Reserve Management
The Fivebough & Tuckerbil Wetlands Advisory Committee (FTWAC) comprises of representatives from Government, private industry and community groups, within the Leeton district, who share a vested interest in the effective management of the reserve for the benefit of the public.
An Adaptive Environmental Management Plan (AEMP) provides guidance in relation to management of the site for ecological biodiversity outcomes. The committee adopted the current AEMP in 2014 and the document is critical in steering key management decisions and processes for the wetlands.
In December 2018, the Fivebough & Tuckerbil Wetlands team was announced the winner of the 2018 NSW Lands & Water Award for excellence in Community Service. This honour was received in recognition of the significant ecological, cultural, recreational and educational benefits delivered by the Wetlands for the local Leeton community.
The award acknowledges the vision, hard work and dedication of those who have contributed to the Wetlands in many different capacities, through years past and presently to develop the sites. To all these wonderful people, your efforts are greatly appreciated!
COMMITTEE REPRESENTATIVES
‘Click’ on the organisation name for a link to their website.
Fivebough & Tuckerbil Wetlands is a Crown Reserve for Environmental Protection and Public Recreation. NSW DPIE – Crown Lands governs the overarching administrative processes, for daily function and maintenance of the Reserve, larger projects and regulatory measures, which are actively managed by the Griffith office. The agencies represented on the Advisory Committee contribute industry expertise, individual skills and services and funding towards the maintenance and projects of the Wetlands.
Riverina Local Land Services (LLS) contributes funding to the Ramsar-listed Fivebough and Tuckerbil Wetlands for projects that aim to enhance, protect and sustain the ecological character of the wetlands for significant migratory waterbird species. Targeted activities and improved delivery of environmental water will protect and enhance habitats for threatened species. Riverina Local Land Services also manages the pest animal control program to protect the native flora and fauna species of the wetlands.
Leeton Shire Council (LSC) participates on the advisory committee to enhance and maintain public amenities, cultural features and ecological assets of the reserve. LSC also provide technical advice and support for major structural projects and contribute water release from the adjoining Sewerage Treatment Plant (approx.. 600 ML annually), under environmental protection licence.
Leeton & District Local Aboriginal Land Council (LDLALC) provide connection to the Wiradjuri traditional owners and knowledge of Fivebough & Tuckerbil Wetlands country, advising on historical cultural practices of daily life as well as significant events, language and artefacts. LDLALC manage the Wiradjuri Walk, sharing local knowledge through story boards and replicated sites and constructions.
Murrumbidgee Field Naturalists (MFN) provide expertise on the natural history and ecology of native flora and fauna within Fivebough & Tuckerbil Wetlands, undertaking species surveys and observations to verify breeding, feeding and habitation patterns of the rare and endangered birds which visit the reserve. MFN provide advice on the ecological aspects of reserve projects, tenures and management to support the environmental health and value of the wetlands.
The Environment & Heritage Group (EHG) allocate ‘environmental flow’ water to Fivebough & Tuckerbil Wetlands, providing several scheduled releases at key intervals throughout the year which support the wildlife visiting or inhabiting the reserve. EHG provide specialist advice on the volume, timing and distribution of water throughout the wetlands, as well as considerations for water management in project works and maintenance of the reserve.
Murrumbidgee Irrigation (MI) delivers ‘environmental flow’ water, allocated by OEH, to the wetlands through the provision and maintenance of the irrigation network, including channels and regulators, connecting to and within the wetlands. MI release regular minor volumes of water into Fivebough & Tuckerbil Wetlands which contributes to a consistent presence of water in the reserve for the native species which require permanent wetland habitat.
Commonwealth Environmental Water Holder (CEWH) manages Commonwealth water for the environment. The CEWH is a position established by the Water Act 2007 (Water Act) and is responsible for managing Commonwealth environmental water holdings. Under the Water Act and Basin Plan, the CEWH uses water for the environment to protect and restore the rivers, wetlands and floodplains of the Murray–Darling Basin.
Murrumbidgee Landcare Inc. is the community voice for natural resource management and sustainable farming systems throughout the Murrumbidgee catchment. The organisation contributes expertise in environmental management and public education and support for community engagement with the wetlands, through linkages to the wider Australian ecological network.
ENVIRONMENTAL GRAZING LICENCE
NSW DoI – Lands & Water issue licence for Environmental Protection & Sustainable Grazing over specific sections of Fivebough & Tuckerbil Wetlands reserve, to restrict vegetation to an appropriate growth stage to reduce wildfire risk and preserve a landscape preferable to wading birds and other species which favour the open, shallow country surrounding the basins. The grazier is responsible for sustainable management of livestock to prevent overgrazing, compaction/pugging or selective grazing by cattle and also undertakes weed control, fencing maintenance and pest animal reduction.