Wetland Regeneration—Jack’s Lagoon Lowmead

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Conservation

On-ground work

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Jack’s Lagoon in the Baffle Catchment has been earmarked for on-ground works since an assessment was undertaken of wetlands in the Burnett Mary Region. It is one of 42 wetlands in the Burnett Mary region to have been classified of regional priority through the Queensland and Australian government’s Wetland Inventory and Prioritisation program.

Jack's Lagoon is a 4.43 ha spring fed freshwater wetland in Lowmead set in agricultural surrounds.  It has high ecological and biodiversity values. Actions can be undertaken to improve the wetland’s function. BMRG is working with the landholder to increase ecological connectivity, enhance riparian vegetation and control a number of environmental weeds. These actions will help improve water quality and allow the wetland to function as a filter during high flows. This builds upon previous works in 2009 which included fencing the shallow section of the wetland to restrict cattle access, protecting key nesting habitat for several wetland bird species. This resulted in decreasing trampling and pugging of the wetland soils and vegetation by stock. Since these works, the shallow wetland has responded well despite extreme flooding in 2013. Three years on, the site is being revisited to explore effective strategies to facilitate ongoing natural regeneration of the shallow portion of this wetland.

The rehabilitation works in Jack's Lagoon, is comprised of two parts. The first involves weed management in the shallow section of the wetland. Targeted herbicide spraying of blue heliotrope, white mist flower, common sida and other identified species of weed was undertaken. Manual removal of fleabane, red-headed cottong bush and balloon cotton and cut and paint works to treat a range of woody weeds including lantana, noogoora burr, devils fig, castor oil plant is also planned. These weeds are located primarily on the perimeter of the shallow wetland inside the existing boundary fence encompassing an area of 1.43 ha. This work will help restore connectivity between the shallow section of the lagoon and the deeper sections aiding wildlife including brolgas, lily walkers, herons, ducks, mullet and eels. The weed management contractor engaged by BMRG will liaise closely with the landholder to undertake the protection and enhancement works.

The wetland influences water quality and provides ecosystem services to the local community. The current works are aimed at improving wetland function and the protection of species such as brolgas, lily walkers, herons, ducks, mullet and eels.

Jack’s Lagoon is an example of how the landholder is embracing wetland protection and enhancement. The wetland is surrounded by a mixed farming enterprise and the landholder has come to understand the social and economic benefits the wetland provides. The landholder has indicated a desire to continue to open his property so the local community can continue to experience the natural wetland, and its birdlife.

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