Urban billabong restoration benefits from Traditional Owner involvement and regular flooding

Abstract

Context Floodplain wetlands (e.g. billabongs) in urban environments have significant ecological and cultural value, yet are often highly degraded. Impacts such as reduced flooding and weed invasion continue to threaten these critical ecosystems. Both ecological and Indigenous people’s knowledge are important for urban billabong restoration. Aims Our project aimed to (1) assess the response of billabong vegetation to flooding, and (2) increase the role of local Traditional Owners in billabong management. Methods Over 3 years, a team of wetland ecologists and local Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Narrap (‘Country’) Rangers surveyed responses of understorey vegetation and the condition and flowering of remnant river red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) to flooding across seven degraded billabongs adjacent to the Birrarung (Yarra River) in Melbourne, Australia. Knowledge sharing during ‘On Country’ days guided restoration targets and management direction. Key results Regular (at least 2 in 3 years) and longer-duration (up to 8 months) flooding promoted native wetland plants, supressed weeds, and improved the condition and reproductive output of river red gums. Monitoring by Indigenous Rangers facilitated the cultural practice of caring for Country. Conclusions Regular flooding and Traditional Owner involvement promotes billabong health. Implications Collaborative research and knowledge sharing with Traditional Owners advances wetland restoration practice and improves care of Country.