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 Aboriginal peoples 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 Aboriginal peoples who lived on and cared for this Country highlights the site being of important cultural significance to local Aboriginal peoples.
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 Aboriginal peoples
- 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
- free-flowing Great Artesian Basin bores capped to restore natural habitat and protect groundwater quality.
2028:
- plant and animal post-project surveys to measure progress
- project close (30 Jun 2028) and outcomes reporting.
Work underway
Building on the success of the previous 12 months, a new year of activities has commenced, including:
- rangeland rehabilitation works at new sites on private properties
- habitat condition surveys to establish a baseline vegetation condition across rangeland rehabilitation sites
- Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments prior to on ground works commencing
- a two day on-country event for Traditional Owners, sharing knowledge around traditional plant usage and practices
- pest animal control activities with National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS) to protect threatened species
- working with NPWS to secure a ground water bore site and improve hydrological function of the Caryapundy Swamp.
Project updates
Last month, a group of Malyangapa Traditional Owners attended an on-Country event for the project as part of the ongoing commitment to provide opportunities for Aboriginal people to connect with this significant site.
On day one, participants were given the opportunity to share traditional knowledge relating to native plants and their uses. This session was led by Malyangapa Traditional Owners David Doyle and Barbara Quayle.
On day two, participants visited Narriearra Caryapundy Swamp National Park and undertook a driving tour of the surrounding area.
The driving tour focused on the important ecosystem services that Caryapundy Swamp provides, and the work being done to manage threats to the condition of the Caryapundy Swamp, such as weeds and pest animals.
The 2-day event was delivered in partnership with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service and was the second on-Country event for the project. The next on-Country event will be held in 2026-27.
Works to date include:
- a geomorphology study of the Lower Bulloo Catchment and Caryapundy Swamp Ramsar Area, prepared by Dr Gresley Wakelin-King and presented at a Tibooburra community event in June
- rangeland rehabilitation works at 3 sites in the 'eastern sandy country’ covering 364 hectares
- targeted feral pig management
- one flora and fauna study, establishing a baseline for revisiting later in the project
- baseline habitat condition surveys completed at 3 sites to monitor change in vegetation following the completion of rangeland rehabilitation works
- a 2-day on-country event for Traditional Owners, held in April in conjunction with NPWS
- Aboriginal cultural heritage assessments at on-ground works sites
- an oral history project with Traditional Owners to record their stories and knowledge of the Caryapundy Swamp site.
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.
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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.
For project enquiries, contact Craig Anderson at admin.western@lls.nsw.gov.au or on 1300 795 299
Contact Local Land Services NSW
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