World Wetlands Day which has been celebrated on the 2 February each year since 1997 marks the anniversary of the signing of the Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) in Ramsar, Iran, on 2 February 1971.
The Mission of the Convention is:
'the conservation and wise use of wetlands by national action and international cooperation as a means to achieving sustainable development throughout the world'.
The 2009 “Upstream - Downstream: Wetlands Connect Us All” theme is critically important promoting the concept of interconnectedness, where we can all be impacted by activities from upstream and can affect downstream environments through our own actions.
Council will be supporting the delivery of a Horse Management on Small Properties (pdf) workshop on World Wetlands Day, which will have a focus on best practice land and catchment management including wetland and waterway enhancement and protection.
Logan's wetlands are home to many vulnerable and rare species. One such animal is the Wallum Froglet which is currently registered as “vulnerable” under the Queensland Nature Conservation Act 1992. The Wallum Froglet has been located in Scrubby Creek, Berrinba Wetlands and in the Carbrook Wetlands of Logan.
Another activity that you can all be involved in on world wetland day is making your own jumping Wallum Froglet (pdf) or colour in and make your own Wallum Froglet (pdf) through the ancient art of Origami.
Logan's Wetlands of Importance
Logan City has many important and diverse wetlands. These ecosystems are complex and highly productive habitats and provide key ecological and hydrological functions such as biodiversity conservation; flood mitigation; and water quality improvement. Wetlands are also important from a recreation, aesthetic and cultural heritage perspective.
The Carbrook wetland assemblage is a nationally significant wetland as listed in the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia. These Melaleuca dominated wetlands provide habitat to 249 recorded plant species; 171 bird species; and 35 mammal species. Carbrook is also a critical stopover for migrating birds each winter season.
The wetlands at Eagleby, Berrinba and Spring Mountain are regionally significant and provide refuge to rare, threatened and migratory animals. These systems also provide important passive recreation and educational functions.
It is important to consider that all the catchments within Logan City drain to and are directly connected with Moreton Bay which is as a Ramsar Site of international importance. Therefore our continuing management throughout the catchment is critically important to protect these vital systems from detrimental impact and further degradation.
Go visit and explore Logan's Wetlands
Berrinba Wetlands - Entered via Bayliss Road or Magnesium Drive, Berrinba
Berrinba wetlands have been open to the public for the first time through the opening of the South West One Industrial Development. The wetlands which have been protected and rehabilitated take in 80 hectares of the 120 hectare site. There is 8.5 kilometres of walkways and bike tracks around the site to enjoy the natural beauty of these man made wetlands.
Carbrook Wetlands - Lagoon Road or Fischer Road, Carbrook
While there are no boardwalks or constructed tracks in Carbrook Wetlands they are well worth a visit. They cover an area of approximately 560ha and are listed as a wetland site of national significance. The wetlands occur on the native dog creek and Logan River catchments.
Daisy Hill Conservation Park - Daisy Hill Road, Daisy Hill
This is a small remnant wetland, situated in Daisy Hill Conservation Park. There is a good constructed track and boardwalk with interpretive signage. The site is a good example of the change in species from wetland to dryland.
Dennis Lake - Kinloch Road, Daisy Hill
Dennis Lake is a good example of an 'artificial' wetland. It is also a good example of how a community can care for a local wetland. There is a constructed walkway around one side of the wetland and some interpretive signage about the birds that can be seen at the lake. The lake is a good site for bird watching with ducks, ibises, moorhens and other waders present.
Eagleby Wetlands - Logan St, Eagleby
The Eagleby Wetlands Conservation Reserves comprise a cluster of wetland reserves in a suburban/rural matrix on the floodplain of the Logan and Albert Rivers. The Eagleby Wetlands Conservation Reserves are made up of a total of 10 reserves covering an area of 45 hectares. The largest of these reserves, 20 hectares, the Eagleby Wetlands is part of Oliver Sports Complex. The remaining reserves in the floodplain are public open space contributions from past developments.
Slacks Creek Environmental Park - Loganlea Road, Slack Creek
The wetlands in Slacks Creek Environmental Park are adjacent to slacks creek and are bordered by a dryland ridge. There is some permanent water at the park but no continuously flowing water. There is a good boardwalk through the wetland with a well maintained track through the dryland vegetation. Koalas and possums as well as a variety of butterflies and birds can be seen in the park.
Spring Mountain Reserve - Tully Connection Road, Greenbank
Spring Mountain wetland provides a home to a large number of plants, vertebrates, and invertebrates. You will see native bulrushes (Typha sp.), knotweeds (Persicaria sp.), significant stands of weeping bottle brushes (Callistemon sp.) and many insects (dragonflies, mayflies, butterflies) and birds. All these species contribute to a complex ecosystem which makes this wetland a vital component of Oxley Creek.
Tygum Lagoon - Park Road (off Tygum Road), Waterford West
Tygum Lagoon is 8.7ha of shallow open water lake surrounded by a grass-sedge wetland situated adjacent to the Logan River. The area is a recreation and wildlife reserve, but was once an important water supply for the district. The lagoon is said to have never dried up because it is fed by springs. Council is currently committed to undertaker stage one of the Tygum Rehabilitation Strategy. This involves improving the quality of water flowing into the Lagoon as well as weed removal and tree planting for improved riparian habitat.
For more information on the wetlands of Logan, Logan City Council has a series of Waterways Fact Sheets available.