Wetlands
Key Messages
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Queensland’s freshwater and estuarine wetlands are vital habitats stretching from Cape York to the Gold Coast and inland to the semi-arid southwest. They encompass rivers, lakes, and swamps, supporting a diverse range of wildlife, including migratory birds, frogs, fish, and threatened species. Wetlands play a crucial role in maintaining water quality by filtering sediments, transforming nutrients, and reducing pollutants, helping to protect downstream ecosystems like the Great Barrier Reef. They also act as natural flood controls, absorbing excess water and safeguarding communities from storms and erosion.
Wetlands are among the most productive ecosystems in the world—comparable to rainforests. While covering only 6% of the Earth's surface (approximately 4.5% of Queensland), wetlands provide a disproportionately high number of ecosystem services.
Beyond their environmental value, wetlands contribute significantly to Queensland’s economy and way of life. They provide nurseries for fish, sustain agriculture by supplying fresh water, and support industries like fishing and tourism. Many wetlands, such as Moreton Bay and Currawinya Lakes, are internationally recognised under the Ramsar Convention for their importance to migratory birds. Additionally, wetlands offer places for recreation, relaxation, and cultural connection, making their protection essential for both nature and people.
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The 1971 Ramsar Convention on Wetlands is an international treaty, that establishes an international framework for the conservation and wise use of wetlands and their resources. Countries that join the Convention designate wetlands as Ramsar sites that are considered internationally important and commit to their effective management. Ramsar sites support large numbers of waterbirds and/or threatened species, exhibit other biodiversity values or have unusual and precious landscapes.
Queensland has 5 wetlands listed by the Ramsar Convention. All of these wetlands can be visited, except parts of Shoalwater Bay that are managed by the Department of Defence.
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Pests and weeds can have a significant negative impact on wetlands in Queensland, threatening biodiversity, water quality, and ecosystem health. Invasive plant species, such as water hyacinth and salvinia, can rapidly spread across wetland surfaces, blocking sunlight, depleting oxygen levels, and choking out native vegetation. This disrupts habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife, reducing biodiversity and altering the natural balance of these ecosystems.
Invasive animals, including feral pigs, cane toads, and tilapia, further degrade wetlands by damaging vegetation, preying on native species, and disturbing water quality through their feeding and breeding behaviours. These pests can accelerate erosion, increase sedimentation, and introduce diseases, reducing the wetland’s ability to filter water and protect against floods. Effective pest and weed management is essential to maintaining the health of Queensland’s wetlands and ensuring they continue to provide vital environmental, economic, and cultural benefits.
Key Facts
State
- Extent and rate of change of freshwater wetlands
In 2019, more than 97% of the pre-European settlement extent of palustrine (swamp) and lacustrine (lake) wetlands remained in Queensland. Losses across the state are mainly due to agricultural expansion, development, and infrastructure. Between 2001-2019, the greatest losses have occurred in palustrine systems in the North East Coast (Great Barrier Reef) and Murray Darling divisions.
- Extent and rate of change of estuarine wetlands
In 2019, more than 95% of the pre-European settlement extent of vegetated intertidal wetlands (between the high tide and low tide mark) remained in Queensland. Of the two broad intertidal wetland types, mangroves and salt marsh/salt flats, the greatest ongoing losses are in salt marsh/salt flats in the North East Coast Great Barrier Reef drainage division.
- Freshwater wetland systems within protected areas
In Queensland, almost 11% of palustrine (swamp) and lacustrine (lake) wetlands are in protected areas. The majority are palustrine systems within national parks.
- Estuarine wetlands within protected areas
Queensland has 1.15 million hectares of intertidal wetlands. Approximately 30% of these wetlands are within managed protection areas, such as marine national parks. Most protected intertidal wetland areas are fish habitat areas.
- Condition of freshwater wetlands
In Queensland, we have monitored the condition of natural, freshwater floodplain wetlands in major aggregations within the Great Barrier Reef catchment area (GBRCA) annually since 2016.
During 2016–2022, annually there has been:
- no improvement or decline in the overall condition of wetlands across the GBRCA
- a minor improvement in wetland local physical integrity
- a minor decline in biotic integrity.
Pressure
- Pressures affecting freshwater wetlands
We have monitored human-induced pressures on natural, freshwater floodplain wetlands located in major aggregations within the Great Barrier Reef catchment annually since 2016.
Between 2016-2022:
- there has been no annual increase or reduction in the overall pressure on the wetlands
- we detected a small annual increase in the pressure on wetlands from water regime changes.