Wingecarribee Swamp Rehabilitation Project

GM³ will work closely with local landholders, the ILALC, and other Aboriginal groups to ensure their input is integrated at every stage of the project.

Quarterly updates will be posted here on the portal to keep the community informed on progress and milestones.

We will host workshops and drop-in sessions for local residents and stakeholders throughout the project. Our first community drop-in session was held on November 9 at the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council Southern Highlands branch.

The project will work closely with the ILALC to incorporate traditional Aboriginal knowledge into the land management practices. This includes employing local Aboriginal workforce members for on-ground activities, and ensuring the project reflects both cultural and environmental stewardship.

To maintain transparency and accountability, all committee meeting minutes related to the project’s governance will be regularly updated on this page. These updates will include details about:

Key decisions made regarding project milestones and activities.
Financial reporting and updates on project spending in accordance with the EU.
Progress on community and Aboriginal consultations, ensuring ongoing engagement throughout the project.

We are also committed to providing quarterly reports on project advancements, including the latest ecological survey results, updates on weed control efforts, and the implementation of technological tools like LiDAR for better waterway management.

To stay updated, all new information and project news will be posted directly to this webpage. Be sure to check back regularly for the latest updates on community events, milestones, and progress reports.

For more information, or if you have any concerns or suggestions, please contact our community engagement team at community@gm3.au or call 1800 102 210.

About the Enforceable Undertaking

This project is being delivered under an Enforceable Undertaking (EU) agreed between Illawarra Coal Holdings Pty Ltd and the Natural Resources Access Regulator (NRAR). For more information regarding the EU – click link to Public Notice here.

For more information about the EU click here

Project Goals

The Wingecarribee Swamp Rehabilitation Project focuses on addressing environmental degradation, enhancing biodiversity, and preserving cultural heritage. The primary goals are:

Ecological Health: Help protect the swamp’s ecosystem by removing invasive species, protecting endangered species, and enhancing waterway quality.
Biodiversity: Protect habitats for threatened species such as the Wingecarribee Gentian and Prasophyllum (Leek Orchid).
Cultural Heritage: Collaborate with local Aboriginal communities, particularly through the Illawarra Local Aboriginal Land Council (ILALC), to ensure cultural values are integrated and respected.
Community Engagement: Ensure local residents and landholders are informed of the project’s design and execution, with ongoing opportunities to provide feedback and input.

Key Project Activities

The Wingecarribee Swamp Rehabilitation Project will deliver tangible benefits through the following actions:

Boundary Fencing (Future Activity): Installation of up to 7 km of boundary fencing to exclude livestock and protect sensitive wetland areas.
Weed Control: Intensive removal of invasive species, including Blackberry and Grey Willow, to prevent further ecological damage.
Habitat Enhancement: Modify habitats to improve conditions for endangered flora and fauna, with an emphasis on creating favorable conditions for species like the Leek Orchid.
Monitoring and Data Collection: Conduct regular ecological surveys to assess progress and ensure the long-term success of the rehabilitation efforts.

Project Phases & Timeline

This project is scheduled for three years, from September 2024 to September 2027. Below is an overview of the key phases and milestones:

Timeline item 1 - active

Establishment Phase (Sept 2024 – Early 2025)
- Community and stakeholder consultations
- Finalising approvals with WaterNSW and HeritageNSW
- Appointment of the Community Partner through a closed tender process
- Establishing project governance and risk management frameworks
Timeline item 2 - active

Implementation Phase (Mid-2025 – Late 2027)
- On-ground interventions such as fencing and weed control
- Ecological and vegetation surveys to track swamp health
- Habitat modifications for endangered species
Timeline item 3 - incomplete

Monitoring Phase (2027 Onward)
- Continued monitoring and adaptive management of the swamp’s ecological health
- Ongoing public reporting on water quality improvements and biodiversity outcomes