Six well-regarded wetland assessment methodologies and two natural area assessment methodologies were reviewed - see list below. Three provided examples of techniques for prioritising wetlands for rehabilitation. Two techniques, Blanche (2003) and Butcher et al (2007) were most similar to what was needed and were used as a basis to develop an assessment and prioritisation method for the SMCMA.
The technique developed for prioritising SMCMA’s wetlands for rehabilitation considers:
1. Wetland values and threats,
2. The representation of the range of wetland types in Sydney,
3. Rehabilitation project development matters, and,
4. Consideration of the feasibility of proposed projects.
The method was piloted on the eight Directory of Important Wetlands of Australia (DIWA) listed wetlands in the SMCMA area.
The study provides information on current rehabilitation considerations as well as a snapshot of wetland condition at the time of the assessment. The complexity of wetland ownership, landowner intentions and consideration of the range of wetland types required an additional process to support the prioritisation of wetlands for rehabilitation projects.
Wetland assessment methods described and reviewed in the final report include:
1. Sainty, GR and Jacobs, SWL (1997)a Hawkesbury Nepean Saltmarsh Assessment. Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Trust
2. Sainty, GR and Jacobs, SWL (1997)b Hawkesbury Nepean Wetland Assessment. Hawkesbury Nepean Catchment Management Trust
3. Blanch, S (2003) Towards a Conservation Assessment Methodology for Wetlands on the NSW North Coast. NSW Department of Environment and Conservation
4. Waterwatch Australia (2005) Waterways Health Check.
5. Kessler, M (2006) Development of a Non-Destructive Rapid Assessment Methodology for Saltmarsh in Urban Areas, As Tested in Sydney Harbour, NSW, Australia. Wetlands (Australia)
6. Butcher, R, Hale, J, and Cottingham, P (2007) South Australian River Murray Wetland Prioritisation. Report prepared for SA MDB NRM Board.
7. WetlandCare Australia (2007)a Biometric: Maintaining Australia’s Biodiversity Hotspots Program. WetlandCare Australia, Ballina NSW
8. WetlandCare Australia (2007)b Wetland Assessment Technique (Version 3.4). WetlandCare Australia, Ballina, NSW