Karaaf misses out as Bellarine wetlands nominated for global listing

THREE of the Greater Geelong region’s ecologically significant wetlands have been nominated for international recognition under the Ramsar Convention, but the Karaaf wetlands at Breamlea have missed out, despite years of community advocacy.

The proposed expansion would add more than 1,300 hectares to the existing Port Phillip Bay (Western Shoreline) and Bellarine Peninsula Ramsar site, strengthening conservation efforts across key areas from Moolap to Swan Bay.

The new nominations include the Edwards Point Wildlife and Coastal Reserve, which sits beside the Sway Bay section of the existing boundary, and Point Henry in Moolap.

While much of the Lake Conneware Complex is already included under the current listing, the expansion would also bring Reedy Lake and Hospital Swamp within its boundary.

Edwards Point Wildlife and Coastal Reserve. Photo: SWAN BAY ENVIRONMENT ASSOCIATION

A fourth site, within the Point Cook Cheetham Coastal Park, would extend the protected area north toward Melbourne.

The Geelong and Bellarine sites are home to vital saltmarshes and intertidal flats that support endangered and migratory species, such as the curlew sandpiper, far eastern curlew and red knot, as well as the threatened spicy peppercress plant found near Armstrong Creek.

Ramsar listing will not change the recreational use of the wetland, but it highlights their environmental value and requires a management plan to guide long-term conservation.

Minister for Water Gayle Tierney said each of the wetlands put forward for recognition had undergone “extensive consideration”.

“These nominations will support the protection [of] their unique ecosystems without impacting local recreation activities,” she said.

The Geelong and Bellarine sites are home to vital saltmarshes and intertidal flats that support endangered and migratory species, such as the far eastern curlew (pictured). Photo: BIRDLIFE AUSTRALIA

“Ramsar listing puts our wetlands on the global map and attracts birdwatchers and nature lovers keen to experience these internationally recognised landscapes.”

The nominations follow a Ramsar boundary review, launched in 2022, which initially identified 11 potential sites for inclusion.

Among them was the Karaaf wetlands in Breamlea, an area that contains nationally significant saltmarsh and estuarine vegetation — both threatened ecological communities — and habitat for vulnerable species, including the critically endangered orange-bellied parrot.

Despite almost a decade of community campaigning for its protection and growing concerns about nearby development pressures, the Karaaf site was not included in the final list of nominations.