The Bugle attended the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association (JVRRA) meeting on Tuesday, 4 February 2025, where the primary topic of discussion was the partnership between JVRRA, Kiama Municipal Council, and Landcare Illawarra in shaping the future of Jerrara Wetlands.

Roslyn Neilson Secretary JVRRA and Meredtih Hall Landcare Illawarra

Once a decommissioned dam, Jerrara Wetlands has evolved into a thriving natural habitat for native wildlife and a valued space for community groups. Kiama Council owns and manages the reserve as community land and has been proactive in its conservation, committing bush regeneration resources to restore and protect the area.

Council’s dedicated bush regeneration team has already been working on targeted planting and maintenance in key areas, ensuring the wetlands remain a vital environmental and recreational asset.

In collaboration with Landcare Illawarra, efforts are now underway to establish a Jerrara Wetlands Landcare Group, which will provide local volunteers with expert guidance on weed control, native seed collection, and habitat restoration. JVRRA is playing a key role in community engagement, ensuring that residents have a say in how the wetlands are managed and maintained.

A community meeting will be held on 14 February, giving residents the opportunity to contribute ideas, discuss conservation efforts, and establish a volunteer group. The day will begin with an optional on-site walk-around at 1:00 pm, followed by a formal discussion at 2:00 pm at the Jamberoo Youth Hall in Reid Park.

Scan the QR code and register to attend the 14 February optiional onsite walk and community meeting here

Scan the QR code and register to attend the 14 February optiional onsite walk and community meeting here

At a recent planning meeting, local stakeholders and environmental advocates outlined key objectives, including ensuring the wetlands remain protected for conservation rather than commercial development, integrating the area into Kiama Council’s long-term planning, and fostering community involvement through Landcare efforts.

The importance of documenting current users was also highlighted, as this data will help strengthen the case for continued support and funding. Regular users include WIRES, which plans to establish a wombat rehabilitation enclosure, the Rural Fire Service (RFS), which conducts training sessions in the area, and birdwatchers, bushwalkers, and conservationists who appreciate the site as an ecological haven.

While attendees acknowledged the good work already being done by Kiama Council’s bush regeneration team, it was noted that efforts could be more structured under an updated Plan of Management. With no formalised strategy currently in place, most conservation work is carried out by on-the-ground expertise and community volunteers.

There was broad agreement on the need for better coordination with Landcare, clearer funding streams, and ongoing monitoring of environmental indicators, such as an updated species list.

Community concerns also extended to safety and accessibility, particularly antisocial behaviour near the arboretum and Mount Brandon Road, where reports of hooning and burnouts have been made. Residents suggested installing security cameras, improving accessibility with better-maintained walkways, and exploring Indigenous-led initiatives that could provide cultural and environmental education programs.

Rather than developing a large-scale master plan, attendees agreed that small, achievable steps would be the most effective approach. Immediate priorities include revitalising the arboretum, enhancing walkways, and launching community-led conservation events.

A Nature Conservation Council Picnic for Nature is already being planned for October 2025, offering an opportunity to showcase the wetlands and encourage broader community involvement.

With strong community backing and ongoing council support, Jerrara Wetlands is poised to become a leading example of community-led conservation. The 14 February meeting is a chance for all residents to share their vision and contribute to shaping the future of this important environmental site.

See previous story in The Bugle here to get insights into the extraordinary ecological value of the site