Tuckean Swamp Restoration
The Tuckean Swamp is one of the biggest wetlands In New South Wales, once dubbed ‘Kakadu of the South’.
OzFish Richmond River Chapter is taking steps towards improving the health of the Tuckean Swamp, to restore its role as an engine room for fisheries productivity and wildlife throughout Northern NSW.
Fish Kills Talk, Richmond River 2025
Historic changes to drainage
Unfortunately, we now know that modifications to the hydrology of the swamp – largely through floodplain drainage infrastructure – has resulted in poor water quality across the floodplain.
This has resulted in the associated loss of environmental values, and despite previous attempts, only small-scale improvements have occurred.
The impacts
Poor water quality issues, reduced fish habitat, and major fish kill events continue to persist.
In-depth studies to understand the swamp’s current state and its historical significance have been completed.
These findings have framed OzFish’s approach to restoration in the Tuckean Swamp, and we have partnered with key organisations to actively advance the long-term restoration process.
What is being done
Our plan focuses on nurturing the swamp back to health and creating a self-sustaining ecosystem for generations to come.
OzFish Richmond River Chapter is taking steps towards improving the waterway collaboratively with all Tuckean stakeholders to determine a mutually agreed-upon way to improve the water quality and natural values of the Tuckean Nature Reserve.
What can you do?
The good news is that several large coastal wetland restorations in NSW have already proven this successful methodology and can be adapted for the Tuckean Swamp.
You can get involved by volunteering to restore habitat directly, by joining OzFish, or by donating today.
Your support can make all the difference
Reach out today to learn more about how you can actively engage, provide support, and be a driving force in this incredible mission for a healthier, thriving and restored Tuckean.
Latest updates
COST BENEFIT ANALYSIS 3
MAY 2023
Department of Primary Industries (Marine Estate Management Authority) commissioned a Cost Benefit Analysis, carried out by the University of NSW. The key result is that broadscale Tuckean Swamp restoration has 3.4 times more benefits than costs, compared to existing land uses.
VALUES ASSESSMENT
MARCH 2023
The Values Study was commissioned by the Tuckean Steering Committee and was carried out by GHD consultants.
DESIGN AND COST REPORT
MARCH 2023
The Tuckean Steering Committee commissioned a report detailing the design and costing of the preferred options from those outlined in the Options Study was prepared by GHD consultants working with Rous County Council as infrastructure managers.
WATER QUALITY REPORT
JANUARY 2023
It has been known for decades that the artificially enhanced drainage of the Richmond River floodplain is a significant contributor to the water quality issues affecting the lower Richmond River, in particular, blackwater events and acidic discharges containing metal contaminants.
TECHNICAL NOTE: BLACKWATER EVENTS
AUGUST 2020
Blackwater events are difficult and complex to address and can be devastating when they occur. The Technical Note includes the most current scientific understanding of how Blackwater is formed, how it impacts the estuary and what needs to occur to reduce the frequency and magnitude of these events.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
MAY 2020
Project update provided to landowners and stakeholders. Latest outcomes from the Options Study and next steps (3.5 page read). Based on the data collected and existing information from previous studies, a detailed baseline model of the Tuckean Swamp floodplain was developed.
COMMUNITY UPDATE
MAY 2020
Project update provided to landowners and stakeholders. Latest outcomes from the Options Study and next steps (3.5 page read). Based on the data collected and existing information from previous studies, a detailed baseline model of the Tuckean Swamp floodplain was developed.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OPTIONS STUDY
JANUARY 2020
This executive summary is a short-read version of the Tuckean Swamp Hydrologic Options. The aim of this study is to improve the overall understanding of the hydrology of Tuckean Swamp and floodplain through extensive field data collection and numerical modelling.
TUCKEAN SWAMP HYDROLOGIC OPTIONS STUDY
JANUARY 2020
This study identifies the areas of the Tuckean floodplain that are having the greatest impact on water quality in the region, using extensive field data and a conceptual understanding of the site.
TUCKEAN SWAMP Project Update
OCTOBER 2019
Project update provided to landowners and stakeholders. Latest on Water Quality – Water quality leaving the system over 2018 was largely dependent on the timing, frequency and magnitude of rainfall events.
AN ECHO OF WINGS: THE HISTORY OF TUCKEAN SWAMP
JUNE 2019
Situated on the Far North Coast of New South Wales, the Tuckean was one of the largest swamps along the coast north of Sydney, in a landscape once full of swamps. Misunderstood and derided throughout much of European history, swamps have now been recognised as among the most productive environments alongside rainforests and coral reefs.
UNSW TUCKEAN OPTIONS UPDATE
FEBRUARY 2019
UNSW Water Research Lab researchers present project progress to Tuckean Swamp landholders group. This is a visual slideshow of Drainage Options Scenarios presented by Duncan Rayner.
UNSW TUCKEAN MODELLING SCENARIOS
DECEMBER 2018
UNSW Water Research Lab researchers propose possible solutions to improve water quality, which they will test to review the changes to the Swamp. This document outlines a series of modelling scenarios that WRL recommends for the Tuckean floodplain.
UNSW TUCKEAN SWAMP CONCEPTUAL UDNERSTANDING
NOVEMBER 2018
UNSW Water Research Lab researchers utilise data to gain a conceptual understanding of Tuckean Swamp. This document provides a brief overview of what acid sulfate soils are, and a conceptual understanding of how these soils contribute to poor water quality during dry and wet conditions.
UNSW WATER RESEARCH LAB
MAY 2018
UNSW Water Research Lab researchers set up baseline monitoring of water quality, flow and groundwater in the Swamp. The first step in determining possible options to improve water quality in the lower Tuckean Swamp is to perform a hydrologic and hydrodynamic (water movement through the landscape) study of the area.
TUCKEAN SWAMP OPTIONS STUDY
FEBRUARY 2018
Several large coastal wetland restorations in NSW have now proven successful in reducing poor water quality being exported from drained swamp situations similar to the Tuckean Swamp. A partnership of organisations has formed to use this new knowledge toward implementing actions for the improvement of water quality at the Tuckean Swamp.
This project is made possible by the NSW Recreational Fishing Trust and supported by the following partners.
