It is not easy to provide a clear definition of a wetland. They are neither just land, nor just water. They can actually be both at the same time, or seasonally aquatic, or terrestrial.
Traditionally, people have thought of wetlands as swamps, billabongs and mangrove areas. However, these areas represent only part of the landscape’s features defined as wetlands. Other areas included in the definition are:
Wetlands are vital to Australia. They protect our shores from wave action, reduce the impacts of floods, absorb pollutants and provide habitats for animals and plants. Wetlands are important to managing water quality, as healthy wetlands systems filter sediment and nutrients from waterways. In many cases, wetlands prevent sediment and nutrients from entering the reef lagoon.
Wetlands are important in other ways. They purify our water and they form nurseries for fish and other freshwater and marine life. Because of this, they are critical to Australia's commercial and recreational fishing industries.
A number of wetlands have high cultural value and some may bear historical significance. Many wetland areas throughout Australia are important to Aboriginal people. Consideration of these cultural and historical relationships is a fundamental part of wetland management.
The Queensland Wetlands Programme is supporting the implementation of Reef Plan by developing information and resources to assist community and government in making decisions about the management of Queensland’s wetlands.
Find out about the Queensland Wetlands Programme.
Last reviewed 10 December 2007
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© The State of Queensland (Reef Water Quality Protection Plan) 2007.
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