The St Lawrence Wetlands on Koinmerburra Country are legendary – celebrated for their incredible bird life, aquatic beauty, and crucial role as a nursery for migratory fish species.

However, their health was being threatened by the invasive hymenachne weed, which was choking the wetlands by competing for space and sunlight, leading to reduced oxygen levels – and ultimately – impacting the water quality and overall health of the native ecosystem.

Isaac Regional Council’s Program Leader of Environment and Sustainability Kent Worsley said the wetlands are crucial for the region’s marine ecosystem.

“Like a lot of wetlands on our coastline the main challenge at St Lawrence is the weed known as hymenachne,” said Mr Worsley.

“It's a very invasive weed and if left to its own devices it will actually smother the wetlands entirely and remove the open water source for migrating birds, fish, and other aquatic life.”

A partnership for country

Isaac Regional Council is one of 21 councils part of the Reef Guardian Council program, an initiative of the Reef Authority which recognises local governments as key partners in the long-term protection of the Reef.

The program represents more than 1.2 million people and covers more than 76 per cent of the Reef catchment, from north of K-gari to the tip of Cape York.

“Funding through the Reef Guardian Councils program gave us a great opportunity to partner with the Traditional Owners of these lands, the Koinjmal people, to work alongside them under their own restoration plan,” said Mr Worsley.

Partnering with Koinmerburra Aboriginal Corporation to ensure the restoration was led by Traditional Owner knowledge, Isaac Regional Council carried out strategic weed removal and planting of native species in the surrounding area, to ensure the long-term health of the ecosystem.

The immediate results included native lilies and vegetation returning, confirmed by water quality testing done by the Koinmerburra Rangers.

Lead Ranger Marissa Deshong highlighted the crucial ecological role the site plays.

“Wetlands like St Lawrence are filters for the water system,” said Ms. Deshong.

“It’s a source of food and also a fish nursery. A lot of salt water fish come up through the fresh, have their babies and migrate back out. They are really important habitats.”

A model for Reef resilience

The success of the weed removal has been immediate and dramatic: water quality has improved, and the restored habitat is now thriving – factors that all contribute to a healthy, resilient Reef.

Rebecca Allen, Assistant Director Strategic Engagement – Reef Guardian Council program at the Reef Authority praised the collaborative effort that has made a direct contribution to the resilience of the Great Barrier Reef.

“Healthy wetlands are critical to a healthy Great Barrier Reef,” said Ms Allen.

“I'm really proud to see the Reef Guardian Council program supporting such an important project.”

The project’s sustainability is reinforced by community engagement, including an annual community weekend celebrating the wetlands. 

“Having all the people come and just learn a bit more information about it brings more knowledge, and more people, to care for country,” said Ms Deshong.

This project is delivered under the Australian Government’s Reef Guardian Council – Activating Local Councils’ Reef Action Plans grant program via the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water.