Defining wetlands and implementation of a wetlands local environmental plan in Wyong, NSW

Abstract

As part of a review of its then draft Local Environment Plan (LEP) for wetland management, in 1994 Wyong Council commissioned the preparation of a definition of wetlands which Council officers could consistently apply in identifying wetlands of conservation value. The definition was accompanied by mapping protocols that enabled officers of Wyong Council to map wetlands within its precincts for inclusion in the LEP. This definition has been systematically applied to justify the plotting of zone boundaries of wetland areas in Wyong local government area (LGA). An amendment to the LEP incorporating the wetland boundaries (amendment no. 98) was gazette on 10 Decemeber 1999. The definitional approach adopted is presented in detail, along with observations outlining Wyong Council’s experience in applying the wetlands definition and developing its wetland protection policies.