New conservation future for Australia’s internationally significant Great Cumbung Swamp
This report outlines the conservation of Great Cumbung Swamp in Australia, a critical wetland in the Murray–Darling Basin. It highlights restoration efforts, Indigenous stewardship, and protection of key habitats for waterbirds and threatened species, demonstrating innovative conservation models for large-scale ecosystem protection.
Subject Tags
- Wetlands
- Indigenous Peoples
- Habitat restoration
In January 2026, a new conservation future was secured for one of Australia’s most significant wetlands. The 16,000 ha Great Cumbung Swamp is a unique wetland system at the end of the Lachlan River, in the Murray–Darling Basin. It is the largest reed wetland in the Basin, and is fringed by extensive river red gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis floodplain woodlands. It is one of the most important waterbird breeding areas in eastern Australia, with c. 11,500 waterbirds occurring on the wetland each year. The Great Cumbung contains important habitat for a range of threatened bird, fish, frog and reptile species. It is listed on the Directory of Important Wetlands in Australia, is part of the Lowbidgee Floodplain Key Biodiversity Area, has been assessed as meeting multiple triggers for listing as a Ramsar wetland of international significance, and is listed as an endangered ecological community under state legislation.
Citation
Fitzsimons, J. A. (2026). New conservation future for Australia’s internationally significant Great Cumbung Swamp. Oryx, 1-1.
TNC Authors
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James A. Fitzsimons
Senior Advisor, Global Protection Strategies. Protect Oceans, Lands and Waters
The Nature Conservancy
Email: jfitzsimons@tnc.org