The trainees have been employed by Conservation Volunteers Australia. Their work is central to the Newcastle Riparian-Ramsar Connections project, which is coordinated by WetlandCare Australia with funding from the Australian Government. The project aims to restore urban water ways in Newcastle while providing opportunities for Indigenous employment.
Newsletter Archive
View the project newsletters and updates sent to the local community in Newcastle and surrounds.
Our Project Partners
The Newcastle Riparian-Ramsar Connections program will be delivered in partnership with as established project team of land managers, community groups and education institutions.
Newcastle Wetland Connections
Boatman Creek is an urban waterway in the city of Newcastle NSW. The creek flows from the top of Braye Park through the university’s bushland campus and SEPP 14 freshwater wetlands to the Ramsar-listed Hunter Wetlands Centre. WetlandCare Australia has been awarded a major grant through the Australian Government’s Caring For Our Country program to restore the creek.