Townsville’s Living Coastlines – Space for Saltmarshes Project

Over the past two years, Townsville City Council’s Space for Saltmarshes Project has focused on restoring 69 hectares of urban saltmarsh at Oonoonba, an important wetland system on Council owned land that many locals know well as a place to fish, walk, and enjoy the river.

Saltmarshes are often overlooked, but they play a vital role in supporting healthy fisheries, providing habitat for juvenile fish and crabs, and protecting our shoreline from erosion. For decades, grazing, urban development, vehicle access, and illegal dumping have degraded these areas, reducing water quality and disrupting the natural processes that support fish stocks and coastal ecosystems.

This project is working to reverse that damage and build long term resilience for the future. On ground, this has included installing environmental exclusion barriers made from natural rock and corrosion resistant railing. These barriers are designed to stop vehicles and reduce illegal dumping, while still allowing tidal flows, wildlife movement, and safe pedestrian access to popular recreational fishing spots.

By reducing ongoing damage, the project is helping these wetlands recover naturally and encouraging greater custodianship of the area by the community.

In areas where natural recovery alone isn’t possible, targeted revegetation has been undertaken using locally appropriate saltmarsh plants propagated from other Council sites under salvage exemptions.

Historical aerial imagery has also been used to identify where saltmarsh vegetation has been lost over time, allowing restoration efforts to be focused where they will have the greatest benefit.

A key strength of the project has been collaboration. Council has worked closely with Traditional Owners, First Nations businesses, community groups, and James Cook University (JCU) to guide restoration activities and monitor outcomes.

Through this partnership, the project has also supported local researchers and students, providing real world sites and data for research projects that build local knowledge and skills while helping to track improvements in wetland health and fisheries outcomes.

The project builds on experience gained through the Queensland Government’s Reef Assist Program, ensuring restoration works follow best practice and deliver long term environmental and community benefits.

Funded by the Commonwealth through the Reef Coastal Restoration Program Grant, the project commenced in January 2025, with maintenance and monitoring continuing through to mid 2026.

By restoring these saltmarsh wetlands, the Space for Saltmarshes Project is helping nature do what it does best - protect our coastline, improve water quality, support healthier fish populations, and provide resilient and cared for coastal spaces that the Townsville community can continue to enjoy for generations to come.

Townsville City Council acknowledges the support provided by the Commonwealth through the Reef Coastal Restoration Program Grant.