Restoration of the Ramsar Wetlands of Bowling Green Bay Catchment (2019-2023)

About the project

The Bowling Green Bay wetlands are a jewel in the lower Burdekin’s crown, and listed as internationally important under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

This four-year project aims to reduce the threats to the Bowling Green Bay Ramsar site, adjacent coastline and adjoining creek catchments by: 

• improving fauna (including bird and turtle) nesting and feeding habitat by removing marine debris, revegetating, and repairing dunes;
• reducing terrestrial and aquatic weed infestations to improve habitat for animals that depend on the wetlands and creek systems;
• creating fish passageways to assist with spawning, seasonal migration and habitat connectivity;
• managing pest animal species to reduce impacts on wetland vegetation;
• raising awareness of the value and importance of wetlands; and
• establishing a robust monitoring program. 

Project activities will also contribute to enhancing the health of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area.

Bowling Green Bay Wetlands and Waterways 

Healthy, functioning wetlands support a range of animals by providing food, shelter and breeding or nursery areas. Wetlands in the lower Burdekin region of North Queensland also influence the health of the Great Barrier Reef by filtering out pollutants such as nutrient and sediment runoff.

Short-term objectives (1-5 years):

• Engage communities and land managers in programs to reduce aquatic weed chokes.
• Repair prioritised coastal wetlands of the Bowling Green Bay Ramsar site.
• Engage and work alongside local stakeholders and Traditional Owner groups to improve bird and turtle nesting habitat. 
• Contribute new scientific knowledge. 

Long-term goals (5-10 years):

• Restore the function of coastal wetlands in priority areas of the Bowling Green Bay Ramsar site
• Raise awareness of the important role wetlands play both from an environmental and lifestyle perspective. 

Key partners: 

• Burdekin Shire Council 
• Lower Burdekin Water 
• Sunwater 
• Lower Burdekin Landcare 
• Tangaroa Blue 
• Gudjuda Reference Group 
• Birdlife Australia and Birdlife Townsville

Prioritised wetland and waterway systems: 

• Collinsons Lagoon 
• Crooked Waterhole
• Didgeridoo Lagoon 
• Healy’s Lagoon 
• Horseshoe Lagoon 
• Ironbark Creek 
• Sheepstation Creek 
• Woodhouse Lagoon 

Articles: 

• Restoring Bowling Green Bay Wetlands

The Restoration of the Ramsar Wetlands of Bowling Green Bay Catchment project (2019 – 2023) is delivered by NQ Dry Tropics and funded by the Australian Government’s National Landcare Program.

• Sheepstation Creek Management Plan 

This is a System Management Plan to provide over-arching guidelines for agencies and commmunity-based groups to ensure projects aimed at improving the health of the ecology of the creek can be implemented using best-practice recommendations.