Caryapundy Swamp Ramsar Preservation

Key information

Located east of Tibooburra, Caryapundy Swamp is listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention for its contribution to conserving biological diversity.

Caryapundy Swamp provides habitat for threatened species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC) such as:

• grey grasswren (Amytornis barbatus barbatus)
• grey falcon (Falco hypoleucos)
• plains-wanderer (Pedinomus torquatus). 

Project objectives

This project aims to:

• improve knowledge of the hydrological function, values and management of the Caryapundy Swamp Ramsar site 
• improve the condition of wetland vegetation and habitat by managing pest animals, including feral pigs
• support First Nations people to connect with Country and share traditional ecological knowledge and cultural values  
• support land managers to improve Ramsar site values, including targeted erosion management works
• increase awareness of the Ramsar site values across management agencies and the broader community. 

Project background

The Ramsar site covers 70,176 hectares and is the end point of the Bulloo River, which starts in Queensland, but is also fed by surrounding temporary wetlands, floodplains and creeks.

The site provides an important refuge during drought for waterbirds and other animals and supports waterbird breeding and migratory shorebirds.

A strong presence of artefacts, ceremonial sites, stone tools, modified trees and other evidence of the presence of First Nations people who lived on and cared for this Country highlights the site being of important cultural significance to local First Nations people. 

Key threats include:

• pest animal species
• changes to hydrology and landscape function
• land management practices
• climate change.

Project delivery

We anticipate by project end on 30 June 2028 the ecological character of the Caryapundy Swamp Ramsar site will be maintained and/or improved, building resistance to climate change.

Work includes:  

• geomorphology analysis to inform rangeland rehabilitation works
• plant and animal surveys
• cultural heritage surveys by local First Nations people
• rangeland rehabilitation works informed by the geomorphology analysis results.

Project timeline

2024: 

• geomorphologist engaged to conduct study of the Caryapundy Swamp Ramsar site and prioritise sites for rangeland rehabilitation works
• targeted site assessment and selection to further plan on-ground works. 

2025–27: 

• rangeland rehabilitation sites confirmed and Aboriginal Cultural Heritage assessments completed prior to work commencing
• community awareness events conducted, highlighting the values of the Ramsar site as well as findings of the Geomorphology study
• baseline habitat condition assessments and plant and animal surveys conducted
• Traditional Owners engaged through Oral History recording project and On Country knowledge sharing events
• landscape scale pest control activities conducted, as well as pest animal surveys. 

2028: 

• plant and animal post-project surveys to measure progress
• project close (30 Jun 2028) and outcomes reporting. 

Work underway

• Geomorphology analysis is underway and initial sites have been selected for on-ground works.
• Consultation with Traditional Owners is underway. The first On Country events are in planning as well as the Oral History project.
• Supported NPWS with pest animal control activity to protect threatened species. Further pest management activities are planned.
• Plant and animal surveys and habitat condition assessments are in planning for Autumn 2025.  

How to get involved

Events and other opportunities for communities to connect with this project are shared through our regional Facebook page, newsletters, events web page and local media. 

Funding and partnerships

Our key delivery partners are:

• private landholders 
• NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS)
• Traditional Owners
• geomorphologists
• ecologists. 

This project is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered by Western Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.