Wetlands are areas that are permanently, seasonally or intermittently waterlogged or inundated with water that may be fresh, saline, flowing or static. In WA, the term 'wetlands' commonly refers to basin or flat wetlands and the term 'waterways' is applied to channel wetlands (eg. rivers). For example, lakes are permanently inundated basins, sumplands are seasonally inundated basins, damplands are basins with seasonally waterlogged soils and seasonally waterlogged flats are known as palusplains.

At least 80% of all of the wetlands that were once present on the Swan Coastal Plain prior to European settlement have either been cleared, filled or developed. An estimated 15% have retained high ecological values (ie Conservation Category Wetlands).

In Australia, the driest inhabited continent, wetland diversity is among the greatest in the world and Australia has a large number of the world’s internationally recognised wetlands. Nearly 20% of Australia’s bird species depend on wetlands and many birds rely on different wetlands for different parts of their life cycle. Australian wetlands are also critical for the survival of birds that migrate across the globe each season and Australia has international treaty responsibilities for these species.

Seasonal wetlands, particularly seasonally waterlogged wetlands, often have a higher plant and animal species richness than permanent wetlands. Seasonally waterlogged wetlands, however, are being lost at a faster rate than other wetland types due to their less obvious boundaries and the traditional land development approach.

Our Role

The Department has a significant role in wetland management with respect to wetland classification and evaluation, ensuring an integrated approach to the management of catchments, and for managing water quantity and quality levels where they have the potential to affect environmental, cultural and other wetland values.