Melbourne Water

Overview

The Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands are all that remains of the Carrum Carrum Swamp that once covered more than 4000 hectares, stretching from Mordialloc in the north to Frankston in the south.

When European settlers arrived, these large, freshwater and brackish (between freshwater and salt water) wetlands supported a great number of animals and plants, including Brolga and Magpie Goose, both of which are now locally extinct.

In the second half of the 19th century the Carrum Carrum Swamp was progressively drained to enable farming and provide flood protection. In 1879 the Patterson River was cut through the Swamp to the coast.

The remaining wetland areas have been retained to provide critical flood protection:

• Edithvale Wetlands (101 hectares)
• Seaford Wetlands (158 hectares)

They are the largest remaining natural wetlands of their type in the Port Phillip and Westernport basins.

A wetland of international importance

In 2001 the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands were listed as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.

They were recognised because they:

• are the last remaining examples of the Carrum Carrum Swamp, with a variety of permanent and seasonal, freshwater and salt water wetlands
• support populations of the Australasian Bittern considered to be of State significance and threatened in Victoria
• support more than 1% of the East Asian-Australian flyway population of Sharp-tailed Sandpiper (or more than 2000 birds) in up to one year in three.

Bird and wildlife populations

It is estimated that at any one time, as many as 7000 birds make Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands their home.

Star attractions include:

• 190 bird species
• 25 international migratory birds
• migratory waders, including Latham's Snipe from the northern islands of Japan.

Five species of birds that have been recorded at Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands are listed as protected under the Flora & Fauna Guarantee Act 1988 [Vic.]:

• Great Egret
• Australasian Bittern
• Baillon's Crake
• Lewin's Rail
• White-bellied Sea-Eagle.

The wetlands feature a bird hide and education display, as well as an extensive walking and bicycle track around the perimeter of both wetlands for birdwatching. They are also home to a mob of Eastern Grey Kangaroos.

Other biological values

A recent botanical survey of the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands mapped 14 ecological vegetation classes. Of these, three were considered to be of State significance: Plains Sedgey Wetland, Tall Marsh (Common Reed-dominated) and Brackish Aquatic Herbland.

There are a number of regionally significant populations of plant species at the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands, and one population of State significance: Large River Buttercup.

Economic and social values

The wetlands are:

• critical flood management assets
• a popular community recreation facility, particularly for birdwatchers
• a valuable education resource for school groups.

Community involvement

Melbourne Water is responsible for managing Edithvale Wetlands, and together with Frankston City Council manages Seaford Wetlands.

A Community Liaison Committee also plays a central role in planning and managing the wetlands. The Committee was established in 2004 and includes representatives from environment, business and community organisations as well as local residents, members of the Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands group, and local government representatives from the City of Kingston and the City of Frankston.

The Friends of Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands are an active community group that helps Melbourne Water manage the wetlands. A major focus of the group is the bird hide at the wetlands.

Melbourne Water Wetlands Discovery Centre

Melbourne Water is constructing a new wetlands discovery centre at the Edithvale-Seaford Wetlands. Funding has been allocated in the State’s Water Plan to construct this new facility, following keen interest from the local community.