Logan City's Wetlands
Wetlands are areas which have acquired special characteristics from being wet on a regular or semi-regular basis. They have ecosystems which are very diverse, complex and highly productive and are considered to be one of the most important life support systems on earth.
They are an important resource, not only for their value to humans but also as a habitat for many plants and animals which have adapted to living in such a waterlogged environment. Indeed, they are vital to the many waterbirds, fish, crustaceans, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates who spend some or all of their lifecycles in them.
Wetlands have for a long time been taken for granted and have been seen in the past as areas of wasteland, sources of water during drought or as areas to be developed for human use. They have been neglected and have become degraded. Only in recent years have we come to appreciate the many important functions that wetlands perform and their social and economic value, yet they still remain very threatened environments.
What are wetlands?
Wetlands are difficult to define because they are so diverse. In Australia, for example, we have 39 different wetland types with 37 of these occurring in Queensland.
The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance (or Ramsar Convention as it is commonly known) is a widely accepted international treaty, to which Australia is a signatory, which calls for appropriate management of wetlands. The Ramsar Convention defines wetlands as areas of soil covered by a shallow layer of seasonal or permanent, flowing or static, salt or fresh water. Wetlands can be natural or artificial and include areas of marine water. Furthermore, wetlands have plant and soil types which are unique to them and which are well adapted to existing in wetland conditions.
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.
A regional significant wetland with an interesting and colourful history is Jerry's Downfall Reserve. These wetlands were once used as a watering place for bullock teams who stopped there to camp overnight on the way to Brisbane. Legend has it that a local bullock driver, Jerry lost his life in the wetlands after capsizing a bullock dray on a wooden bridge, hence the reserves name. These wetlands are now a Council reserve and part of a significant bioregional corridor. The wetland is a refuge for rare and threatened flora and fauna, for example Spotted-tailed quoll and melaleuca and eucalypt species.
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 560 hectares 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 Street, 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 Reserves 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 8.7 hectares 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 undertake 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.
