Wetlands

Queensland has the most diverse array of wetlands in Australia. Wetlands are important for our environment, economy and our livelihoods.

Wetlands deliver many ecosystem services or functions that contribute to our wellbeing—such as water and food supply, filtering of pollutants, regulation of climate and flooding, coastal protection, provision of habitat for biodiversity, and recreation and tourism opportunities.

Wetlands are the great ‘connectors’ across our landscape providing places for our enjoyment and relaxation. Regardless of whether you are doing a school or university assignment, managing a wetland or undertaking research, you will find a wealth of information on WetlandInfo including wetland:

• mapping and facts
• types and definitions (What are wetlands?)
• ecology
• management
• assessment and monitoring
• resources (publications, tools, facts sheets etc.).

Wetlands need to be managed in a whole-of-landscape approach as many of the processes and values are best appreciated at a landscape level.

Managing wetlands requires the consideration of many aspects. Some questions to consider are:

• What are wetlands?
• Where are wetlands?
• What type of wetland am I dealing with?
• How does the wetland function and how do they fit in with the surrounding landscape?
• What’s in my wetland—plants, animals, soils, water and more?
• Where does the water come from, e.g. is the ecosystem groundwater dependent?
• What are the values of the wetland and how important are they?
• How do I assess its current health or condition and the pressures on the wetland?
• What tools and guidelines are available for on-ground management of wetlands?
• What programs, policies and legislation are relevant?
• What training, funding and employment opportunities are available?
• What communication products are available?

Find the answers to these questions and more on WetlandInfo.

Other useful information and support can be provided through your regional natural resource management body or local government.