Freshwater and wetlands
Department of Planning and Environment (former OEH) scientists monitor our freshwater and wetland environments for a range of partners including councils, environmental water managers, the NSW Environment Protection Authority and water utilities. We also provide valuable data such maps to help contribute to improve the health of wetlands and rivers in New South Wales.
Thirlmere Lakes Research Program
DPE committed $1.9 million over 4 years to this research program that provided greater understanding of the fluctuating water levels at Thirlmere Lakes. Research partners included the University of NSW, University of Wollongong and the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO).
Thirlmere Lakes research
Kosciuszko National Park water quality monitoring
Good water quality is crucial for river health. In a place like Kosciuszko National Park, with its popular ski resorts, water quality can be unintentionally compromised by visitors enjoying the park.
DPE scientists help monitor this environmental impact, by collecting water samples and observing macro invertebrates that live in the water. This assessment of water quality upstream versus water quality downstream – provides an accurate indicator of visitors’ environmental impact.
Kosciuszko National Park water quality monitoring
Monitoring environmental water flows
As the State's environmental water custodian, DPE’s environmental water portfolio plays an important role in improving the health of rivers, wetlands and floodplains across New South Wales. Our scientists play a key role in helping water managers better manage water for our environment by assessing the effects water flows on frogs, waterbirds and native plants.
Mud, dust and creepy crawlies
NSW wetland inventory
DPE scientists conducted a pilot project to build a comprehensive inventory of all wetlands in New South Wales to improve the way they’re managed. The inventory will identify and map the extent and type of wetlands across New South Wales and make high-quality data and information about wetlands available to everyone.
NSW wetland inventory