Residents of Tibooburra will have the opportunity to hear about significant conservation work being undertaken at one of the region's most important natural areas when Western Local Land Services hosts a community information session next week.

The event, scheduled for Tuesday 17 June at the Albert Hall on Briscoe Street, will provide updates on the ambitious Caryapundy Swamp restoration project, which aims to protect and enhance one of Australia's most significant wetland areas.

Located east of Tibooburra, Caryapundy Swamp is recognised as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention, highlighting its crucial role in conserving biological diversity across the region.

Protecting Threatened Species

The 70,176-hectare site serves as a vital habitat for several threatened species listed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, including the grey grasswren, grey falcon and plains-wanderer.

The wetland functions as the endpoint of the Bulloo River system, which originates in Queensland, and provides critical refuge during drought periods for waterbirds and other native animals.

The project, which runs until June 2028, addresses multiple conservation objectives through a comprehensive approach that combines scientific research, on-ground restoration work, and community engagement.

Key activities include conducting geomorphology analysis to inform rehabilitation efforts, undertaking plant and animal surveys, and implementing landscape-scale pest control measures.

A significant component of the project involves working with local First Nations people to recognise and protect the cultural heritage of the area.

The presence of artefacts, ceremonial sites, stone tools and modified trees throughout the site demonstrates the long-standing connection between Traditional Owners and this Country.

"We're supporting First Nations people to connect with Country and share traditional ecological knowledge and cultural values," project organisers explained.

The initiative includes oral history recording projects and on-Country knowledge sharing events designed to capture and preserve traditional management practices.

The restoration work specifically targets several identified threats to the wetland's ecological character, including pest animal species, changes to hydrology and landscape function, problematic land management practices, and the impacts of climate change.

Initial work has already begun, with geomorphology analysis underway and consultation with Traditional Owners in progress. Western Local Land Services has also supported National Parks and Wildlife Service with pest animal control activities to protect threatened species, with further pest management activities planned.

The upcoming community event will outline progress achieved to date and detail future planned activities, including habitat condition assessments and comprehensive plant and animal surveys scheduled for autumn 2025.

"We're keen to increase awareness of the Ramsar site values across management agencies and the broader community," project representatives said.

The initiative is funded by the Australian Government Natural Heritage Trust and delivered through the Commonwealth Regional Delivery Partners panel.

Organisers emphasise that community support and awareness are essential for the project's long-term success.

By building local understanding of the wetland's significance, the project aims to ensure ongoing protection and stewardship of this internationally important site.

The community information session begins at the Albert Hall, 34 Briscoe Street, Tibooburra, on Tuesday 17 June.

Residents are encouraged to attend to learn more about this significant conservation effort in their region.

Those planning to attend are asked to RSVP through the project's online registration system https://bit.ly/4kRpi0i

Through collaborative efforts between government agencies, Traditional Owners, and the local community, the Caryapundy Swamp project represents a comprehensive approach to wetland conservation that balances ecological restoration with cultural preservation and community engagement.