Protecting Blue Mountains swamps from stormwater impacts

This project is funded by the Australian Government under Saving Native Species and delivered by Greater Sydney Local Land Services, a member of the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

"The Albanese Government was pleased to provide $1.5 million in funding to Greater Sydney Local Land Services, part of $4.5 million across the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area from the Saving Native Species program. This will help to deliver a suite of conservation actions that will improve the condition of this priority place, including erosion control work," said Susan Templeman, Federal MP for Macquarie.

"This partnership will help protect endangered swamps and the local animals in our region from stormwater impacts, meaning future generations can continue to enjoy the worldclass environment we call home."

Greater Sydney Local Land Services, in partnership with Blue Mountains City Council and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, are delivering on-ground works to reduce erosion, filter stormwater and improve the resilience of endangered Blue Mountains swamps.

"These swamps are unique and critical to the health of the Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area," said Linda Dedovic, Senior Land Services Officer - Biodiversity, Greater Sydney Local Land Services.

"They store water and release it slowly, helping to maintain flows in creeks and waterfalls. Just as importantly, they act as natural filters, purifying water before it reaches downstream waterways.

"Stormwater carries sediment and excess nutrients straight into the swamps, which can smother vegetation, fuel weed invasions and erode creek beds," Linda said.

"When we manage stormwater at the source-where it flows out of the pipes-we give these ecosystems a fighting chance. Slowing the water and trapping sediment before it reaches the swamp reduces erosion, improves water quality and protects biodiversity."

In Hazelbrook, Blue Mountains City Council is leading a project that includes a new biofiltration and sediment basin, as well as rock armouring to stabilise the site.

"The innovative design of the newly constructed stormwater treatment system is already delivering measurable water quality improvements," Blue Mountains Mayor Cr Mark Greenhill said.

"By capturing and treating urban runoff before it reaches our swamps and waterways, the biofilter plays a critical role in protecting downstream water quality and preserving the health of our unique native plants and wildlife.

"These works capture sediment and filter nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, which are known to fuel weed outbreaks that crowd out native species." 

At Leura, the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service has installed rock-lined pools and using natural materials like coir logs to reduce the speed of water flow and prevent erosion.

"Healthy waterways are like conveyor belts: what happens upstream has a direct impact downstream," said David Crust, Executive Director NPWS Blue Mountains Branch.

"By working in partnership across different land tenures, we're tackling this issue at a landscape scale. It's a great example of what can be achieved when local, state and federal organisations work together."

Find more information about this Greater Blue Mountains World Heritage Area project.

Media Contact
For more information, please contact Chris Finley on chris.finley@lls.nsw.gov.au