Jerrabomberra Wetlands
Description of Place
The Jerrabomberra Wetlands are an artificially formed area of wetlands at the head of Lake Burley Griffin. The Molonglo River forms the north boundary, the upper reaches of Lake Burley Griffin (East Basin) form its west boundary, Jerrabomberra Creek the south boundary, and the Fyshwick Sewerage Treatment Works and Dairy Road form the east boundary. The wetlands are situated across several old river courses which have fluctuating water levels following the varying levels of Lake Burley Griffin. This, together with the adjacent rivers and Sewerage treatment ponds, has created a series of habitats which support a rich and diverse bird fauna.
The major water bodies forming the wetlands are the Molonglo Reach, Shoveler Pool, Kelly's Swamp, Jerrabomberra Billabongs, Silt Trap, Jerrabomberra Pool, Jerrabomberra Reach, and the Jerrabomberra Backwaters.
The wetlands provide a wide variety of habitats which are interrelated and which as a whole account for the abundance and diversity of waterbirds and other wildlife occurring there. For example, birds which roost in one part of the wetlands often feed in another and without both areas these species would not be present. The Fyshwick Sewage Treatment Ponds are an adjunct to the wetland system in that they provide feeding and refuge areas for a number of bird species which would otherwise occur only rarely in the ACT.
Although Jerrabomberra Wetlands does not meet the criteria for inclusion on the Convention on Wetlands of International Importance it does have national and international importance. Seventy-seven species of waterbirds have been recorded at Jerrabomberra Wetlands. These species make up most of the wetland birds occurring in southern Australia. The wetlands are also used by several bird species which migrate to Australia during spring and summer (northern hemisphere's autumn and winter). Of particular importance in this regard is Latham's (Japanese) snipe ( Gallinago hardwickii ) which is subject to agreements between Australia and both Japan and China. These agreements collectively known as the Japanese and Australian Migratory Bird Agreement (JAMBA) and the Chinese Australian Migratory Bird Agreement (CAMBA), provide for the reciprocal protection of migratory species and their habitats. Other birds under the agreements that occur at the wetlands are the Common Greenshank ( Tringa nebularia ), Red-Necked Stint ( Calidris ruficollis ), and Sharp-tailed Sandpiper ( C. acuminata ).
Ninety-six species of terrestrial birds have also been recorded. Species of particular interest include the Little Grassbird ( Megalurus gramineus ), Clamorous Reed-Warbler ( Acrocephalus stentoreus ), and Golden-headed Cisticola ( Cisticola exilis ). These species are generally only found in reed-beds on the shores of lakes and streams. Platypus ( Ornithorincus anatinus ) and Eastern Water Rats ( Hydromys chryogaster ) live in the wetland and surrounding river and lake environments.
Access to the wetlands is provided for visitors. Car parking areas are situated on the eastern side of the wetlands with access from Dairy Flat Road and on southern side with access from Mundaring Road. The latter appears to be in an unfinished stage with internal access to the car park by an unsealed and uneven surface.
Several bird viewing hides are located in strategic positions overlooking water bodies in areas frequented by water birds. The hides are well-served with information posters on the bird species and identification guides. Pathways linking the two main water bodies of Kelly's Swamp and Jerrabomberra Pool provide easy access for visitors without disturbing the birds. Additional visitor facilities are at present planned, including a visitor/education centre, toilets, on-site expertise, excursion guides and teaching aids. A major factor of the wetlands is its potential as an ecological teaching place, and in view of this, the current visitor facilities are inadequate.
Geomorphological Site
A geomorphological feature of the Jerrabomberra Wetlands are the Palaeochannels, or ancient meander channels and levee banks, of the Molonglo River. These channels indicate the former courses of the Molonglo prior to its entry into the Lake Burley Griffin basin. A sequential pattern in eight groups have been identified. The channels appear as flooded finger-like bodies of water and by damp depressions which can be followed on foot across the grazing area. They can be seen clearly from the top of Mount Pleasant and from the air.
This site is the only extensive area of flood plain with Paleaochannels in the ACT and so has a potential value as a teaching resource.
Statement of Significance
Jerrabomberra Wetlands is one of the most valuable wetland habitats in the ACT, increasing the biological diversity of Lake Burley Griffin and Canberra City. It provides a series of wetland habitats which support a rich and diverse bird fauna, including most of the wetland species occurring in southern Australia. Many terrestrial birds occur there as well as a number of platypus and water rats and other wildlife including invertebrates, amphibians, reptiles and fish.
Sections of the wetlands are used as a stopover for migratory waders, including Latham's Snipe which is the subject of protection agreements between Australia, Japan and China. The agreements encourage the signatory nations to protect the habitats of species listed as well as to conserve the bird species themselves.
The wetlands provide the only extensive area of riverine flood plains with existing Paleaochannels in the ACT.