WetlandUpdate February 2016

Queensland groundwater dependent ecosystem mapping(version 1.4)

Groundwater dependent ecosystem (GDE) mapping (surface GDE lines and terrestrial and surface GDE areas) has been updated (version 1.4) to include the Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie drainage sub-basins.

GDE mapping for subterranean areas has been updated (version 1.4) for the whole of Queensland.

Other updates include:

• GDE background
• GDE rule-sets
• Inland and coastal cave conceptual models.

Potential groundwater dependent ecosystem aquifer mapping (version 1.4)

The Potential groundwater dependent ecosystem aquifer mapping (Version 1.4) (previously known as the 'shallowest watertable aquifer mapping') has been updated to include the Comet, Dawson and Mackenzie drainage sub-basins.

Sewage treatment facilities and monitoring point locations

Sewage treatment facilities (STPs) and monitoring point locations in Queensland are available as part of the point-source monitoring program page. This information may also be viewed on WetlandSummary and WetlandMaps.

Some activities in Queensland have approval under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to release water to the environment. These releases, often called point sources, are monitored by the approval holder for various water quality parameters and release volumes. The approval holders can also undertake monitoring of the surrounding environment. Monitoring requirements are stipulated in the approval; click here for more information on approvals.

This data is provided by the Water Tracking and Electronic Reporting System (WaTERS) monitoring program.

WetlandSummary tool update

The WetlandSummary tool has been updated to include:

Regional Natural Resource Management Body Water Quality Improvement Plan catchments for:

• Fitzroy Basin Association
• Wet Tropics (Terrain) Natural Resource Management (NRM)
• Reef Catchments NRM
• NQ Dry Tropics NRM

Report card areas:

• SEQ Healthy Waterways

Update to WetlandMaps

• The draw and reporting tools are now available on WetlandMaps
• Additional and updated mapping layers

World Wetland Day 2 February 2016

The theme for World Wetlands Day 2016 is Wetlands for our Future: Sustainable Livelihoods. This theme demonstrates the role of wetlands for the future of humanity, and the relevance of wetlands toward achieving the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Updates, improvements and links

• MinesOnlineMaps
• Queensland’s saltmarsh habitats: values, threats and opportunities to restore ecosystem services
• Ramsar Convention official YouTube channel
• Video release on World Wetlands Day February 2016 —Why sugar cane growers restore wetlands in the Burdekin region
• Regrowth benefits tool.

WetlandUpdate

The WetlandUpdate is a regular bulletin sent to subscribers to provide them with the latest WetlandInfo resources and tools, as well as case studies, video information and new project fact sheets.

View all of the previous WetlandUpdates

WetlandInfo feedback and improvements

Send us your useful wetland information and links to add to WetlandInfo. Do you have a wetland question you just can't answer? Email us

WetlandInfo feature frog—February

Litoria gracilenta

Photo by Harry Hines

Our WetlandInfo feature frog is Litoria gracilenta, commonly known as the dainty green tree frog. This species is native to areas of Queensland and New South Wales, and is dependent on wetlands for their entire life cycle.

WetlandInfo updates this section regularly, so keep your eyes and ears open!

For more information on frogs, visit Amphibiaweb or the Frogs of Australia website, or view species profiles in your area using WetlandSummary

 

 

Last updated: 29 January 2016