Restoring natural water levels to Tomago Wetlands

Improving tidal flows

New adjustable floodgates have been installed at Tomago Wetlands to restore natural water levels for this internationally recognised wetland site.

The floodgates, known as swing gates, have improved tidal flows from the Hunter River to the wetlands that had previously been drained in the 1960s to reduce flooding on adjacent private land.

The swing gates can be set to regulate natural tidal flows so the wetlands do not dry out and to prevent flooding on neighbouring properties.

Tomago Wetlands is part of the Hunter Estuary Wetlands, which is as an area set aside under the international Ramsar treaty that helps preserve important wetlands across the world.

Restoring natural water levels to the Tomago Wetlands will help return the area to its former state as a healthy saltmarsh habitat that supports several species of threatened animals including wading migratory birds, frogs, bats and fish.

Installation of the swing gates was funded by the NSW Government’s 10-year Marine Estate Management Strategy, which is delivering hundreds of projects aimed at managing the health of the state’s coast and seas.

The project involved work by NSW Government agencies, universities and local Hunter-based suppliers. It also received support from the neighbouring land owners, environmental groups and the local community.

Read more about the Coastal wetland rehabilitation project.