Love for the Wetlands was evident at the Jerrara Rainforest and Wetlands Reserve Community Meeting, held on Valentine’s Day, where an overwhelming turnout required organisers to double the number of chairs initially set up. 

Initiated and co-hosted by the Jamberoo Valley Ratepayers and Residents Association (JVRRA) with Landcare Illawarra, the event saw residents, experts, and Kiama Councillors Melissa Matters, Melinda Lawton, and Erica Warren come together to plan the future of this precious natural area.

Map of Jerrara Rainforest and Wetlands Reserve

A key moment in the meeting was the strong community support for formally renaming the site Jerrara Rainforest and Wetlands Reserve, replacing the outdated term ‘dam.’

This change was seen as an important step in recognising the area’s ecological value and setting the tone for future conservation efforts.

Te meeting was opened by JVRRA secretary Ros Neilson who provided background on the history of the rainforest and wetlands site.

Secretary of JVRAA Ros Neilson

Howard H. Jones, an expert in local ecological restoration, highlighted the critical loss of Kiama’s natural habitats, revealing that only 4% of the region’s original rainforest remains, with over 400 hectares of wetlands and rainforest lost due to land clearing and development.

This alarming statistic reinforced the community’s commitment to protecting and enhancing what remains.

The discussion made it clear that the community overwhelmingly supports preserving Jerrara as a natural area. There was strong recognition that birdwatchers, walkers, and nature enthusiasts already contribute to local tourism by visiting the area and supporting businesses in Kiama and Jamberoo.

Illawarra Birders’ Ralph Stadus shared that Jerrara hosts 185 recorded bird species, making it the most biodiverse birdwatching site in the Illawarra. 

Birdwatching expert Darryl Goldrick and Botanist Carl Glaister also contributed, reinforcing the need to protect the site as a vital sanctuary for native bird species.

WIRES representatives, Gayle Tarrant and Heather Milroy, spoke about the new wombat rehabilitation enclosure, which will be the first of its kind in NSW.

The facility, secured through a five-year renewable agreement with Kiama Council, will provide a safe pre-release environment for orphaned and injured wombats.

A significant discussion point was the strong community support for a complete no-dog policy, with attendees agreeing that protecting native wildlife and ensuring visitor safety must take priority. 

Several people raised concerns about off-leash dogs disturbing native species and posing risks to walkers, leading to calls for clearer signage and enforcement.

Joe Carter from Landcare Illawarra outlined the formation of a Jerrara Rainforest and Wetlands Landcare Group, which will focus on weed control, habitat restoration, and native tree planting.

Many attendees expressed interest in joining, reflecting the community’s hands-on approach to conservation.

One of the next key steps is securing an updated Kiama Council Plan of Management to ensure formal recognition and long-term protection of the reserve’s biodiversity. 

Contributions from local experts such as Kevin Mills and Howard R. Jones added momentum to this goal, with many attendees offering their expertise to help guide future planning.

Rather than focusing on large-scale changes, the community agreed that small, achievable steps would be the best approach.

The immediate priorities include:

• Revitalising the arboretum and restoring native vegetation.
• Launching the Jerrara Rainforest and Wetlands Landcare Group.
• Organising a community event for the Nature Conservation Council’s Picnic for Nature in October 2025.

With strong community backing, expert input, and ongoing council involvement, Jerrara Rainforest and Wetlands Reserve is set to become a model for grassroots conservation in the Kiama region.

The enthusiasm and expertise at the meeting ensured that this was not just a discussion, it is the beginning of real action.