The wetlands
The Lower Lachlan River and its floodplain provide a diverse range of aquatic habitats for native flora and fauna. The generally flat topography of this landscape results in a river system characterised by multiple channels across a wide floodplain. These channels often convey flood water across the floodplain to wetland systems, the largest of which is at the end of the Lachlan River itself - The Great Cumbung Swamp (only during flooding does the Lachlan River connect with the Murrumbidgee).
Humans and the river landscape
The channels and wetlands of the Lower Lachlan supported Aboriginal people for thousands of years. Many wetland plants provided valuable food and fibre e.g. the abundant native reed Cumbungi (Typha sp.) and fish, waterbirds and eggs were all harvested. Today, local Aboriginal communities still have a strong bond with these beautiful river landscapes.
Since European settlement, the floodplains have supported cattle and sheep grazing enterprises and, in more recent times, irrigated cropping.
Wetland management on the Lower Lachlan
A number of the wetland systems on the Lower Lachlan are recognised as having national significance and are listed in the publication A Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia (3rd edition), namely: Booligal Wetland, Lachlan Swamp (part of the mid-Lachlan Wetland) and The Great Cumbung Swamp. As part of its commitment to assist landholders manage these important wetlands for both production and conservation outcomes, the Lachlan CMA recently commissioned a review of past studies that dealt with the issue of wetland land management. The review looked at previous studies from the Lower Lachlan, studies from the Macquarie Marshes and Gwydir Wetlands and sought the opinion of local landholders. On the basis of this information recommendations are made concerning the future management of these important natural assets. To access the full report please click here.
Martin 2010
Maher 1990
For further information, please contact Michelle Crossley via michelle.crossley@cma.nsw.gov.au or
HCV Wetlands on the Lower Lachlan
Michelle Crossley
PO Box 188
Hillston NSW 2675